Yesterday, the art of Br’er Fox, Br’er Bear, and Br’er Rabbit in The Briar Patch gift shop over by Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, formerly Splash Mountain, was replaced by art depicting generic forest creatures. That artwork is so generic, that anyone can purchase the three pieces on BlackForestDecor.com (no offense to the designer intended — it’s generic in the sense that it replaces unique artwork designed specifically for the attraction).

Beloved Characters Replaced by Generic Wood Artwork

This is how Br’er Rabbit looked above the mantle.

This is the “Wise Owl Wood Wall Art” that replaced Br’er Rabbit. It is available for $139.95.

Elsewhere in the shop, the art of Br’er Bear and Br’er Fox were also been replaced.

The Br’er Bear art that once hung over a doorway has been replaced with generic art of a bear on a log.

This “Bear on Branch Carved Wood Wall Art” can be purchased for $209.95.

Br’er Fox was also replaced, as he had caught Br’er Rabbit and seemed to be pondering what to do with him.

The “Sleepy Bear Carved Wood Wall Art” that replaced Br’er Fox can be purchased for $269.95.

What do you think about Disney’s choice to replace these iconic characters with generic woodland animals? Will you be purchasing any of these pieces to add to your collection at home? Let us know in the comments.

The Briar Patch

The Briar Patch is located in Critter Country at Disneyland Park, right next to what will be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Splash Mountain permanently closed at Disneyland Park on May 31, 2023.

Here, guests can purchase apparel, accessories, and pins.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

The “Princess and the Frog”-inspired retheme of Splash Mountain was first announced in 2020, and the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure name was revealed in 2022.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure picks up after the events of “The Princess and the Frog.” In 1927, Tiana founded the Tiana’s Foods co-ops, which is located in a salt mine, where cultivators grow crops along the waters. During Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Tiana and alligator Louis venture into the bayou to find animal friends. They’re preparing a special Mardi Gras celebration for the people of New Orleans.

The scene depicted in the above concept art is “the thrilling moment you first drop into the bayou and encounter some friends both new and familiar.” Louis and a band of animals will be playing zydeco music, a blend of rhythm and blues that was created in Louisiana. The band of animal friends includes an otter, a rabbit, a raccoon, a beaver, and a turtle playing instruments made from natural bayou elements.

This ride will feature 17 new characters, including Prince Naveen’s younger brother, Ralphie. The Splash Mountain track will remain, but the attraction will get new set dressing and a vast range of new audio-animatronics. There will be multiple Tiana audio-animatronics, and she will sport a new adventuring outfit.

The queue and attraction music is being arranged by award-winning artists PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard, who will mix classic songs from the movie with New Orleans classics and original compositions. The scent of beignets is also set to be pumped throughout the queue.

Some of the original cast will be providing their voices to the attraction, including Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), Bruno Campos (Naveen), Michael Leon Wooley (Louis), and Jennifer Lewis (Mama Odie). Concept art shows Mama Odie in the crow’s nest of her crashed ship home, with colorful bottle lights hanging around her.

2024 is the anticipated year for the opening of this re-imagined experience. Tiana’s Palace restaurant will open at Disneyland Park next month on September 7.

Were you a fan of Splash Mountain? Are you excited to see the transformation of the attraction into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

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