Today Disney announced that both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Splash Mountain attractions would be getting a new Princess and the Frog theme. The story will begin after the final magical kiss in the movie and follows Tiana and Louis as they prepare for their first Mardi Gras performance.

D23 sat down with Bob Weis, President of Walt Disney Imagineering. They asked him why they chose The Princess and the Frog: “Tiana is a modern, courageous, and empowered woman who pursues her dreams while never losing sight of what’s really important. So it’s a great story with a strong lead character, set against the backdrop of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou. In 1966, Walt himself opened New Orleans Square when it became the first new “land” added to Disneyland, so it feels natural to link the story of The Princess and the Frog to the park. And as you know, music is a big part of the story and our attractions, and the incredible songs and score from The Princess and the Frog are often among fan favorites.”

While this choice will fit in well in New Orleans Square in Disneyland, it’s going to be in Frontierland at Disney World. Granted, it’s on one end, but it’s not at the end and you still have Thunder Mountain Railroad next door. So they’re plopping a Louisiana bayou right on in there. I’m not quite sure how that’s going to turn out, so I have mixed feelings at the moment.

I know Disney changes attractions. I know sometimes we love it, and sometimes we hate it. I will absolutely miss Splash Mountain. A whole lot. I’ll probably cry the last time I get to ride it. And I’m sure I’ll buy the merchandise they are sure to put out when it’s about to close. I’m sure a lot of us will. I’m just glad the I got to experience it the way it is.

What do you think about the new Princess and the Frog layover? Are you excited, or do you wish they’d leave Splash Mountain alone?