Disney Parks announced in 2020 that they were reimagining Splash Mountain at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. The new theme? The Princess and the Frog. The attraction is currently themed around Song of the South. You know, the deeply problematic and racist 1946 movie Disney will not even put on Disney+. And now, we know the name of the updated attraction and when we might expect to ride it. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open on June 28 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, with a later 2024 opening for Disneyland in California. You can check out everything we’ve seen so far from the ride, including some looks inside of it, below.
A Look Inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
First up is a neat look inside the ride. You can check out an abridged version from Walt Disney Imagineering’s Instagram below. Alternatively, you can go on a fuller adventure via YouTube. The section about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure begins around 16:15, and the look inside the ride itself kicks off at around 18:07.
The Tiana Animatronic Comes to Life and More
We also have a good look at the animatronic Tiana that will be a part of the new Disney attraction. Unlike the scary ones in Five Nights at Freddy’s, this one is actually cute.
You can also check out these wonderful new photos from Disney Parks Blog:
The Story of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The story of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will pick up after the ending of The Princess and The Frog film—right after the final kiss. Featuring some of the incredible music from the animated feature, the attraction will follow Princess Tiana and Louis as they prepare for their first Mardi Gras performance. Given that Splash Mountain is adjacent to New Orleans Square in Disneyland, this story goes hand-in-hand with the area. The voice of Princess Tiana, Anika Noni Rose, will reprise her role for the re-themed Splash Mountain attraction.
According to the Disney Parks Blog:
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film. Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome. Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.
Disney Parks updated the Pirates of the Caribbean ride in 2017. The company removed the bride auction and give Redd the pirate a prominent role. The parks are making this much needed change to Splash Mountain.
When Will Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Open?
Splash Mountain closed in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom in 2023. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at both parks in 2024. As mentioned above, it will first open in Walt Disney World on June 28.
Originally published on June 25, 2020.