Disney World Quietly Retires Controversial Elements of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Attraction
Walt Disney World Resort has made a low-key adjustment inside the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure queue at Magic Kingdom Park, swapping out some of its newest trash cans for the older metal models they were meant to replace.
A Redesign That Divided Disney Park Guests
Over the past several months, Walt Disney World Resort has been replacing metal trash cans across its theme parks, hotels, and Disney Springs with a more advanced design. The updated receptacles have curved lids and foot pedals that open them without hands. Outdoor models also carry solar panels that power an internal compactor, which reduces how often custodial staff must change bags.
As with many changes at the Disney parks, the bins drew complaints. During busy EPCOT events such as the International Food & Wine Festival and the International Festival of the Holidays, guests have long used flat-top cans as improvised tables. A curved lid makes it almost impossible to balance a tray or a cup of beer.
Others simply couldn’t work out how the cans opened. Many bins overflowed because guests skipped the pedal and forced trash in through the handle. The confusion became widespread enough that Walt Disney World Resort published a video showing guests and cast members how to use them.
The rollout continued anyway, with themed versions appearing around the resort, until October 4, when guests at Magic Kingdom Park noticed some of the new bins had vanished.
The Old Bins Are Back at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
WDWNT reported on Sunday that the newer cans had been removed from the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure queue. Photos from the outlet show the older metal bins back in line for the Frontierland attraction.
Walt Disney World Resort hasn’t explained the change or said whether the new cans will return. Redesigned receptacles remain in use at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, and Disney Springs.
What Else Is Happening at the Ride
The swap follows the recent closure of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which lasted several hours, during which maintenance cast members drained the water from the log flume to address an undisclosed technical issue.
A bigger change is also coming. The reimagined Splash Mountain, which opened in 2024, will close for its first refurbishment on November 2, 2026. It’s expected to reopen sometime in December, though Disney hasn’t announced an exact date.
Have you noticed any other changes around Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your story with Disney Dining in the comments!
