Tiana’s Bayou Adventure now has operating hours listed on the Walt Disney World website for its return from refurbishment. The Magic Kingdom attraction is set to come back on Friday, December 18, right before the Christmas crowds arrive.
Here’s what you need to know.
Key Dates
- November 1: Last day to ride before the refurbishment
- November 2: Ride closes for its first-ever refurbishment
- December 17: No operating hours listed
- December 18: Operating hours posted for the ride’s return
That means November 1 is the only day in November guests can ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Reopening Day Hours
Disney’s website lists Tiana’s Bayou Adventure open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on December 18.
After that, the page shows a special ticketed event from 6:30 PM to 12:00 AM. That’s Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and December 18 is one of 13 December party dates this year.
What this means for guests:
- Day guests can ride until 6:00 PM
- Party guests can enter Magic Kingdom as early as 4:00 PM, giving them a chance to ride before 6:00 PM
- The ride will also be open during the party
A Small Website Mismatch
The banner at the bottom of the attraction page still says the ride reopens in December 2026, without a specific date.
The posted operating hours are the more specific signal. The ride is expected to reopen on December 18, or possibly sooner.
Why the Ride Needs This Break
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened on June 28, 2024, replacing Splash Mountain in Frontierland.
Since then, the ride’s Audio-Animatronics and effects have at times struggled. This is the attraction’s first extended closure since opening.
The refurbishment lasts about six and a half weeks, giving crews time to refresh the ride before the busiest part of the holiday season.
What Else Is Closing
- Tiana’s Bayou General, the ride’s exit gift shop, closes with the attraction
- Critter Co-Op stays open during the refurbishment
How We Got Here
- June 28, 2024: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Magic Kingdom
- Walt Disney World’s calendar shows a November 2 closure with a December return expected
- The refurbishment calendar later lists a December 18 reopening date
- Disney’s website now shows operating hours starting December 18, with none for December 17
Planning Tips
Visiting before November 2:
Make Tiana’s Bayou Adventure a priority. You won’t get another chance until mid-December.
Visiting November 2 to December 17:
Plan your Magic Kingdom day without it. Frontierland will be missing one of its biggest rides.
Visiting Christmas week:
You should be able to ride. The December 18 return puts Tiana’s Bayou Adventure back in time for the holiday rush.
What to Expect
With operating hours now posted, the December 18 reopening looks set. Guests planning holiday trips to Magic Kingdom can count on a refreshed Tiana’s Bayou Adventure being back just in time for the busiest weeks of the year.
