Walt Disney World Resort has cleared up confusion about the operation of its most recent addition, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Opening at the end of June after weeks of cast member and Annual Passholder previews, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is now entertaining all guests at the Walt Disney World Resort.
As Magic Kingdom’s latest ride, it’s no secret that the crowds have been flocking to experience the Splash Mountain replacement, with virtual queue access selling out in seconds. At present, the only way to experience the new log flume attraction is via the boarding group process.
That will all change on July 24, when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure becomes available on the new Disney Genie+ replacement service, the Multi Pass Lightning Lane.
The Multi Pass and Single Pass Lightning Lane will allow guests to prebook experiences up to seven days in advance, depending on their accommodation. Similar to the old FastPass+, the new Multi Pass pre-booking option is a positive step forward, but like Genie+, it still comes with a price tag.
As for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, while demand is high for this new experience, it has not been universally well-received.
Located in Frontierland, adjacent to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the former Country Bears Jamboree (which is reopening this year as the newly refurbished Country Bears Musical Jamboree), Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaces the beloved Splash Mountain, which closed at Disney World in January 2023.
The journey to Tiana and her critter companions taking over the mountain has been one littered with controversy and backlash. The end of Splash Mountain’s three-decade run as an iconic fixture of the Magic Kingdom was not met with open arms–quite the opposite, in fact.
However, with the days of Splash Mountain at Disney World and its Song of the South (1946) connection in the past (there is still a version at Tokyo Disney Resort, though), a new story now takes its place in the Magic Kingdom.
Acting as a sequel story to the events of The Princess and the Frog (2009), Tiana’s Bayou Adventure follows Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) and the jazz musician Louis (Michael-Leon Wooley) as they recruit band members along the Bayou for the Carnival season.
The Walt Disney World Resort has now cleared up confusion regarding the operation of the new attraction.
Related: Disney Closes Controversial Peter Pan Attraction as New Information Comes To Light
Prior to its confirmed opening date, Disney accidentally listed Tiana’s Bayou Adventure as being available during the hard-ticketed Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
The annual event takes place inside the Magic Kingdom. This year, it will commence earlier than ever on August 9. It will run on selected nights through October 31, 2024.
The inclusion of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure here revealed that the ride would be open by August 9, at least. However, not long after, Disney removed this ride from its list of available attractions, leaving just Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as the only operating ride in Frontierland.
However, the Princess and the Frog-inspired ride will now be available during Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. According to the official attraction website, a 7 p.m. through 12 a.m. operating timeframe has been added on August 9, the first night of the Halloween event.
While this is a positive change for guests visiting Walt Disney World Resort this summer and fall, the attraction will still be closed during Early Entry and Extended Evening Hours.
Splash Mountain used to be closed during the former, considering Frontierland was closed entirely. However, the ride’s closure during Extended Evening Hours is unusual.
It is currently unknown how Disney World will operate the ride’s queue during the party.
Related: Disney World Officially Backtracks on Major Lightning Lane Changes After Guest Outcry
Guests must purchase a separate ticket for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and can gain entry into Magic Kingdom at 4 p.m. before the event starts at 7 p.m. During the event, Disney World offers exclusive entertainment and fireworks, such as Disney’s Not-So-Spooky Spectacular and Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween Parade.
Are you glad to see this change for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom? Let us know in the comments down below!
