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Disney World Cuts Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Operation at Magic Kingdom

Another operating adjustment has hit Magic Kingdom Park, and this time it’s all about the divisive Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which will now welcome fewer guests.

Guests descending the final drop on Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Credit: Disney

Debuting in June 2024, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure aimed to usher in a fresh chapter of storytelling inspired by Disney’s cherished animated feature, The Princess and the Frog. The reimagined attraction replaced the legendary Splash Mountain, which bid farewell in January 2023 after facing scrutiny over its connections to the controversial 1946 film, Song of the South. While many Disney fans have embraced the new experience, nostalgia for the original ride remains strong among others.

Since opening its doors at The Most Magical Place on Earth, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has faced ongoing criticism for not consistently operating at full capacity. Disney also found itself in hot water when it introduced two beloved characters—Ray and Evangeline—to the attraction’s mural, with some fans insisting the park should focus on larger-scale enhancements, especially with the looming arrival of Universal Epic Universe.

Princess Tiana and Louis animatronics on Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Credit: Disney

In a quiet operational shift, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will now see reduced capacity, with Disney confirming that the Magic Kingdom ride will close earlier on select dates. According to the official Walt Disney World Resort website, the attraction will shut its doors at 6 p.m. on January 23, 27, 28, and 29, as well as February 3, 5, and 6—despite Magic Kingdom’s normal park hours on those nights.

While no official reason has been given, the weekday closures could suggest ongoing maintenance efforts. It’s also worth noting that Magic Kingdom will close entirely at 4:30 p.m. on January 30 to accommodate the annual cast member celebration.

Guests eager to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure can do so by purchasing either the Lightning Lane Multi Pass or the Lightning Lane Premier Pass. Alternatively, the virtual queue system remains available twice daily for those looking to secure their spot.

Animatronics on Tiana's Bayou Adventure
Credit: Disney

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Removed From After Hours

In a surprising development, Walt Disney World has quietly removed Tiana’s Bayou Adventure from its Disney After Hours lineup at Magic Kingdom—without any formal announcement.

Running from January 6 through May 19, 2025, Disney After Hours provides guests with exclusive late-night access to Magic Kingdom. With event hours stretching from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. and early park entry starting at 7 p.m., attendees can enjoy beloved attractions such as TRON Lightcycle / Run with significantly reduced wait times. Ticket prices range from $175 to $185, depending on the date. However, the unexpected absence of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure from the event’s offerings has left fans scratching their heads.

Cinderella Castle at Disney World
Credit: Disney

Beyond Magic Kingdom, Disney After Hours events are set to take place at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering guests even more opportunities to enjoy the parks without the usual daytime hustle and bustle. Meanwhile, Disney Enchantment, which debuted during the park’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, has made its grand return. Despite its stunning visuals, the nighttime spectacular previously faced criticism for lacking the emotional resonance of its predecessor, Happily Ever After, which made a triumphant comeback in 2023 due to overwhelming guest demand.

With the competition heating up and Disney committed to delivering world-class experiences, fans are eagerly watching for the next big announcement from the House of Mouse.

How do you feel about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s earlier closures and removal from After Hours? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Thomas Hitchen

When he’s not thinking about the Magic Kingdom, Thomas is usually reading a book, becoming desperately obsessed with fictional characters, or baking something delicious (his favorite is chocolate cake -- to bake and to eat). He's a dreamer and grew up on Mulan saving the world, Jim Hawkins soaring through the stars, and Padmé Amidala fighting a Nexu. At the Parks, he loves to ride Everest, stroll down Main Street with an overstuffed pin lanyard around his neck, and eat as many Mickey-shaped ice creams as possible. His favorite character is Han Solo (yes, he did shoot first), and his… More »

2 Comments

  1. DISNEY REPLACED A WONDERFUL POPULAR RIDE AND EXPERIENCE WITH A RACIST JOKE
    THIS SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN DONE THE LAST DAY OF SONG OF THE SOUTH RIDE CAUSED HUNDREDS OF SUPPORTING FANS TO BE ON THIS ICONIC BEAUTIFUL RIDE
    I SWORE I WOULD NEVER EVER GO NEAR THE RACIST BAYOU AND I HAVE NOT THE BEST THING TO DO IS DESTROY IT AND BRING BACK THE ORIGINAL FANTASTIC POPULAR SONG OF THE. SOUTH

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