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Disneyland Quietly Begins Work to Destroy Critter Country

Animatronics on Splash Mountain
Credit: Disney

Disney has officially set the opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland for November 15, 2024.

This highly anticipated attraction is a reimagining of the beloved Splash Mountain ride, a staple of Disneyland since its inception. The new theme will focus on the story of Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, aligning with Disney’s ongoing efforts to diversify its storytelling and character representation.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure

Credit: Disney

Upcoming Attraction: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

The first iteration of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened earlier this summer at the Magic Kingdom in Florida. Feedback from guests has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the immersive experience and updated narrative.

Disneyland aims to capture this enthusiasm and enhance it further with unique elements specific to its park, which are expected to include new visual effects and interactive features.

Guests can anticipate a journey that immerses them in the Bayou, with lush landscapes and rich storytelling. The attraction will not only offer a thrilling ride experience but also weave in elements that highlight the heartwarming themes present in Tiana’s story.

These enhancements are expected to attract a diverse audience while maintaining the charm that Disneyland is known for.

Person with arms outstretched, wearing a pink and cream Disneyland sweatshirt and doughnut-themed Mickey ears headband. They are standing on Main Street, facing the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, with blurred trees and colorful structures in the background.

Credit: Disney

Changes at Disneyland Ahead of Schedule

The transition within Disneyland has taken a surprising turn, with Critter Country being rebranded as Bayou Country months earlier than initially planned. Official announcements made during the D23 event indicated this transformation was set to coincide with the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure; however, recent activities suggest that the park has expedited this timeline.

During a recent ride on the Mark Twain Riverboat, new audio was introduced, referring to Critter Country as Bayou Country. Guests noticed this change, indicating Disney’s commitment to integrating the new theme while simultaneously preparing for the attraction’s debut.

This shift reflects Disney’s intention to create a cohesive thematic experience throughout the park. The reimagining of Critter Country into Bayou Country aligns with broader renovations, which seek to modernize the park and make it more relevant to today’s audiences while still honoring Disney’s historical legacy.

A smiling child wearing Mickey Mouse ears is being held by another person with long hair wearing a jacket that says "It's Joyful Celebrat" while standing on a wooden bridge, with greenery and a building in the background.

Credit: Disney

New Enhancements in Bayou Country

As part of the transformation into Bayou Country, Disneyland plans to introduce several new retail options and dining experiences inspired by The Princess and the Frog. The existing Hungry Bear Restaurant will be renamed to Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, featuring a menu that caters to the flavors of the bayou, promoting a culinary experience aligned with the theme.

Additionally, the Briar Patch and Pooh Corner locations will be repurposed as gift shops celebrating Tiana and her adventures. This rebranding will not only enhance the retail environment but also ensure that the attractions reflect the new narrative elements being introduced through Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

The alignment with The Princess and the Frog is significant, bringing a strong cultural narrative that appeals to a wide demographic. This focus reaffirms Disney’s commitment to inclusivity and storytelling that resonates across different cultures and communities.

A person dressed as Princess Tiana in a green and white gown poses playfully with someone in a costume of Louis the alligator from Disney's "The Princess and the Frog." They are outdoors in a park-like setting, with trees and a building visible in the background.

Credit: Disney

Community Reactions and Future Prospects

The accelerated changes to Critter Country have elicited mixed reactions from fans. While some express excitement about the new direction and the emphasis on Tiana’s story, others lament the loss of the classic elements associated with Critter Country. The sentiment reflects a broader conversation about preserving nostalgia versus embracing modernization within theme parks.

Among the ongoing discussions, the anticipation for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure continues to grow. Many fans are eager to experience the new attraction firsthand and see how it will enhance Disneyland’s overall appeal, especially given the positive reception at the Magic Kingdom.

Looking forward, Disneyland plans to maintain its commitment to evolving themes and attractions that resonate with new generations. The latest developments, including the establishment of Bayou Country, signal that Disneyland is not only preserving its legacy but also adapting to meet contemporary audience expectations.

This balance of innovation and tradition is crucial for the park’s long-term success and relevance in the competitive theme park landscape.

Are you looking forward to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Bayou Country? Tell Disney Dining about it in the comments below!

About Luke Dammann

When at Disney world, Luke will probably be found eating with his favorite animatronic, Sonny Eclipse at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe. When not at Disney World, Luke will probably be found defending Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe to people who claim "there are better restaurants"

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