The Walt Disney World Resort has quietly made a surprising adjustment, removing its newest attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, from the Magic Kingdom Park lineup for this year’s hard-ticketed After Hours events.
As the curtain rises on 2025, Central Florida’s theme park landscape is gearing up for a seismic shift. Universal Orlando Resort’s groundbreaking Epic Universe is just four months away from debuting, creating excitement that could threaten Disney’s standing as the region’s premier vacation destination.
The answer may hinge on Disney’s response, which has been anything but passive. From eye-catching commercials celebrating the magic of Walt Disney’s “Infinite Worlds” to the revival of beloved promotions, Disney is pulling out all the stops. Despite some major changes—such as the indefinite closure of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad—the resort remains committed to delivering magical experiences, highlighted by the launch of its Disney After Hours series to ring in the New Year.
A staple of Walt Disney World’s annual event calendar, hard-ticketed experiences like Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party draw large crowds. Disney After Hours is no exception, offering attendees late-night access to select parks with reduced wait times and exclusive offerings.
The 2025 Disney After Hours series at Magic Kingdom runs from January 6 through May 19, promising an elevated park experience. Event dates include January 6, 13, 20, and 27; February 3, 10, 17, and 24; March 3, 17, 24, and 31; April 7 and 28; and May 5, 12, and 19. Tickets, priced between $175 and $185 per person (plus tax), grant guests event access from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., with entry permitted as early as 7 p.m. for extra park time.
For guests, the event’s early entry perk eliminates the need for a standard park ticket or reservation. This added bonus includes access to popular attractions like TRON Lightcycle / Run—available via standby queue during After Hours—as well as the chance to experience the iconic Happily Ever After nighttime spectacular.
Interestingly, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which was previously listed as part of the After Hours lineup, has been removed from Disney’s official event webpage. Currently, the attraction operates exclusively during standard park hours, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., while TRON Lightcycle / Run shifts to After Hours operation from 10 p.m. onward.
For over 30 years, Splash Mountain stood as a Magic Kingdom mainstay, captivating visitors with its thrilling plunge and unforgettable tunes. However, in January 2023, Disney closed the attraction to pave the way for a major reimagining.
Inspired by the controversial 1946 film Song of the South, Splash Mountain had long been a topic of contention. In 2020, Disney announced its plans to transform the ride, incorporating elements from the 2009 hit film The Princess and the Frog. The move, part of a broader push for inclusivity, drew both praise and criticism, with detractors accusing Disney of being “woke.”
By June 2024, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened to the public, replacing Splash Mountain with a vibrant new experience. Set after the events of The Princess and the Frog, the ride introduces guests to Princess Tiana, her alligator sidekick Louis, and the quirky Mama Odie. Featuring voice performances by Anika Noni Rose, Michael-Leon Wooley, and Jenifer Lewis, the attraction celebrates music, culture, and community with a fresh storyline.
While the ride retains Splash Mountain’s iconic 52-foot drop, its journey has been entirely reimagined. Guests now venture through a lively bayou filled with stunning visuals, an all-new song titled “Special Spice,” and immersive storytelling.
Reception to the change remains mixed, but Disney’s effort to blend nostalgia with contemporary themes signals a bold new chapter. The company has called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s debut at Walt Disney World and Disneyland one of 2024’s defining achievements.
The first night of the 2025 After Hours events, January 6, also marked the return of Disney Enchantment to Cinderella Castle. Originally created for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, the show features cutting-edge projection technology that extends from the castle down Main Street, U.S.A.
Despite its splendor, Disney Enchantment has faced criticism for lacking the emotional resonance of its predecessor, Happily Ever After. Due to overwhelming fan demand, Disney reinstated Happily Ever After in 2023.
In addition to Magic Kingdom, Disney After Hours events will also take place at EPCOT and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering guests more options for a unique nighttime experience.
What are your thoughts on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s exclusion from After Hours and Disney Enchantment’s return? Share your opinions with us in the comments below!
