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Walt Disney World Resort has introduced a new chapter in its attraction lineup with the transformation of the beloved Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This change reflects Disney’s ongoing efforts to modernize its theme park offerings while honoring fan-favorite characters in more inclusive narratives.
Credit: Disney
From Splash Mountain to a Fresh Adventure
The original Splash Mountain attraction debuted in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom in 1992, based on Disney’s controversial film Song of the South (1946). Fans enjoyed the iconic log-flume experience, complete with catchy tunes like “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah” and the huge 52-foot plunge into the briar patch. However, due to growing concerns over the problematic themes in the source material, Disney decided to reimagine the ride with a more inclusive story. In 2020, the company announced plans to replace the beloved yet divisive ride with an attraction inspired by The Princess and the Frog.
After over three decades of creating cherished memories, Splash Mountain bid farewell in January 2023, making way for a new era. The reimagined ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, officially opened at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on June 28, 2024. This new experience takes guests on a vibrant journey with Princess Tiana and Louis the Alligator as they prepare for an exciting Carnival celebration, diving deeper into the culture, music, and spirit of New Orleans.
Credit: Disney
A New Era for Disney Attractions
The new attraction brings Disney’s storytelling into a new generation, featuring an original soundtrack, updated animatronics, and brand-new characters. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure marks the first-ever attraction centered around the beloved princess, aligning with Disney’s commitment to diversity and modern storytelling.
The Disneyland Park version is set to open on November 15, 2024, with three virtual queue slots available daily—at 7 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m. Meanwhile, at Disney World, guests can still access the ride through virtual queues at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. Additionally, the Lightning Lane Multi Pass now includes Tiana’s as a Tier 1 option, offering guests more flexibility in their park experience.
Credit: Disney
However, as the holiday season ramps up, Disney has introduced a significant change for this attraction. For special events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, running from November 8 to December 20, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will temporarily switch to a traditional standby line, as noted by WDWMagic. This adjustment mirrors the setup from Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, where wait times averaged around 60 minutes once the event began at 7 p.m.
Embracing the Holiday Rush
This seasonal change to a standby queue comes just in time for one of the busiest periods at Walt Disney World Resort. With the Thanksgiving holiday and Christmas season, the parks are bracing for increased crowds, especially given the premium pricing of Lightning Lane passes during this time.
Credit: Disney
As Disney continues to evolve its offerings, the reimagined Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to captivate a new generation of park-goers while honoring the spirit of its predecessor.
So, will you be joining Princess Tiana for a bayou adventure this holiday season? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
