
As we all sadly remember, in early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing most of the world to shut down and forcing millions of people to stay inside their homes. All of Disney’s theme parks were forced to shut down, with some remaining closed for a few months and some remaining closed for more than a year.
In the summer of 2020, Disney shocked everyone when it announced that its iconic Splash Mountain would be closing at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort and receiving a Princess and the Frog (2009) retheme. The news shocked and devastated fans who loved traveling to the Briar Patch to visit Br’er Rabbit and his friends.
Related: Last Remaining Splash Mountain at Tokyo Disneyland May Be Replaced Soon
Splash Mountain officially closed in January 2023 at Disney World and in May 2023 at Disneyland, and the transformation into Tiana’s Bayou officially began.
After nearly a year and a half, Splash Mountain finally opened at the Magic Kingdom, although some guests were hoping that the retheme wouldn’t happen. Initially, the attraction had serious operational issues, and evacuations seemed almost constant. However, issues appear to have been addressed, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure breakdowns are fewer and further between.
In August, Disney finally revealed that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure would be opening in Disneyland Park on November 15, just days before Thanksgiving crowds descended on The Happiest Place on Earth.
As with the Walt Disney World opening, Magic Key Holders — Disneyland’s version of Annual Passholders — will get to experience the ride before its official opening.
According to a report from The Orange County Register, Magic Key previews will take place between October 21 and November 12. The previews will not take place all day. They will only take place during certain times.
- Monday, Oct. 21, 3-9 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 22, 3-9 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 23, 3-9 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 25, 3-9 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 29, 3-9 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Nov. 6, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Friday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Tuesday, Nov. 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Related: Woman’s Actions Shut Down Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Indefinitely; Guest Reports After Evacuation
Magic Key Holders must have a valid theme park reservation and join a virtual queue to ride the attraction. The virtual queue will open twice daily — once at 7 a.m. and again at noon. As with Disney’s other virtual queues, guests will only be able to join a virtual queue once per day. Guests can join the 7 a.m. queue from anywhere, but will need to be in Disneyland to join the 12 p.m. queue.
Magic Key Holders who are able to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure during the preview dates will be given a commemorative souvenir to take home with them.
Splash Mountain’s transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is not the only major change taking place in Disneyland Park. Critter Country is also being transformed into Bayou Country, and the Hungry Bear Restaurant is getting a Country Bear Jamboree barbecue makeover.
The Haunted Mansion is located right next to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in New Orleans Square and is also undergoing some major upgrades. The ride queue is being completely transformed, and a store is being added right outside the ride’s exit.
Will you be trying to get your spot in the virtual queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Are you excited for the attraction to finally open at Disneyland Resort? Let us know in the comments!