Disney’s theme parks on both coasts are set for a major new addition in late 2024. We’ve known for some time that Splash Mountain at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will be transformed into a brand-new attraction called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by the animated film The Princess and the Frog. Now Disney has shared a trove of new information regarding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, so let’s dive right in and break down what we’ve learned.
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Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Will Feature a Cast of Familiar and New Faces
In its earliest days of development, Disney shared that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure would feature brand-new audio animatronics, including one of Princess Tiana herself. Now we know that in addition to Tiana, Mama Odie will be prominently featured as part of the attraction. Disney also revealed that Mama Odie’s representation in the attraction will be inspired by New Orleans artist Sharika Mahdi, who was commissioned by Imagineers to create original works of art that will serve as the “catalyst” for the character.
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In addition to Mama Odie, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will feature all of your favorite characters from The Princess and the Frog, including Tiana, Prince Naveen, and Louis. They will be joined by a “brand-new cast of original Disney characters with distinct names and personalities,” according to Disney.
More Magical Enhancements Will Be a Part of The Attraction
Music is one of the many ways Disney’s stories are brought to life, and that will certainly be the case with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. According to Disney, the attraction will feature new original music alongside some favorites tunes, highlighting “the diverse flavors of musical gumbo found in New Orleans.”
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Speaking of gumbo, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure would not be an attraction that pays an homage to the city of New Orleans without new food to try. Guests will be able to catch the smell of freshly baked beignets in the queue for the attraction when it opens in late 2024. Disneyland guests can grab Mickey Mouse-shaped beignets right next door to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square. Hopefully the new beignet-scented Smellitzer means that Magic Kingdom will soon serve the iconic Disney snack as well.
It’s worth noting that the Mint Julep Bar is currently closed as its neighbor French Market Restaurant is being transformed into Tiana’s Place, a newly imagined counter service dining location. Mint Julep Bar will reopen alongside Tiana’s Place at Disneyland Park later this year.
Splash Mountain Is Set to Close at Disneyland
In order to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, we must bid adieu to Splash Mountain. The long-running water flume ride closed at Walt Disney World on January 23, with the transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure currently underway.
Now Disney has announced that Splash Mountain’s final day of operation at the Disneyland Resort will be May 30, with the ride’s permanent closure beginning May 31. That gives guests a little over a month to visit the Briar Patch one final time at Disneyland before construction begins.
