The day after the closing of Splash Mountain at Disneyland, the spiels for the Mark Twain and Disneyland Railroad have been updated to reference the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure that Splash Mountain is being transformed into. Around the attraction itself, walls are beginning to go up marking the first sign of change toward the new attraction that is expected to open in late 2024.
Daps Magic team member Steven stopped by Disneyland today to get photos and videos of the changes that are happening as Disneyland takes its first steps towards Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening next year. The spiel on the Mark Twain now says “Beyond those levy walls on the port side is the bayou, future home of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Princess Tiana swears there’s magic out there. And wherever you find magic, you’re bound to find surprises. Blue skies and sunshine guaranteed. It’s not quite finished yet, but we’re almost there.” This is followed by Tiana singing Almost There as the Mark Twain continues its journey around the Rivers of America.
New Mark Twain Spiel for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
New Disneyland Railroad Spiel for Princess Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The Disneyland Railroad also mentioned the new attraction as it steams through the former Splash Mountain. The new spiel on the Disneyland Railroad says, “We’re now entering the bayou, soon to be home of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Princess Tiana swears there’s magic out there. And wherever there’s magic, there’s bound to be surprises. Blue skies and sunshine guaranteed.”
New Walls Around Former Splash Mountain
Around the outside of the former attraction, walls have begun to go up. While the bridge over the splash down has not had walls erected yet, most of Critter Country now has brown walls surrounding the attraction. On the new walls, there are signs sharing what will be coming in the future. Many say “Tiana’s Foods” and note that it is “Employee Owned.” They also say “Coming Soon.” Guests visiting Pooh Corner will also discover that the exit closest to the future Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction has been blocked off. The windows are covered and walls extend to the entrance.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to open at Disneyland in late 2024. When it does open, it will have a brand new original story that is based on the characters of The Princess and the Frog. The attraction was initially announced in June 2020 during the pandemic. At the time it was announced that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure would be replacing Splash Mountain at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom.
Walt Disney Imagineer Senior Creative Producer Charita Carter is leading the project and former Splash Mountain Imagineer Tony Baxter is a creative advisor for the attraction. Baxter also was on hand for the closure of Splash Mountain on May 30, 2023, at Disneyland. There has been plenty of research that has gone into the creation of this new attraction with Imagineers making the trek to New Orleans to get inspiration and information to make this new attraction as authentic as possible to the area it represents.
At D23 Expo 2022 more details were unveiled about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This included a concept model giving a look at what the attraction area will look like when completed. It also has been announced that Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Michael-Leon Wooley, and Jenifer Lewis who all lent their voices to The Princess and the Frog would be returning to lend their voices to the attraction. New Orleans artist Sharika Mahdi was also commissioned to create four paintings, each with a different theme, to serve as inspiration for the attraction.
Concept art has been shared several times since the initial announcement. Often with it, more details have been revealed about the attraction and the designs have evolved. This has included a look at scenes and the overarching storyline for the attraction. When guests experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the story will be taking place a year after the events of The Princess and the Frog. To help support her community, Tiana has purchased a salt dome (the hill) and created an Employee-owned Food Cooperative that is called Tiana’s Food. When guests visit the attraction, they will discover that it is Carnival season and Tiana is hosting a celebration for the people of New Orleans. Unfortunately, Tiana realizes that she has forgotten an ingredient and needs help finding it. Guests will join both Tiana and Louis on a journey into the bayou (referenced in both of the above spiels) to find the ingredient. Along the way, they will meet friends both new and old.
Moving Forward
An exact opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has not been announced at this point. All that is known is that it will be sometime late in 2024. Splash Mountain closed at Magic Kingdom on January 22, 2023. Immediately work began on transforming it into the new attraction. The closing date for Disneyland’s version of the attraction was at the end of the day on May 30, 2023. Expect changes to start being visibly seen at the Disneyland version of the attraction in the near future if the Magic Kingdom is any indication. Expect more information to also be revealed about the attraction by Disney ahead of announcements about opening dates for both Florida and California. With Destination D23 being held at Walt Disney World Resort in September 2023, it would not be surprising if more information was revealed at that point.
What do you think about how fast Disney has begun the transformation at Disneyland from Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? What are you most looking forward to with this new attraction? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
