Disney’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Begins Significant Refurbishment After Ride Breaks

A recent report from a Disneyland guest has revealed that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the much-anticipated ride that replaced Splash Mountain, is already undergoing refurbishment just months after its debut. The attraction, which opened in 2024 at Disneyland Resort, has faced criticism due to animatronic breakdowns and other technical issues, and it now appears that Disney is addressing some of these concerns with maintenance work.

Maintenance Already?

The guest shared a photo on social media, showing what appears to be sealant applied to a waterfall inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The photo was captioned, “They’re doing work on the waterfall inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland.” This unexpected glimpse of refurbishment work has sparked conversations about the ride’s technical difficulties, which have been raised by visitors since the attraction’s opening.

They’re doing work on the waterfall inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland pic.twitter.com/JOlR6f04l8

— Matt Desmond (@DisneyScoopGuy) April 23, 2025

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure takes guests on a journey through the bayou, where they join Princess Tiana and her friends on an adventure to help her open a restaurant. The ride features a variety of vibrant animatronics, lush scenery, and lively music inspired by Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. However, since its opening, the ride has received mixed reviews, with some guests noticing animatronic malfunctions and occasional breakdowns, which detract from the immersive experience Disney typically promises.

The sealant seen in the photo is likely part of ongoing maintenance efforts to improve the water features that are integral to the attraction’s aesthetic. Waterfalls, streams, and other water elements are essential to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s design, contributing to the lush, immersive environment. However, like any water-based attraction, these features can sometimes face wear and tear, requiring attention and maintenance. The sealant is likely being used to address any leaks or issues with the water flow, which could affect both the ride’s visuals and its mechanical systems.

A Struggling Ride

The timing of this refurbishment work is noteworthy, as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has only been open for a short time, yet reports of technical problems have already emerged. Many fans had high expectations for the ride, given that it replaced Splash Mountain, a classic Disneyland attraction. Disney’s decision to close Splash Mountain and reimagine the ride around The Princess and the Frog was met with mixed feelings, and the reality of operating complex animatronics and water features at scale has proven to be a challenge.

While Disney has not provided a detailed public statement regarding the specific issues with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, it is clear that the company is actively working to address the technical challenges. Refurbishment efforts like these are common in theme park attractions, especially when newly reimagined rides face unexpected issues in their first months of operation.