Disney cast members were spotted previewing Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort this week ahead of the ride’s official opening on November 15, 2024.
Overview of Splash Mountain Closure and Retheme
Splash Mountain faced significant scrutiny due to its ties to the controversial film Song of the South (1946), which has been widely criticized for its portrayal of racial issues. This scrutiny led to calls for change, ultimately resulting in the Disneyland Resort attraction’s closure in May 2023. Walt Disney World Resort’s version closed earlier that year.
The transition to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure marks not just a cosmetic change but a commitment to addressing the historical context surrounding the original attraction.
Introduction of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure draws its inspiration primarily from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog (2009), which features Disney Princess Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), a hardworking young woman with dreams of opening her own restaurant in New Orleans. The rethemed attraction aims to immerse guests in the vibrant culture of the Bayou, showcasing the magic, music, and cuisine characteristic of the region.
Key features of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure include interactive water scenes, lush landscapes, and immersive storytelling elements that transport riders straight into Princess Tiana’s world. Unlike the previous version, this experience incorporates a modern narrative centered around friendship, determination, and community. Guests will encounter characters from the film, including Tiana, Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos), Mama Odie (Jenifer Lewis), and Louis the alligator (Michael-Leon Wooley), as they prepare for a party on the New Orleans Bayou.
While Splash Mountain relied heavily on a collection of songs and tales associated with Br’er Rabbit, the new attraction emphasizes New Orleans’s cultural richness and the universal themes of hope and perseverance embodied by Tiana.
Disney Cast Member Previews
In anticipation of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, select Disney cast members were invited to preview the attraction before the official opening. Multiple social media users shared videos of the Disneyland Resort employees previewing the ride.
In one video by @bibbidibobbidialyson, Disney cast members told guests the ride was “great.”
@bibbidibobbidibalyson Will I be seeing any other magic keyholders on the 21st?? #tianasbayouadventure #disneyland #disney #crittercountry #magickeyholder #castmember #castmemberpreview #foryou #fyp
In another from @mydisneylounge, soaked employees grinned and waved at guests watching from above:
@mydisneylounge Disneyland Cast Member Preview Day for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure #mydisneylounge #disneylove #disney #disneyfan #disneyparks #disneylandresort #disneylandresortcalifornia #anaheim #disneyland #dca #disneyattractions #california #disneyprincess #princessandthefrog #themeparks #themeparkrides@Disney Parks @Disney
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens on November 15. Magic Key Pass Holder previews begin on October 21.
Do you think Disneyland Resort’s Splash Mountain retheme will be different than Walt Disney World Resort’s? Let How to Disney know in the comments.
