Get ready to “dig a little deeper” into the newest developments for the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort!
The replacement of Magic Kingdom staple Splash Mountain with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a new reimagining based on The Princess and the Frog (2009), was met with a mix of excitement and controversy amongst Disney fans. While many were thrilled that Princess Tiana would finally be getting her own attraction, a small but vocal group of Splash Mountain diehards were made extremely upset by the ride’s imminent closure.
However, despite several “Save Splash Mountain” campaigns, the ride closed forever on January 23, 2023, and construction for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure began. While the ride itself will remain largely the same, the theming based on the controversial Song of the South (1946) would be removed and replaced with a new story; during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Tiana sends Guests on a journey into the bayou for a key ingredient for her carnival recipe.
Today, it was announced that Splash Mountain at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California would be closing on May 31 to make room for a second Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This was largely expected, but Disney also released new information on the upcoming attraction, including new characters and audio-animatronics. The ride is slated to open at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland in 2024.
Mama Odie was introduced as a featured character in the attraction, as Guests will visit her on their journey and get to experience her magic firsthand. In the film, she’s voiced by legendary actress Jennifer Lewis, who will reprise her role in the attraction. Disney released the above concept art of her scene, as well as additional details about what the ride will feature;
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Brand-new cast of original Disney characters with distinct names and personalities
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Dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics figures
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Adorable critters with incredible talent, bringing the diverse flavors of musical gumbo found in New Orleans!
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New, original music alongside favorite tunes from the film
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Do you love beignets as much as Louis? Well, you’re in luck because the alluring scent of beignets being prepared for the party will be part of the attraction queue!
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Additional talent voices from the film reprising their roles, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and the one and only Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana
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Familiar faces from the film such as Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia and Prince Ralphie