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Entry Prohibited: Disney Restricts Access to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Guests Refused

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Posted on by Alessia Dunn
A whimsical sign reads "Tiana's Bayou Adventure" in a forested, Disney theme park setting. A circular inset shows an animated character with dark hair and wearing a yellow top, smiling and waving. The character is overlaid on the right side of the image.

Credit: Inside the Magic

If you plan to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure today, perhaps you should think again.

The image shows the entrance sign for "Tiana's Bayou Adventure" with a water tower in the background that also reads "Tiana's Foods." The scene is adorned with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a rustic fence, giving a whimsical, adventurous feel.
Credit: Disney

After a long-awaited transition from Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, today marks the first day that guests (specifically Annual Passholders) are able to head down the bayou.

This summer, on June 28th, 2024, Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom will officially unveil its newest attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Currently undergoing Annual Passholder previews, the highly anticipated ride marks a significant transformation of the former Splash Mountain attraction.

The original Splash Mountain, operational since 1989, held a special place in many fans’ hearts. However, its connection to the outdated and racially insensitive Song of the South film raised concerns. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure addresses this by replacing the problematic elements with a fresh narrative and characters inspired by Disney’s beloved The Princess and the Frog.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure promises a captivating experience for all ages. With state-of-the-art animatronics, new music, and an enhanced story, the ride takes guests on a journey through the next chapter of Tiana’s story. Following her success with Tiana’s Palace restaurant, the narrative focuses on her new entrepreneurial venture, Tiana’s Foods. The setting? A lively Mardi Gras celebration with a twist.

A person dressed as Princess Tiana from Disney's "The Princess and the Frog" poses in front of an ornate wooden backdrop with red curtains. They are wearing a green and white gown with gloves, a floral design, and a tiara, smiling at the camera.
Credit: Disney

Guests are invited to join the festivities and participate in an interactive adventure, helping Tiana find a missing ingredient crucial to the celebration’s success. This exciting element adds a layer of engagement and fosters a sense of connection between the riders and the narrative.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure serves as a significant addition to Magic Kingdom, particularly preceding the anticipated “Beyond Big Thunder” plans and the recent $60 billion expansion announcement. The attraction further fuels speculation about exciting future developments, including the “Dark Kingdom” concept – a dedicated villain-themed area hinted at during the 2022 D23 Parks and Experiences panel.

While Disney has released a full POV video showcasing the ride’s characters and scenery, initial reactions from fans have been divided. Positive reviews highlight the ride’s visual appeal and immersive storytelling.

However, some fans express concerns about a lack of “dead space” and a perceived absence of conflict or tension compared to the original Splash Mountain experience. These contrasting viewpoints underscore the challenge of balancing nostalgia with innovation.

The upcoming opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure promises a fresh and exciting addition to Magic Kingdom. Only time will tell if it can capture the hearts of fans both old and new, but one thing is certain: the future of the park appears bright with captivating attractions and ambitious expansion plans on the horizon.

A jungle scene with animatronic characters. A young boy in explorer attire stands next to a large friendly-looking crocodile and a dog wearing goggles, reminiscent of Tiana's Bayou Adventure. They are surrounded by lush greenery and appear to be part of an enchanting theme park attraction.
Credit: Disney

The biggest issue with the attraction has been its consistent breakdowns.

The ride broke down multiple times each day during the cast member previews, often forcing the cast members on the ride to evacuate. One evening, a fire alarm went off, shutting down the ride entirely and canceling all further previews for that day.

TPMvids even caught what has now become a viral moment of Jenifer Lewis (Mama Odie) singing “Dig a Little Deeper” on media day, when the ride got stuck once again.

Jenifer Lewis is an icon for leading an impromptu sing along of Dig A Little Deeper!

Related: Disney Confirms Guest Restrictions for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Today, Disney World reporters Blog Mickey shared that, “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is experiencing a delayed opening during the first days of Annual Passholder previews”.

Annual Passholders who had a Magic Kingdom park reservation for today were able to try for a virtual queue spot today.

Other Annual Passholders who may not have been able to score a Magic Kingdom park pass for today or missed the 7:00 a.m. virtual queue sign-up can try later today for the 1:00 p.m. virtual queue, as long as they have a park pass reservation to one of the Disney parks (best part? you do not have to scan into that park and can make the reservation from your home!)

Annual Passholder previews will run on June 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, and 20, 2024.

Are you excited to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on your next visit to Magic Kingdom?

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