Disney has announced a closing date for Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom in Florida, which is being replaced with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Splash Mountain will be closed from 23 January 2023, with visitors able to enjoy the log flume ride until 22 January. The date for Splash Mountain’s closure at Disneyland in California has not yet been announced.
Disney has also released a new piece of concept art showing “the thrilling moment you first drop into the bayou and encounter some friends both new and familiar”, said Carmen Smith, senior vice president of creative development at Walt Disney Imagineering.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to open in 2024
“In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you’ll join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans,” said Smith.
According to Smith, this scene will include zydeco music, a “special blend of rhythm and blues that was born in Louisiana”.
The music is coming from a band of critters, including an otter, rabbit, racoon, beaver and turtle. The band members’ instruments are “made of natural materials they found in the bayou”, said Smith.
“Like so many musical genres, zydeco brings together the sounds and styles of many cultures,” she added. “We wanted that spirit reflected in this scene (and throughout the attraction) so that all our guests feel welcome to join in the celebration.”
Opening at Disneyland and Walt Disney World in late 2024, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is inspired by The Princess and the Frog.
As previously revealed, the attraction picks up where the film ends. Visitors will join Tiana, Naveen and Louis on a musical adventure through the bayou.
As part of this year’s D23 Expo, Disney unveiled a model of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The reimagined ride will no longer feature elements from 1946’s Song of the South.
Images: Disney
