More scaffolding has been erected around the top of Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom as crews prepare to remove the attraction’s iconic tree. The ride is being transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure inspired by “The Princess and the Frog.”

Although the tree was originally part of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure concept art, it was later revealed that it would be removed as the ride’s backstory was altered.

We saw crew members on the scaffolding on the side of the mountain.

Scaffolding completely blocks the opening for the ride’s famous drop.

More of the fake grass has also been removed from the façade.

A crane as tall as the attraction looms behind Splash Mountain.

Some of the façade has been cut away near the roots of the tree — to the left in the photo above.

Behind blue scrim, we could see signs of construction near the ride track on the side of the mountain.

A giant hole was cut into the front of the mountain recently, exposing its steel frame.

Splash Mountain closed permanently in January at Walt Disney World and will close at Disneyland later this year. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to replace the attraction in 2024. Read our complete history of Splash Mountain for a look back at the classic log flume ride.

Disney says that in the upcoming attraction, guests will “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.” 

The attraction takes place after the events of “The Princess and the Frog.” Tiana’s Foods is an employee-owned community food co-op established by Tiana in 1927, following the success of her restaurant, Tiana’s Palace. The co-op is housed inside a salt mine, with growers planting crops along the old Splash Mountain waterway. Guests will ascend through a mill house built into the side of the mountain.

Read more details about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure:

• Logo for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Revealed
• First Look at Tiana’s New Outfit for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Model at D23 Expo 2022 Shows Removal of Iconic Splash Mountain Tree
• Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Backstory and More Information Revealed at D23 Expo 2022
• More Details Revealed for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Story, Original Cast Returning

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