We saw what appear to be welding curtains set up above the track of Splash Mountain to help facilitate the reimagining of the attraction into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom today.
Tree Completely Removed Atop Splash Mountain
Just three days ago, crews were spotted cutting down the tree sitting atop Splash Mountain. Now it appears the tree is completely removed, and new work is being completed around the attraction’s base. Let’s take a closer look.
The scaffolding for removing the tree still remains in place, but it has lowered bit by bit as the tree has been taken down.
The iconic tree, once thought to be included in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure based on concept art, has been removed.
Flume
Several blue tarp-like welding curtains have been raised along Splash Mountain’s track.
These are the same welding curtains as above from a different angle.
Cast Members can be seen working behind the barrier.
Above is the same work site viewed from a different side.
Cast Members work on the steel wire mesh. This wire mesh acts as a base for the shape of the rockwork façade. Based on our previous coverage, it looks like the space beneath the façade and track has been thoroughly cleaned before the mesh was installed.
A myriad of construction materials lie about. Lighting hangs from the ceiling to help the Cast Members work and prevent injury.
Additional scaffolding can be seen inside the tunnel.
Queue
We noticed some changes in the queue, as well.
A wood pallet sits to one side, and a ladder lies out of use on a retaining wall.
Here is the same queue section from a different angle. An additional ladder appears to be in use near the back.
Cast Members were spotted working within the queue area today.
This dirt pile has been covered with a barrier placed around it.
Here’s a closer look at the dirt pile.
A plywood sheet with plastic netting is leaning against the queue barn entrance.
Here’s a closer look at the supplies. A large fan also stands by to provide some relief to the workers in the Florida heat.
Wood pieces, or possibly new fixtures, are covered in plastic in the queue.
Wood planks have been added here. A black fabric tarp covers the openings as well.
Attraction Side
More scaffolding has been added to the side of Splash Mountain.
Scaffolding and a black tarp are ready to help facilitate further work on the attraction.
Splash Mountain closed permanently in January at Walt Disney World and is scheduled to close in May at Disneyland. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to replace both versions of the attraction in 2024. Read our complete history of Splash Mountain for a look back at the classic log flume ride.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure invites you to embark on a thrilling voyage, influenced by the beloved film, “The Princess and the Frog.” It picks up where the story concluded and includes many of the characters from the movie.
According to the official release, Disney states 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 story will feature Louis and a few other good friends enjoying zydeco, a musical fusion of rhythm and blues native to Louisana.
The new attraction will take place inside Tiana’s Foods, a co-op that helps provide food for the community. Founded in 1927 by Tiana, the co-op is located within a salt mine, where cultivators grow crops along the former path of Splash Mountain’s waters. Visitors will ascend to the co-op through a mill house that is constructed into the mountainside, enjoying the sights and sounds of the Louisiana bayou.
Read more details about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure using the links below:
- 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
Are you excited about the progress on this transformation? We’d love to see your opinions in the comments below.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.