PHOTOS: Rockwork Demolition and Reconstruction Continues on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom

Shannen Ace

PHOTOS: Rockwork Demolition and Reconstruction Continues on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom

Shannen Ace

PHOTOS: Rockwork Demolition and Reconstruction Continues on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom

Construction crews are busy turning Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a new “Princess and the Frog”-inspired attraction at Magic Kingdom. Since our last construction update, there have been some minor changes at the ride.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flume

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Here at the bottom of the attraction, the peninsula in the center of the flume’s curve is rimmed with green tubing.

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Scaffolding platforms within the flume make it easier for crew members to walk across. They have been demolishing and reconstructing rockwork around the Frontierland bridge.

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We noticed a hole in this rock near the edge of the attraction. The fresh concrete that was laid earlier this week has since been painted and blends in with the old reddish-brown walkway next to the flume.

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The landscape is being reworked to look more like a Louisiana bayou.

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This section of the façade right next to the track was completely redone.

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It now looks like gray rocks peeking out of reddish-brown clay.

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We didn’t see any crew members in the area on Friday, but work lights were on beneath the bridge.

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A few weeks ago, we spotted a ride envelope on site to test that the new rockwork was not a danger to the ride.

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Plywood sits across the track right next to the rockwork, presumably to protect it and workers.

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There have also been small wooden crates sitting next to the flume.

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We expect the attraction will get new Louisiana plants later on during the construction process.

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Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Mountain

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A crane towered over the mountain during our recent visit.

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Though Louisiana is not known for its mountains, it does have some small peaks, including Driskill Mountain which has an elevation of 535 above sea level (although Driskill is nowhere near New Orleans).

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Most of the trees and stumps have been removed from the mountain.

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One stump remains near the top and a larger tree is on the right side of the mountain.

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Behind this scaffolding over and around a section of the flume, we can see some holes cut into the rockwork, exposing the steel frame beneath.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Queue

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Crew members have been apparently preparing to tear up some of the Splash Mountain queue. We’ve seen spray paint markings, and now pink flags and purple string wrapped around tree trunks.

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The giant pile of dirt is slowly being removed. What remains is covered by a tarp held down by cinderblocks.

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There are several large pieces of steel sitting next to the dirt pile. The net fencing that was around this steel during our last update has been removed.

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Construction materials and carts are being stored in the back of the queue, just barely visible from the Frontierland train station.

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The dirt pile was from tearing up the flooring of the barn. We can now see scaffolding inside the barn, which was previously blocked off.

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It’s hard to see exactly what work is being done inside, but some of the floor has been reconstructed and repaved.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Tiana's Bayou Adventure concept art featuring Louis, Tiana, and animal band

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaces Splash Mountain, which closed in January 2023 at Magic Kingdom. Check out our photos and video from “the last splash” and read our complete history of Splash Mountain. The ride will permanently close on May 31 at Disneyland.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure invites guests to embark on a thrilling voyage, influenced by the beloved film, “The Princess and the Frog.” It picks up after the events of the film and includes characters new and old.

According to the official release, 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 Louisiana.

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 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:

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