Just a few days after demolition began at the top of the upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction, the iconic Splash Mountain tree that tops the peak has been completely removed.
Iconic Splash Mountain Tree Completely Gone
Despite the scaffolding and scrim still covering up much of the mountaintop, you can clearly see that the tree that once stood atop the attraction is now entirely gone.
While originally a part of the concept art for the reimagined attraction, it was later revealed that the Splash Mountain tree would be removed as the Tiana replacement’s backstory was altered and developed.
Instead of being a mountain, the attraction will now take place inside a salt mine operated by Tiana’s employee-owned co-op, Tiana’s Foods. This new backstory, and updated visuals, will better fit within the film’s Louisiana landscape, which is generally flat.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is still set to open at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World in late 2024, whilst the remaining version of Splash Mountain in Tokyo Disneyland is continuing regular operations.
What do you think of this latest milestone for the progress on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Are you sad to see the Splash Mountain tree go? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure picks up after the events of “The Princess and the Frog.” In 1927, Tiana founded the Tiana’s Foods co-ops, which is located in a salt mine, where cultivators grow crops along the waters. During Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Tiana and alligator Louis venture into the bayou to find animal friends. They’re preparing a special Mardi Gras celebration for the people of New Orleans.
The scene depicted in the above concept art is “the thrilling moment you first drop into the bayou and encounter some friends both new and familiar.” Louis and a band of animals will be playing zydeco music, a blend of rhythm and blues that was created in Louisiana. The band of animal friends includes an otter, a rabbit, a raccoon, a beaver, and a turtle playing instruments made from natural bayou elements.
This ride will feature 17 new characters, including Prince Naveen’s younger brother, Ralphie. The Splash Mountain track will remain, but the attraction will get new set dressing and a vast range of new audio-animatronics. There will be multiple Tiana audio-animatronics, and she will sport a new adventuring outfit.
The queue and attraction music is being arranged by award-winning artists PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard, who will mix classic songs from the movie with New Orleans classics and original compositions. The scent of beignets is also set to be pumped throughout the queue.
Some of the original cast will be providing their voices to the attraction, including Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), Bruno Campos (Naveen), Michael Leon Wooley (Louis), and Jennifer Lewis (Mama Odie). Concept art shows Mama Odie in the crow’s nest of her crashed ship home, with colorful bottle lights hanging around her.
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