More scaffolding has been added to the top of what was once Splash Mountain and will soon be Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland. The old version of the attraction closed permanently in May, while Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is scheduled to open in late 2024.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction
Crews have been rounding off the top of the mountain since removing the tree that once sat there. A long access ramp leads from the peak to the base of the mountain.
Since our last construction update, more scaffolding has been erected around the top of the mountain and plastic sheets now hang around one side. This isn’t necessarily to block our view of work, but to protect crew members from the elements.
Scaffolding covers nearly all of the visible mountain, which will remain, but needs to be transformed into a Louisiana bayou.
As we’ve seen with the Florida version of the attraction, rockwork will be touched up and new foliage will be added.
More scaffolding has been erected on either side of the access ramp, as well. There is also scaffolding in front of the mill house, which covers the ride’s lift hill.
Another access ramp has been removed from the right-hand side of the mountain.
Another plastic sheet hangs just below the top of the mountain, along a platform next to the top of the ramp.
The Splash Mountain pressed penny machine remains at Pooh Corner — for now.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The “Princess and the Frog”-inspired retheme of Splash Mountain was first announced in 2020, and the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure name was revealed in 2022.
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. At Destination D23, Disney shared a look at a Louis animatronic.
There will be multiple Tiana audio-animatronics, and she will sport a new adventuring outfit. In June, Disney shared video of a live performer wearing the outfit, suggesting Tiana will appear in her adventuring gear off the attraction, too.
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).
Tiana’s Palace at Disneyland just opened and Tiana debuted a new outfit. Read our review of Tiana’s Palace.
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