Work continues on the transformation of the former Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom, and on a recent visit to the park, we spotted the first new residents of the Tiana’s Foods salt mine.
Frog Characters Installed at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The new critters to come to Frontierland’s upcoming attraction are a pair of frogs, which can be spotted through a small hole in the fence on the bridge facing the ride’s facade. The frogs are currently situated on a log along the flume path.
As you can see from our photos, the frogs have yet to receive their eventual skin, and for now, are primed white. There are some sections of blue tape along their backs and behind their eyes. It appears that the eye portions of the figures are made of a different material. It’s unclear if these figures will be fully animatronic, simply animated, or just statues.
Based on the sculpt of these frogs, and the context of the ride’s narrative, it is not likely that these frogs are meant to be Tiana and Naveen; the ride takes place after the events of “The Princess and the Frog,” where both characters return to their human forms.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The reimagining of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland was first announced in 2020, with the name revealed later in 2022.
The plot of the attraction sees Tiana establishing Tiana’s Foods, an employee-owned co-op located in a salt mine. During Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Tiana and her alligator friend Louis set out into the bayou to find animal friends and help prepare for a Mardi Gras celebration. We got our first look at an indoor show scene back in December 2023.
The ride will feature 17 new characters, including Ralphie, Prince Naveen’s younger brother. There will also be multiple Audio-Animatronics of Tiana, including one sporting a new adventuring outfit.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is scheduled to open at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park sometime this year. Our most recent construction update at Magic Kingdom saw the new Frontierland Railroad Station entrance open to guests and more details added to the ride’s queue.
Are you excited to see the first characters installed on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, marking another major milestone? Sound off in the comments.
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