GET OUT YOUR CALENDARS — there is an incredibly important date you need to mark down!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Concept Art ©Disney
It’s been a long time coming. We’ve been monitoring the construction progress in Magic Kingdom for AGES as Splash Mountain slowly transformed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Disney has shared all kinds of fun updates about the animatronics on the ride, teased a beignet-scented queue, and tested the big drop LIVE in Magic Kingdom. We also shared that the ride is opening in Magic Kingdom in the summer of 2024, but now the moment has arrived — we have the official, CONFIRMED opening DATE!
Now, you might have noticed we emphasized an official, confirmed opening date. That’s because this news was seemingly leaked EARLY. Yep, Disney shared — and quickly took down — a press release announcing the opening date on May 12th. Below, you can see the dateline read “(TBD, 2024).”
Press Release Screen Shot From Disney Press Website
A few minutes after Disney shared the news, the press release was removed from the Disney Press Website. That had fans wondering…WHEN is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure actually opening?!
Press Release Removed From Press Website
Well, during ABC’s special “Disney Night” episode of American Idol, Disney confirmed that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will officially open in Magic Kingdom on June 28th, 2024.
©Disney
Disney also confirmed that Florida-based Cast Members, Annual Passholders, and eligible Disney Vacation Club Members will be able to preview the ride AHEAD of the opening date! More information will be revealed starting May 14th — stay tuned!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom
While Park Passes are not required for those with date-based tickets anymore, if you are an Annual Passholder or have tickets that still require Park Passes, you should make your Park Pass reservations for Magic Kingdom A.S.A.P. if you want to be there on the ride’s opening day! We expect those Park Passes will fill up in no time!
The new mural!
For those unfamiliar with it, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a Princess and the Frog re-theme of Splash Mountain. While you’ll still get to experience the signature drop from the old ride, the story will be all new. The ride picks up after the Princess and the Frog movie, giving you the chance to “join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.”
©Disney
According to the story of the ride, Princess Tiana has opened her own restaurant (Tiana’s Palace). She is now hosting a Mardi Gras party for the community that has supported her and her restaurant, but she realizes that a key ingredient is missing, and she needs your help to find it!
It’s Mardi Gras season!
You’ll get to help Tiana on this quest while also meeting lots of friends — old and new! Princess Tiana will appear with a NEW look, and we’ll get to see other characters too, like Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia, Prince Naveen, Louis, Mama Odie, and even Prince Ralphie (Naveen’s brother).
Louis animatronic ©Disney
Some of the new characters for the ride include a band of musical critters! The song will have a NEW original song created by PJ Morton, all kinds of special details in the queue (like the smell of beignets!), and more.
AND Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will even feature a few “subtle nods” to Splash Mountain throughout the ride.
©Disney
So, grab somebody, come on down, catch you down in New Orleans (well, technically we’ll catch you down in Frontierland, but you get the idea!).
Oh, and while you’re at it, consider grabbing a Briar Patch Band shirt to celebrate its “farewell tour.”
Briar Patch Tee
Or you can grab a Tiana tee to celebrate the NEW attraction!
Check out our new Tiana-inspired merch!
For more Tiana news, see our stories below:
To learn more about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, click here!
Stay tuned for more news!
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Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Will you be at Magic Kingdom on the ride’s opening day? Tell us in the comments!