Disney World’s Splash Mountain Replacement, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Opens In June And It Smells Good

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the ride that replaces Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World, will open on June 28, it has been announced. The ride closed for good in January 2023 as part of an effort to redesign the iconic water ride after it was criticized for stereotypes about black people and the glamorization of the American South after the civil war. Water from the original ride hit eBay for more than $150.

Functionally, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is similar to Splash Mountain in that guests will ride a boat through a dark area before plummeting five stories down into the water with a big splash. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will feature characters from Princess and the Frog, including Princess Tiana, Mama Odie, Louis, and “all-new friends.” The ride will feature jazz music and aims to capture the essence of a “New Orleans celebration.” It also has Disney’s newest impressive animatronics, which you can see below.

The ride features cute critters like an otter, rabbit, raccoon, beaver, and others who are playing instruments made of natural materials local to the bayou. The music will be a blend of Zydeco, Rara, and Afro-Cuban tunes, as well as new, original music and songs from the movie.

Some of the actors from the movie are lending their voices to the ride, too, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie, Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis, and Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana.

For guests waiting in line, you’ll see artwork from Louisiana-based artist Malaika Favorite, along with metalwork designs from master blacksmith Darryl Reeves and his apprentice, Karina Roca. Also, the smell of beignets warm in the oven will be pumped into the attraction to help guests feel as if they are walking through the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is also coming to Disneyland in California later in 2024, but a specific opening date has not been announced yet.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is located at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom park. Disney is planning to majorly expand the park as part of a $60 billion expansion, though many key details remain unknown.