When Will Splash Mountain Reopen at Walt Disney World? Your Complete Guide

Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World closed permanently on January 23, 2023. It is currently being reimagined as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, slated to open in late 2024. While an exact date hasn’t been publicly released, all signs point towards a Fall opening. This transformation brings a vibrant, new theme inspired by the beloved film “The Princess and the Frog,” so get ready for some Big Easy fun!

The End of an Era: Farewell to Splash Mountain

For decades, Splash Mountain thrilled guests with its iconic log flume ride and catchy tunes. Based on the controversial “Song of the South” film, the ride’s theming had become increasingly problematic in recent years, leading to calls for its re-imagining. Disney listened, recognizing the need to create a more inclusive and representative experience for all guests. The final day of operation saw huge crowds, eager to take one last plunge down Chick-A-Pin Hill, solidifying its place in Disney history.

Why the Change?

The decision to transform Splash Mountain stems from Disney’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The source material, “Song of the South,” perpetuates harmful stereotypes and romanticizes the antebellum South. By re-theming the ride, Disney is actively taking steps to address these issues and create a more welcoming environment for everyone. This aligns with their broader efforts to update attractions and stories to reflect the values of a modern audience.

A New Chapter: Welcome to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure promises to be a thrilling and immersive experience that celebrates the rich culture and music of New Orleans. Picking up after the events of “The Princess and the Frog,” the ride will follow Tiana and Louis on a journey through the Louisiana bayou as they prepare for a Mardi Gras celebration.

What to Expect from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

• A brand-new storyline: The ride will tell an original story centered around Tiana’s dream of opening her own restaurant.
• Updated animatronics: Expect state-of-the-art animatronics featuring Tiana, Louis, and other beloved characters from the film.
• New Orleans-inspired music: The soundtrack will feature a blend of original songs and classic New Orleans jazz.
• A redesigned landscape: The exterior of the ride will be transformed to resemble a vibrant Louisiana bayou, complete with lush vegetation and colorful details.
• Inclusion of local artists: Disney is collaborating with artists from the New Orleans area to ensure authenticity and cultural sensitivity.

Construction Progress and Expected Opening Timeline

Construction on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is well underway. While Disney has remained tight-lipped about a specific opening date, late 2024 remains the official target. Construction progress suggests a Fall 2024 launch is plausible, aligning with Disney’s usual strategy of debuting major attractions during peak seasons. Keep an eye on Disney Parks Blog and other reputable Disney news sources for official announcements and potential soft openings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more clarity on the transformation of Splash Mountain:

1. Will the ride system be the same?

Yes, the ride system, including the iconic flume and drop, will remain largely the same. The main changes involve the theming, storyline, animatronics, and music. So, thrill-seekers can still expect the familiar splash!

2. Will there be a height requirement for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?

The height requirement is expected to remain the same as Splash Mountain, which is 40 inches (102 cm). This ensures the ride is accessible to a wide range of guests.

3. Will FastPass/Lightning Lane be available for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?

It is highly likely that Lightning Lane will be available for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Given its anticipated popularity, expect it to be an Individual Lightning Lane selection, meaning it will require a separate purchase on top of Genie+.

4. What will happen to the Splash Mountain merchandise?

Prior to the closure, Disney sold off most of the Splash Mountain merchandise. Some items may surface on resale markets, but officially, new merchandise related to Splash Mountain is unlikely to be produced. New Tiana’s Bayou Adventure merchandise will become available as the opening date approaches.

5. Will the Critter Country area be re-themed as well?

While there are no current plans to re-theme the entire Critter Country area, some minor updates and additions related to the “The Princess and the Frog” theming are possible. The primary focus is on transforming the Splash Mountain attraction itself.

6. How does this impact the Disneyland version of Splash Mountain?

The Disneyland version of Splash Mountain also closed on May 31, 2023 and is being re-themed to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The timeline for the Disneyland version is similar, with an expected opening in late 2024.

7. Will there be any dining experiences related to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?

While there are no confirmed plans for a completely new restaurant directly connected to the ride, existing dining locations in the area might offer themed menu items or experiences related to “The Princess and the Frog.” Keep an eye on Disney’s official announcements for any dining-related updates.

8. How can I stay updated on the progress of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?

The best way to stay informed is to follow the Disney Parks Blog, which is the official source for news and updates regarding all Disney theme parks. You can also follow reputable Disney news websites and social media accounts dedicated to Disney parks.

9. Will the ride be scary for young children?

The ride experience itself, including the drop, is comparable to Splash Mountain. While the theming will be different, parents should consider their child’s tolerance for mild thrills and darkness.

10. What does this mean for the future of classic Disney attractions?

The re-theming of Splash Mountain reflects a broader trend within Disney to update attractions and stories to be more inclusive and relevant to modern audiences. While classic attractions hold a special place in Disney history, Disney is committed to ensuring that its parks reflect the diversity and values of its guests. It signifies that even beloved attractions may undergo changes to address sensitivities and create a more welcoming experience for all.

11. Will Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear characters still be a part of the ride?

No, Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear will not be featured in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The new storyline will focus exclusively on the characters and world of “The Princess and the Frog.” This is a key element of the re-theming process, distancing the attraction from its problematic source material.

12. Can I book my trip now to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?

While you can’t book a specific date to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure just yet, you can certainly plan your Walt Disney World vacation for late 2024. Keep an eye on official announcements regarding the opening date and booking information. Booking your trip in advance will give you the best chance of securing your preferred resort and park reservations.

The transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure represents an exciting new chapter for Walt Disney World. While many will miss the nostalgia of the old ride, the new attraction promises to be a vibrant and engaging experience that celebrates the culture and music of New Orleans. Get ready to “dig a little deeper” and join Tiana on her bayou adventure!