The Bayou Adventure is the new Disney Parks ride. You can say that Splash Mountain is the event. The event starts in Magic Kingdom on 28 June 2024 and in Disneyland on 15 November 2024. The ride is about Princess Tiana and her pals. The ride has music, colorful characters, and a big drop. Guests can eat at a nice place in the South and buy special souvenirs in the new Bayou Country area.
| Park | Opening Date | Section |
| Magic Kingdom | 28 June 2024 | Frontierland |
| Disneyland Park | 15 November 2024 | Bayou Country |
Opening Date and Locations
Disney’s Big Change
In June 2020, Disney announced that Splash Mountain would change to Tiana’s Adventure. This new ride is a real story of The Princess and the Frog characters, which respects and includes characters from all cultural backgrounds.
Where and When You Can Ride
28 June 2024 is the day the new ride opened its doors at Magic Kingdom in Orlando. This is the new beginning of the journey for those visiting the park ahead of time. However, it will be later that Disneyland will launch its ride on 15 November 2024. They planned to rename an area from Critter Country to Bayou Country.
Special Early Rides
When it came to the period 22 October through to 12 November 2024, a few individuals were fortunate enough to have a go at the ride first at Disneyland. These were workers and people with special passes. They were the guinea pigs for the ride and the first to take the ride. No others could do so before them.
New Park Look and Feel
Magic Kingdom in Orlando
The new ride still looks like the part that is Frontierland, and gives us a chance to experience it outside. Nevertheless, the houses that give the impression that they belong to the bayou are now present. People can hear music from the porches at night. Contrary to the traditional appearance, the plants and trees surrounding the ride look like ones from Louisiana, and it seems they are off.
Disneyland in Anaheim
Bear Country After Dark moves from Critter Country to Bayou Country. There will be themed items like funnels and other stuff to eat and buy, such as a heavy fish that wants to go with you. The new ride is just like this with the changes.
Food and Gifts in Bayou Country
At Disneyland, the quick‑service restaurant is called Tiana’s Palace, serving gumbo, beignets, and other New Orleans‑style classics. Apart from this, certain gifts are accessible only at specific locations, such as Ray’s Bere-t & Louis’ Animal Lovers hangout, where visitors can get their picture with Louis.
Story and Music
The Adventure
Princess Tiana calls the guests to accompany her in preparing for the New Orleans Mardi Gras. The Princess needs all the help. The ride displays robots of Tiana and Naveen, as well as their friends, Gloria the frog, and Lari the armadillo.
The Songs
The new songs of the ride are composed by PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard, who are well-known in the music world. “Special Spice” is the song that plays while the queue line is moving and at the end of the ride. The ride also uses songs from the 2009 movie, which Randy Newman wrote.
What Happens on the Ride
The Journey
The ride is first launched outside, which goes over the wooded swampland to reach the indoor section with colorful characters, adding vibrance and fun music accompanying the ride as people come in.
The Big Drop
Finally, there is a 50‑foot drop, designed for a gentle splash finale rather than a startling plunge. The joy is greater than the fear, and people of all ages find the ride a key component.
| Feature | Detail |
| Drop Height | 50 ft |
| Height Requirement | 40 in |
| Ride Type | Log Flume & Dark Ride |
Ride Rules and Help
- Height Rules: You must be at least 40 inches tall to ride. This is for everyone’s safety.
- Wheelchair Help: Wheelchair users can go in the ride seats. However, they cannot carry wheelchairs or other assistive devices on the logs.
Magic Kingdom uses a virtual queue plus Lightning Lane; Disneyland offers a standby and Lightning Lane. Guests are only allowed to ride Thunder Falls for the first time. This method keeps track of how many guests wait in line.
Changes from Splash Mountain to Bayou Adventure
Closing of the Old Ride
Splash Mountain closed at Disneyland on 31 May 2023 and at Magic Kingdom on 23 January 2023. It was done to start the process of changing the ride. Most reactions were mixed; people were saddened to see the old ride go and enthused about a new ride based on Tiana’s story and Louisiana culture (The US Sun).
How Disney Made the New Ride
Disney’s staff came to New Orleans to study and learn. Through this endeavor, it became possible for them to create an authentic scenario ride. For instance, grams of beignets, a well-known and respected dish of New Orleans, were made with the help of Disney’s smell machines.
Disney interviewed many people to ensure that the ethnic culture of Louisiana is being depicted properly. They contacted experts in culture, chefs, and painters from the area.
Multimedia & Fan Content
- Disney Parks Blog Teaser: The Disney Parks Blog presents a short video that is only 90 seconds long. This video has moving figures, and the music can be heard too.
- YouTube Ride Videos: Fans put the entire ride video on YouTube. Look for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to be your first taste, and see the park videos in the following weeks.
- Social Media Posts: Many people add #TianasBayouAdventure and #BayouCountry to the fire on social media. These hashtags are the pictures and ideas of travelers.
Things to Do at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
| Activity | Details |
| Join Virtual Queue | Use the Disneyland app. No standby line on opening days. |
| Explore Queue | Features 19 animatronics, story clues, and beignet scents. |
| Ride the Attraction | Float through bayou scenes with a 52.5-foot splash drop. |
| On-Ride Photos | The photo was taken at drop, free with PhotoPass+ or Lightning Lane. |
| Eat Nearby | Try jambalaya, pulled pork, beignet popcorn, and king-cake donuts. |
| Shop Merchandise | Buy MagicBand+, plush toys, recipe cards, and bayou-themed apparel. |
| Watch Live Shows | Weekend jazz performances near the ride during Mardi Gras season. |
| Plan Visit | Use the app for Lightning Lane or queue at 7 AM/1 PM; front row gets wetter. |
Dining & Merchandise Highlights
Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree
This riverside restaurant provides diners with dishes consisting of American, Cajun, and Southern food. You will see ribs, jambalaya, and pulled pork sandwiches on the list of the best dishes in the area. You can also get your seasonal cornbread and collard greens. People who have time can have a fun time while eating any recipe, meanwhile enjoying the bayou views.
Ray’s Berets & Louis’ Critter Club
The gift shop and the toy store sell Tiana and the Frog-themed souvenirs. The merchandise selection includes Tiana caps, Louis plush toys, recipe cards, necklaces for girls, and special MagicBand+ designs. They are made up in the style of the French Quarter and the bayou.
Special Holiday Treats
When Mardi Gras and other holidays take place in the park, there are additional special foods and decorations for all guests. Beignet popcorn, king cake donuts, and pecan praline sundaes are just a few items you can get. The frosty drinks, like beignet floats and sweet tea slushies, are also available.
Tips:
- Place an order for Hungry Bear Barbecue using mobile ordering to skip lines.
- Find out about available items and restock silicones through the Disneyland app.
- Liked what new foods are offered around holidays like Mardi Gras and Halloween.
Visiting Tips & Best Practices
When to Go
The best time is when the park opens to the public. Also, intervals should be planned by watching parades during the kickoff event. Best of all, this avoids the most overcrowded streets.
Using Lightning Lane
Purchase the Lightning Lane entrance as soon as you can. So, you will benefit from short queues.
Taking Photos
Get the flower-bud photo of me by the bayou-yards entrance. Also, make sure to get a shot of the bright finish line. These fluxes are nostalgic.
Conclusion
Tiana’s Bayou is a part of Disney Parks that introduces new life and magic. The project, which is set to be launched in 2024, is a conversion of Splash Mountain into a Disney story about Princess Tiana, instead. The attraction includes a few aspects like music, characters, and a big drop. Among many things, visiting guests can taste Southern food and purchase different items in the newly opened Bayou Country area. This ride combines fun and culture, thus ensuring both kids and adults will enjoy a new, unique Disney experience.
FAQs
Is Tiana’s Bayou Drop scary?
No. The 52.5-foot drop is smooth and fun, designed as a celebratory finale, not a thrill ride. It’s less intense than Splash Mountain, with no sudden jolts or dark surprises.
What month will Tiana’s Bayou Adventure open?
- Magic Kingdom (Orlando): Opened 28 June 2024
- Disneyland (Anaheim): Opens 15 November 2024
Does Tiana’s Bayou Adventure get you wet?
Yes. It’s a log-flume ride:
- Front rows: Likely to get soaked
- Back rows: Light splashes only
Tip: Ponchos and waterproof cases are recommended.
How many drops are on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
- One main drop: 52.5 feet at the end
Additional dips: Smaller, gentle ones throughout the ride
