It’s been four years since Disney first announced Splash Mountain would close at Disneyland and Walt Disney World to remove the culturally insensitive theming and make way for a new, more modern, more inclusive story.
The ride opened at Disneyland in 1989 (and then a few years later in 1992 at Disney World), and the music and characters were heavily inspired by “Song of the South” — a 1946 Disney film that depicts dated racist stereotypes.
When Disney shared that the ride would close at both parks to remove the antiquated theming, it also revealed that the ride would be rethemed to the 2009 Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” This groundbreaking film introduced audiences to the world’s first Black Disney princess: a strong and inspirational culinary mastermind named Tiana.
After four long years, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened at Disney World on June 28 with a new design, new characters and a new storyline.
But recently, during the Disney Experiences Showcase at this year’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro revealed — alongside dozens of other announcements — that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at Disneyland on Nov. 15.
Additionally, Critter Country — the land where Splash Mountain was located — will be renamed Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens this fall.
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Bayou Country will also be home to current attractions, including The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes and the newly reimagined Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree. The refurbished restaurant will serve a menu of down-home delights like pulled pork sandwiches, barbecue combo platters, ribs and all the fixins.
Similar to the newly opened version at Disney World, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland will pick up where the film left off: Tiana opens the restaurant she had been working so hard for, and she lives happily ever after (in human form) with Prince Naveen.
The ride follows Tiana as she searches for a cast of musicians to perform at her big Mardi Gras celebration. Though Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has all-new music, animatronic characters and story elements, the ride track, ride vehicles and 50-foot drop are exactly the same, meaning you will get wet.
It’s not yet been announced whether Disneyland will utilize Lightning Lane, a standby queue, a virtual queue or some combination of the three when the attraction opens. If Disneyland adheres to Disney World’s choices, the ride will be available via Lightning Lane Multi Pass and a free virtual queue. Disneyland will share exact details as the opening date approaches.
Regardless of how guests will ultimately need to wait in line to get on the ride, we now know you only have to wait until Nov. 15 to go “down the bayou” with Tiana at Disneyland in California.
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