Splash Mountain Retheme to Princess and the Frog: Prediction on Disneyland Closing, Storyline for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Disney is currently working on a project to re-theme Splash Mountain at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The entire ride will be completely reimagined inspired by the Disney film “The Princess and the Frog.” As part of this retheme they are also bringing even more Princess and the Frog to the theme parks.
The story of the new version of Splash Mountain is said to pick up after the final kiss and will join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure featuring some of the most powerful music from the film- as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.
Keep reading for all info on the retheme of Splash Mountain to Tiana's Bayou Adventure, newly released concept art and our commentary on when Splash Mountain will close. NEW Tiana themed restaurant announced for Disneyland! More information below!
Incorrect RUMOR for Splash Mountain Closing Date!
On March 26th, the OC Register released an article announcing that Splash Mountain would be closing on May 6th 2023 to begin it's transformation into Tiana's Bayou Adventure. This news quickly spread all over Disneyland social media websites before being quickly retracted by the OC Register which stated,
It appeared from Disneyland’s website early Sunday morning that the classic log flume ride would go dark in early May, but that information was not correct.
Just to clear things up, Disneyland has NOT announced a closing date for Splash Mountain yet and this information was quickly put to rest. This rumor of a May closing has made its way to many Disneyland social media pages before the information was retracted so we felt it was important to post this information so our readers could stay up to date on the most accurate information for Splash Mountain closing at Disneyland.
When will Disneyland's Splash Mountain close?
We don't have any accurate indication of when Splash Mountain at Disneyland will close. Original speculation was that we would see an announcement of Splash Mountain closing once the long refurbishment for Indiana's Jones Adventure ended. This was not the case and so far we haven't heard any news regarding Splash Mountain.
Another popular speculation is that we won't see work on Splash Mountain begin until the crew over at Walt Disney World finishes Tiana's Bayou Adventure and be sent over to begin Disneyland. This would make sense as there's some precedent for using the same crew for creating same attractions at both parks. The crew that built Rise of the Resistance was the same for both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Disney may also want to ensure the ride at both parks isn't shut down at the time but this is hard to predict. Keep in mind, this is all purely speculation and we do NOT have an official closing date for Splash Mountain at Disneyland.
Tiara-Topped Water Tower Coming Soon!
A tiara-topped water tower is being installed soon at Walt Disney World's Tiana's Bayou Adventure. The video above gives us the full previous of this new tower and what it will look like installed on the previous Splash Mountain.
Keep reading our article for all the updates regarding the Splash Mountain retheme for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Princess and the Frog Tiana's Palace Coming to Disneyland!
Tiana's Palace is a new restaurant coming to Disneyland to replace a classic Disneyland restaurant. The restaurant was announced in connection with the retheme of Splash Mountain into Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Read all about Tiana's Palace coming to Disneyland. No official word has been given on a Princess and the Frog restaurant coming to Magic Kingdom at Disney World.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure Queue Storyline Details
Disney has released information on the storyline for Tiana's Bayou Adventure which will be an original, next chapter story for Tiana after the ending of the film, Princess and the Frog. This new story will tell the story of where Tiana took her life at the ending of the popular film and what she did next after the success of her own restaurant Tiana's Place.
The queue for the attraction will tell the story of Tiana's growing business, Tiana's Foods, an employee-owned co-op. Tiana combines her culinary talents with her love for community and transforms an aging salt mine into her own brand. This next stage in her adventure began when she purchased the salt mine and area around it with the help of her mother Eduora, Naveen, Louis and other co-0p owners. Tiana revived the old salt mine and the land by growing vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Due to this hard work, the aging salt mine is a space that has come alone with a boutique farm and teaching kitchen. Tiana's Foods is where Tiana and her community create new products including a line of original hot sauces.
Tiana wants to thank her family, friends and community for all their support by throwing a party during Mardi Gras season. But of course, not everything goes as planned and there's been a mixup with the party preparations. This is when Tiana invites guests to meet her at Tiana's Foods to help find the missing ingredient for the party.
When guests arrive in the queue, they will see that Tiana has decorated the company with art from local artists, food is being prepared and beignets are being loaded into crates for the celebration. You will see all these preparations underway for the journey into the bayou with Tiana along with new and familiar friends from the animated film.
Tiana's story is a positive one that encompasses everything the character brought to the screen in The Princess and the Frog. Disney shared that Tiana's story brings the characters together with her creation of Tiana's Food which becomes a treasured place to spend time together and celebrate a diverse community. Tiana works to teach gardening and cooking to children and inspires women to run successful businesses.
So far we don't have more details about the storyline once you enter the ride but from this description from Disney it sounds like the conflict the ride focuses on is finding this missing party ingredient as you go down the bayou during this Mardi Gras celebration. We can't wait to hear more details about this… and I'm personally hoping Dr. Facilier has something to do with that missing ingredient!
Splash Mountain Now Closed at Walt Disney World!
Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World closed at the end of January 2023 to begin its transformation into Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Additional information on Disneyland's Splash Mountain closing date will be shared at a ‘later date' but my speculation is it won't be too far after Walt Disney World's closure date. If you want to ride Splash Mountain before it is reimagined into Tiana's Bayou Adventure, I recommend doing so as soon as possible!
The only thing that could possibly delay the refurbishment of Splash Mountain over at Disneyland could be the Disney100 Celebration which began on January 27th 2023. Normally January is a common time for the theme park to do ride refurbishments but with the opening of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway that same day, the return of the Magic Happens parade on February 24th 2023 plus the reopening of the reimagined Toontown on March 8th 2023… Spring is going to be a busy time at the Disneyland Resort. It could perhaps delay a Splash Mountain refurbishment if Disneyland wants to have all rides operating at full capacity in the Spring. Keep in mind, this is purely speculation on my part and none of this is confirmed from Disney.
We also got a look at brand new concept art (pictured above) of Tiana's Bayou Adventure of the scene guests will see as they first drop into the ride. The scene captures the beauty of the bayou with fireflies inviting guests deeper into the ride with zydeco music playing as the ride begins. As Disney described in their announcement, “Zydeco is a special blend of rhythm and blues that was born in Louisiana, and when you hear it, you’ll feel like you’ve truly stepped into Tiana’s world.”
You can also see in the concept art that the music is being played by Louis, from Princess and the Frog, along with some new friends- a band full of bayou animals. I am hoping to see some of the original animatronic critters from Splash Mountain re-utilized in Tiana's Bayou Adventure and since most of this concept art seems pretty “critter focused”- there's a chance this could happen!
When Will Splash Mountain Close?
Disney has not officially announced when Splash Mountain will close to begin the process of retheming the attraction to Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disneyland. This is purely just our commentary and speculation on what we might expect to happen.
It is likely that Disney will formally announce when Splash Mountain will be closing for the retheming to Tiana's Bayou Adventure. I don't anticipate that it will just appear on the calendar without a formal announcement. The reason I think we'll see Disney make an announcement concerning Splash Mountain's Refurbishment is because it usually receives one anyways after the holiday season. This is usually when our water rides in both theme parks get their yearly upkeep since they're not as popular in the chillier winter months. Since the original announcement of Splash Mountain's reimagining to a Princess & the Frog theme in 2020, guests have panicked when they see Splash Mountain appear on the refurbishment calendar for any reason… worrying this might be the big retheme and their chance to ride the original Splash one last time is gone!
But the last time Splash Mountain was on the calendar for a general upkeep refurbishment, Disney did confirm with guests that it was just for upkeep and wasn't for the Princess & the Frog retheme. This is what leads me to believe they will inform guests when the ride will close for this final transformation. Not only is it a nice courtesy to notify guests the timeline they have left to ride Splash Mountain in its original form, they were kind enough last time to be communicative with guests which does set a precedent moving forward.
My speculation is that we will see it close after the 2022 holiday season, perhaps as soon as January 2023 or at least sometime in Spring 2023, to prepare for its late 2024 opening date as Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Concept model revealed at 2022 D23 Expo
The concept model released at the D23 Expo (pictured above) is scaled down from how ambitious the previous concept art originally released (below) with the removal of the tree with a crashed boat inside it at the top of the mountain. This is a significant change between the two concepts that will impact the length of construction this retheme will take.
Previous concept art released
It's hard to say what decision impacted this shift in exterior design plans. However, the concept model does resemble the likeness more closely of the original Splash Mountain more so than the previous concept art released. For guests looking to preserve some of the original integrity of this historic attraction, this could be a welcome shift and this also will shorten the time this retheming will take if the exterior imagining isn't quite as large in scale.
This stunning concept art reveals how magically lit up this attraction will be at night!
In the exterior concept art revealed at D23 Expo, we also see what Tiana's Bayou Adventure will look like at night and we can see that it will be visually stunning with the use of lighting effects to mimic the mystique of a New Orleans bayou. This will also require significant time to restructure the exterior of the attraction to incorporate this new lighting along with new plant growth and the addition of the new tower paying tribute to Tiana.
Imagineers discussed this new animatronic they're creating for Tiana's Bayou Adventure at D23 Expo
In terms of the interior of the attraction, we know that the ride path itself will remain the same and that Disney is creating a new animatronic Otter to be part of the story. We can also expect Princess Tiana to be included inside the ride, as that's a given, but also that the voice actors from the film will be reprising their roles. The question here is: which characters will be made into animatronics? How much will the attraction rely on projections or video? The good news is that Splash Mountain does not require closure for Disney Imagineers to begin audio-animatronic work on characters for the attraction. Personally, I am really hoping to see an audio-animatronic of Tiana that's on scale with the talent we saw from Imagineers that developed Hondo Ohnaka for the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run attraction.
Splash Mountain audio-animatronics
It would also make logical sense to keep many of the original animatronics from Splash Mountain as part of Tiana's Bayou Adventure as these critters would blend in nicely with the story. There are more than 100 animals in Splash Mountain! After all, this wouldn't be the first time these critters have been repurposed. The singing audio-animatronic animals in Disneyland's Splash Mountain finale were repurposed from the America Sings attraction in Disneyland from 1974-1988. In fact it's a well-known practice for Disney to reuse animatronics. In Walt Disney World, the Three Caballeros characters who appear in EPCOT's Gran Fiesta Tour were originally part of Mickey Mouse Revue in Fantasyland. It would be a great homage to Splash Mountain to reuse some of the critters of Splash Mountain in Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Especially since Disney Legend Marc Davis, who was one of Walt Disney’s “Nine Old Men,” designed many of them.
If you want to ride Splash Mountain before the Princess and the Frog re-theme, my recommendation would be to do so as soon as you can this year as 2023 is not guaranteed- anytime next year we could see Splash Mountain begin its refurbishment to Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Keep in mind this is all just my personal speculation as nothing has been officially confirmed by Disney. All we know so far is that Tiana's Bayou Adventure has been said to open in late 2024. For all we know, Splash Mountain may not even close until late 2023 or even 2024- depending on how quickly Disney plans on work on this retheme.
Eudora’s Chic Boutique featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets
Disneyland has just shared photos of the new Princess and the Frog themed shop at Disneyland in New Orleans Square.
The shop is just down the street from the Blue Bayou restaurant. The store is officially called Eudora’s Chic Boutique featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets and will feature an eclectic selection of home goods, apparel, and more. The store takes it's inspiration from the Princess and the Frog New Orleans heritage.
The store is now open to guests. The unique nature of the merchandise in the shop feels like a return to New Orleans Square's roots. When the land first opened there was a real antique store in the land.
You can also see a TikTok from Disney Parks that captures a few more of the details of what is being sold in the shop. The store is inspired by Princess Tiana’s dressmaker mother Eudora. You'll find accessories to serve and create New Orleans style cuisine.
@disneyparks JUST OPENED! Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets is open in #NewOrleansSquare at #Disneyland 💚✨ #Disney #DisneyParks #Tiana #PrincessAndTheFrog #NOLA #Shop ♬ original sound – Disney Parks
Disney has shared that “Tiana is collaborating with her talented dressmaker mother, Eudora, to open this fantastic little shop, with accessories to create and serve masterful Orleans-style cuisine and more.”
The store details were first shared at the D23 Expo where Disney also shared more information on the Princess and the Frog retheme coming to Splash Mountain. Disney also teased a new Princess and the Frog restaurant coming to Disneyland. The restaurant details were sprinkled into the exhibit at the expo but we have not yet gotten more details. See more details on the model for the new Splash Mountain retheme below…
One of the most anticipated park projects is the upcoming retheme of Splash Mountain and we were excited to get a first look at the result of the transition to Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Keep reading to see the first look at the JUST released Splash Mountain concept replacement from the Disney Imagineering team! And be sure to join our FREE Mickey Visit newsletter so you never miss out on updates from the parks.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure D23 Expo Details
Live from D23 Expo, we got an update on Tiana's Bayou Adventure and how this attraction not only pays homage to Tiana's story but remembers that New Orleans is a “real place with real people” and honors that cultural heritage. We saw some visuals and concepts from the interior of the attraction and it's shaping up to look like a magical addition to New Orleans Square!
You can see the new animatronic otter created for Tiana's Bayou Adventure above.
We were also treated to a live performance of Anika Noni Rose! They also announced that all the voice actors from Princess and the Frog will be reprising their roles for the attraction.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open in late 2024 at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
Splash Mountain Exterior REVEALED
Splash Mountain is being rethemed into a Princess and the Frog overlay called Tiana's Bayou Adventure which will open in late 2024 in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. We just got the first look at what the exterior redesign will look like LIVE at D23 Expo!
We can see how the ride's original design has remained largely intact but if you look close you can see the details that will bring Tiana's Bayou Adventure to life! I notice some purple lights coming from the top that might indicate we will see some “friends from the other side” before the big drop?
Tiana's Bayou Adventure NEW Concept Art
In addition to a look at the new concept model for Splash Mountain's redesign into Tiana's Bayou Adventure, we were also given the opportunity to see this new concept art first! This concept art shows what the model represents as the exterior of Splash Mountain's redesign into Tiana's Bayou Adventure during the daytime and night.
A look at Tiana's Bayou Adventure during the day!
And at night! Notice all the fireflies… I wonder if Ray will make an appearance!
Princess and the Frog Attraction Name, New Details, and Opening Year
At the ESSENCE Fest in New Orleans, Disney confirmed long awaited details on the Princess and Frog retheme of Splash Mountain. This new attraction will be called Tiana's Bayou Adventure and will feature the characters from “The Princess and the Frog” and will officially open at Disneyland in California and Magic Kingdom in Florida in late 2024.
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What we still don't know – when Splash Mountain will permanently close in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Be sure to join our free newsletter for the latest on this attraction and all Disney news.
The attraction is rooted in extensive research that the Walt Disney Imagineers has conducted in Louisiana. Disney noted that the group has explored the French Market and bayou, worked with chefs, musicians, academics, musicians, and cultural institutions to craft the story of this attraction.
Check out the video below that Disney shared on the new attraction today.
NEW Princess Tiana Look For the Attraction
Later in the day at the ESSENCE Fest, Costume Designer Ida Muldrow from Disney Live Entertainment shared Princess Tiana’s new look for the attraction. In a panel that was moderated by Yvette Nicole Brown (a favorite personality of mine who previously crushed it as moderator of the introductory Disney Plus panel at the D23 Expo), the Imagineering team shared their detailed approach to creating the look for this Tiana adventure.
The costume designer shared that “Tiana was equally at home in the bayou as she was at a banquet…we wanted her look to reflect that, and be a compliment to the story’s setting.”
Audience members heard about the creative process and the considerations for the unique hairstyle for Tiana. There was emphasis placed on the versatility of Black women's hair and the its importance to identity across geographies.
I am interested to see how this new look will be transformed into an Audio-Animatronic or featured in the attraction and how (if?) Disney blends the use of Tiana's new look and the classic Princess Tiana look from the film that was also seen in the initial concept art (above) released for the attraction.
Story of the New Princess and the Frog Attraction
Painting by Sharika Mahdi
Further details of the storyline of the upcoming Princess and the Frog overlay of Splash Mountain was recently revealed by Imagineers! The story will pick up after the final kiss with Naveen and Louis joining Tiana on a new adventure where she will host a unique Mardi Gras celebration. The ride will feature original music inspired by the songs of the film with Tiana “leading the way” through the adventure where fans will be able to encounter “old friends” and make new ones along the way.
Tiana will be a focal point of the adventure talking directly to guests making them active participants in the ride. We can't wait to get more details! There is still no date for the retheme to begin for Splash Mountain.
Adventures With Princess Tiana
This quote from the Disney Parks Blog sums up the passion behind this project and the dedication the Imagineers have to this reimagining:
Tiana is a modern, courageous, and empowered woman, who pursues her dreams and never loses sight of what’s really important. It’s a great story with a strong lead character, set against the backdrop of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou. In 1966, Walt himself opened New Orleans Square when it became the first new “land” added to Disneyland park, so it feels natural to link the story and the incredible music of “The Princess and the Frog” to our parks.
We'll have to stay tuned for news on what this might mean for the rest of Critter Country in Disneyland.
When Imagineers take on the task of retheming or “plussing” attractions (as Walt Disney would call it) it begins with them asking the question of ‘how can we build upon or elevate the experience and tell a fresh, relevant story?' The Imagineers sound incredibly devoted to this new inclusive reimagining of this popular ride.
There are fantastic Imagineers working on the retime of this popular attraction. The redesign will be lead by Charita Carter, an incredible leader that most recently helped lead the team behind Mickey's Runaway Railway coming to Disneyland and now open in Walt Disney World. Tony Baxter, the creative executive behind the original Splash Mountain will also be joining the team to advise on the update to the attraction. Fans should be excited about this team up.
Concept designs are currently in the works and we should have more information soon along with a timeline for when the transformation should take place.
We will keep this guide updated as we receive information!
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I am offended by the changing of Splash Mountain in Disneyland to the Princess and the Frog!
Wish they left it alone, It was such a fun tradition to see Braer rabbit and his friends. It was such a fun ride for everyone. The boys have no interest in another Princess theme. The change was a Bad idea in my opinion but I’m sure lots of people will love it.
I agree that it is always difficult to stomach change at the parks. I felt the same frustration when I first heard about the change of Tower of Terror over the Guardians of the Galaxy, but now a number of years on from the Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission – Breakout! opening it is my favorite attraction at the resort. I am excited for something new. It is the correct sentiment that Disneyland is not a museum. I appreciate that care is even to ever ince of the park to make sure attractions are the best possible.