The wait is almost over for Disney fans hoping to ride the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction that replaces Splash Mountain.
Nearly four years after Disney announced it would be closing Splash Mountain, the company has confirmed it’s new The princess and the frog-inspired attraction will be opened in the summer of 2024.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will make its debut at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, before launching at Disneyland Park in California “later in 2024.” The news was announced on Tuesday to celebrate the Mardi Gras season.
The news comes alongside new images and videos of the never-before-seen Tiana animatronics that will be a key part of the ride experience, below.
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Disney
“Can you believe we’re ‘almost there’ and closer than ever to opening Tiana’s Bayou Adventure this summer here at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort?” Sarah Riles, vice president of Magic Kingdom Park, said of the upcoming attraction.
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Disney’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Disney
“With Mardi Gras season underway and construction milestones passing, our cast and I are so excited to see the magic of Tiana come to life like never before!” Riles added.
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Fans have followed the transformation of the iconic Splash Mountain structure since construction began, including the removal of the stump at the top, which could be seen across the park and was a symbol of Frontierland. Recent additions include a new water tower that fits into Tiana’s story.
Disney previously revealed the basic structure of the ride — a boat ride with a big drop at the end — will remain the same, but the ride will be “reimagined” with new characters, music and, of course, a new story.
The ride description on the official Disney website reads: “Join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on their journey through the glittering bay as they prepare for a lively celebration during the Mardi Gras season.
“Along the way, you’ll see familiar faces and make new friends as you enter the next chapter of Tiana’s inspiring story,” it added.
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In 2020, it was announced that Disney would reimagine Splash Mountain, based on the controversial 1946 Disney film. Song of the South, a work that has long been criticized for its portrayal of the post-Civil War South and its use of racist tropes. The ride first opened at Disneyland in 1989.
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Disney
Days before Splash Mountain’s final fall on May 31, the group of creative minds behind the new project were asked if they felt “pressure” to build a replacement for the beloved attraction. Disney’s senior vice president of parks, experiences and projects, Carmen Smith, replied, “Every day.”
“I grew up with [Splash Mountain] too,” added Disney executive creative director Ted Robledo. “We know there is a lot of love there. The team asked themselves, ‘What do people really like about it?’ We think they like excitement, adventure, so we said ‘Okay, that’s sacred. We can’t take that away.’”
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education