Magic Kingdom Making Major Changes to 53-Year-Old Ride

Magic Kingdom was the original theme park in Walt Disney World. While some things remain the same as opening day, others have changed immensely.

In a sweeping transformation, Frontierland at Walt Disney World Resort in Magic Kingdom is undergoing a major facelift ahead of the debut of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure this summer. The Disney World park is bidding farewell to the iconic Splash Mountain ride, making way for a new era in the theme park.

Central to this revamp is the replacement of Splash Mountain with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by the 2009 animated film The Princess and the Frog. But the changes don’t stop there. The Walt Disney World Railroad, a longtime favorite among park-goers, is also getting a makeover at its station to align with Frontierland’s new direction. The Frontierland station now features a brand-new temporary entrance, with a staircase constructed on the left side, while the original entrance on the right remains hidden behind construction barriers.

Now, a permit has been filed indicating more construction coming to the 53-year-old station. The installation of new signage marks a significant milestone in the revitalization of Frontierland. These signs not only guide visitors but also serve as indicators of the impending completion of the station’s renovation. As construction progresses and the finishing touches are applied, anticipation is building for a Frontierland that seamlessly blends nostalgia with innovation.

For fans of The Princess and the Frog, the arrival of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is highly anticipated, but that doesn’t mean that it hasn’t been met with backlash, as well. Magic Kingdom guests will soon have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of New Orleans alongside their favorite characters.

Disney’s official description for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure can be read below:

“Join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on their journey through a shimmering bayou as they prepare for a spirited celebration during Mardi Gras season. Along the way, you’ll see familiar faces and make new friends as you’re brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s inspiring story,” Disney shared.

Construction doesn’t stop with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the Frontierland Train Station, either. Currently, Walt Disney World Resort has also closed down Country Bear Jamboree to make way for a new show– titled Country Bear Musical Jamboree— that is set to open in the summer, as well. This is what Disney had to say about the new Country Bears-themed attraction:

“If you’ve been too busy trottin’ through the wild west and have missed the news, the Country Bears are getting ready to put on a new show that pays homage to the Opry-style shows of Nashville. While the Country Bear Musical Jamboree will include easter eggs from the beginning to the end including a familiar tune fans may remember, the bears will sing new, reinterpreted Disney tunes in different genres of country music – like bluegrass, pop-country, Americana, rockabilly and other styles.”

With so many changes coming to Magic Kingdom, specifically in Fronterland, it will be interesting to see what the reception is to these updates and new attractions when they open.

While you’re waiting on the construction in Frontierland to finish up, you can still enjoy the mainstays inside of Magic Kingdom, including the nostalgia of Main Street, U.S.A. on your way to Cinderella Castle, as well as Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Liberty Square, and Fantasyland. Iconic attractions like Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, “it’s a small world”, Jungle Cruise, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and the all-new TRON Lightcycle / Run await. You can view wait times on the My Disney Experience app or purchase Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane reservations to help beat the crowds.

What do you think of these major changes at Magic Kingdom? 

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