In 2020, Disney took a dagger to the heart of Splash Mountain fans and announced that the iconic attraction at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World would be closing permanently to make way for a new attraction. The popular attraction opened at Disneyland in 1989 and opened in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in 1992. The attraction never dwindled in popularity, but the film that it was based on — Song of the South — has been recognized as problematic. When announcing the closures, Disney said that it would be getting a complete Princess and the Frog-themed makeover.
Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom closed for its retheme in January 2023. Disneyland’s Splash Mountain remained open, with no closing date announced. On March 26, many reports came out that Disneyland’s Splash Mountain would be closing permanently on May 7 for its Princess and the Frog retheme. However, those reports are incorrect.
Those incorrect reports stated that Splash Mountain would close on May 6, with May 7 being the first day the ride would be unavailable. They even stated that the information came from the Disneyland Resort website. Despite what those reports say, the Disneyland website states that Splash Mountain will be up and operational on May 7. Moreover, Disneyland’s daily calendar only goes through May 7, so we have no idea of knowing what Splash Mountain’s hours of operation are after that date.
An exciting refresh is coming soon! Splash Mountain will undergo a transformation—and will reopen in late 2024 as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a whimsical attraction inspired by The Princess and the Frog.
The new attraction coming to both the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park will be called Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. It will take place after the events of The Princess and the Frog. According to Disney, Tiana has purchased a salt mine and is growing her business, Tiana’s Foods. Tiana has decided to throw a party, celebrating her friends and family who have supported her on her journey. But as she prepares for the party, she realizes she is missing a key ingredient. Guests will travel down the bayou to help Tiana find that ingredient.
At this time, we do not have an opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World or Disneyland. However, we do know that the attraction will open sometime in late 2024.