There’s always a heated discussion waiting to bubble up when it comes to Disney Parks attractions—especially when a beloved classic is swapped out for something new. As fans continue adjusting to the changes that came with the closure of Splash Mountain, a different conversation is emerging. And it’s not quite what you’d expect.
While many guests continue to critique Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, others have started to turn their focus elsewhere. Online, fans are not only defending the newer ride but doing so by pointing out inconsistencies in how other, long-standing Disney attractions are viewed.
Let’s rewind to the beginning. Back in June 2020, Disney announced it would retire Splash Mountain at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Park. The company cited the need for more inclusive storytelling, especially since Splash Mountain was based on the controversial 1946 film Song of the South.
The new ride, themed around The Princess and the Frog (2009), promised vibrant music, colorful visuals, and a story celebrating New Orleans and its rich culture.
After years of anticipation, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened in June 2024 in Florida and November 2024 in California. But the reception has been mixed. Some guests love the fresh theming and musical energy. Others are less impressed, pointing out issues with broken animatronics, inconsistent storytelling, and missing elements they feel made Splash Mountain special.
Related: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Closed After Man Jumped in Front of Moving Log
Then came a post on X (formerly Twitter) that took the conversation in a new direction. User Extinct Disney only recently experienced the attraction. However, they were surprised that the ride got so much hate, considering they really enjoyed it.
Finally got to experience this for the first time and, I honestly don’t get the hate. I absolutely loved every second of it! It really is just because it replaced Splash huh?
Finally got to experience this for the first time and, I honestly don’t get the hate. I absolutely loved every second of it! It really is just because it replaced Splash huh? pic.twitter.com/N7zxWUq5P2
— Extinct Disney (@ExtinctDisney) May 12, 2025
This single observation quickly turned into a full-blown thread, with dozens of responses. The main takeaway? Some fans think Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is being held to a double standard.
Legitimately curious… The responses seem to imply people don’t enjoy it because of lack of story. For those in that boat, do you enjoy the Astro Orbiter? How about Space Mountain? Dumbo? Slinky? It feels like there are a lot of popular non-story driven attractions out there.
The post highlighted a key argument in defense of the ride: many beloved Disney attractions don’t have much of a narrative at all. Dumbo spins. Astro Orbiter spins higher. Space Mountain shoots you through the dark. None of them tell a detailed story, and yet they’re fan favorites.
Legitimately curious… The responses seem to imply people don’t enjoy it because of lack of story. For those in that boat, do you enjoy the Astro Orbiter? How about Space Mountain? Dumbo? Slinky? It feels like there are a lot of popular non-story driven attractions out there. https://t.co/rkyBjkTq67
— Extinct Disney (@ExtinctDisney) May 13, 2025
Related: What Makes Disneyland’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure A Must-Do Ride
As the conversation unfolded, more guests weighed in with thoughtful takes. Some agreed that comparing Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to other rides helps expose a certain bias. Others, however, stood by their belief that the ride simply doesn’t live up to the standard set by its predecessor.
Critics argue that Splash Mountain used its structure to build narrative tension—climbing toward the final drop felt like the climax of a story. With Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, they say that the payoff isn’t there. Instead of peril, it’s just a musical journey to find a band for a party.
I’m sure it’s a fun attraction, since it didn’t change. Physically, it’s still Splash. To me, it just seems Splash had a better story. The fall means “peril”, but Tiana has no “peril”, it’s just “get to the party quick”. I would never “not” go on it, though. It’s still Splash.
I’m sure it’s a fun attraction, since it didn’t change. Physically, it’s still Splash. To me, it just seems Splash had a better story. The fall means “peril”, but Tiana has no “peril”, it’s just “get to the party quick”. I would never “not” go on it, though. It’s still Splash.
— Rodrigo Barros (@roddybarros) May 13, 2025
Related: Guests Stranded on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Due to Disruptive Guest Behavior
According to Disney, the ride takes place after the events of the film. Tiana has opened her dream co-op and is hosting a Mardi Gras celebration. But when she realizes there’s no band to play at the event, she and her friend Louis head into the bayou to find musicians. Along the way, guests encounter colorful critters and familiar faces like Mama Odie and Ray the firefly.
Despite the critiques, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure continues to attract guests in large numbers. Wait times routinely hit an hour or more on busy days, and even when the ride experiences temporary closures, the excitement returns once it’s up and running again.
It’s clear the ride still has growing pains. Some effects don’t work as consistently as expected, and certain show scenes feel underdeveloped. But that hasn’t stopped the most passionate defenders from stepping up and challenging what they see as unfair expectations.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Splash Mountain or someone who’s fully on board with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, there’s no denying that this new ride has sparked some of the most passionate discussions in recent Disney Parks history.
So, what do you think? Is the backlash fair? Are fans defending Tiana’s Bayou Adventure onto something? Or do you believe the ride still needs work to win people over? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts in the comments!
