Disney has announced a significant update for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the new ride replacing Splash Mountain at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Disney's Splash Mountain has been a staple attraction since its debut, but its connection to the controversial film Song of the South (1946) sparked ongoing criticism due to its racist overtones.
To address the growing backlash, Disney made the bold decision in 2020 to close Splash Mountain at both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom (Tokyo Disneyland's version is safe, for now) and replace it with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
This new attraction, inspired by The Princess and the Frog (2009), offers a fresh narrative that puts Disney's first Black princess in the spotlight for an adventure that sees guests splash through the bayous of Louisiana alongside Tiana and her pals.
Although the first version of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened at Magic Kingdom in June, the ride continues to face recurrent operational issues, including evacuations and breakdowns. Disneyland began previews for its version in October, with a more positive reception for the actual ride itself, though some operational challenges remain.
Guests have also complained en masse about the scarcity of virtual queue boarding groups to try the ride during its preview phase.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure Updates
Now, one week before the ride officially debuts in the freshly-renamed Bayou Country at Disneyland Park, it's been revealed that Disney is rejigging this entire virtual queue process.
When the ride officially opens in Anaheim on November 15, guests will now have three opportunities to try and board the attraction, not two. As per Scott Gustin, virtual queues will open up at 7 a.m. and 12 p.m., as originally announced, with a third window opening at 4 p.m.
NEW: Disneyland Resort has updated the virtual queue details for Tiana's Bayou Adventure. When the attraction officially opens on Nov. 15, there will be three enrollment opportunities each day: 7am, 12pm, *and* 4pm PT (previously it was announced only for 7am and 12pm).
NEW: Disneyland Resort has updated the virtual queue details for Tiana's Bayou Adventure. When the attraction officially opens on Nov. 15, there will be three enrollment opportunities each day: 7am, 12pm, *and* 4pm PT (previously it was announced only for 7am and 12pm). pic.twitter.com/9eNd6L7Z9y
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 7, 2024
In comparison, Disney World continues to open its virtual queue twice a day – something that's drawn plenty of criticism from guests. While parkgoers have struggled to secure a boarding group, they've noted that the ride often appears empty. Some have also added that they would be happy to wait in a standby line for Disney's most popular water attraction on a hot day.
Are you a fan of virtual queues at Disney?
