Disney's recent updates point to a potential early opening for Tiana's Bayou Adventure

Posted: Thursday November 9, 2023 9:00am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

It is appearing more and more likely that Tiana's Bayou Adventure may open earlier than its originally announced late 2024 timeframe.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure concept model - D23 Expo exhibit

When the project to reimagine Splash Mountain into Tiana's Bayou Adventure was initially announced, Disney's messaging consistently suggested a "late 2024" opening.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure construction at Magic Kingdom

The message changed in an update from Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President, Creative Development - Product/Content & Inclusive Strategies, on the official Disney Parks Blog in mid-October, which referred to a "2024" opening.

Another announcement from Disney made during yesterday's Q4 2023 earnings report reiterated the "2024" opening. This mention was even more significant because Tiana's Bayou Adventure was included in a timeline with entries for "2024" and "Late 2024." Tiana's Bayou Adventure was placed in the "2024" list, with the DVC Polynesian Resort project being placed in the "Late 2024" list.

While the recent shift does seem to suggest Tiana's Bayou Adventure may open earlier than initially announced, the 2024 timeline does still give Disney the option of a late 2024 opening if needed.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure concept model - D23 Expo exhibit

Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

Disgruntled Walt7 hours ago

Can't you take a joke? Do I have to put a winky face? Of course we're allowed to have different opinions. I remember saying the exact same thing to people on this board when things about TBA looked "more promising" to some. People said I would be proven wrong about the ride, and I was proven right.

Tha Realest7 hours ago

Lots of high profile projects underway, but haven’t seen any of the principals involved with this one attached to any of them.

Chi847 hours ago

I brought it up because you said the theming was mindless and boring. A lot of people disagree with that and enjoy the attraction.

Trauma7 hours ago

You’re the one who keeps bringing up your grandkids enjoyment of the attraction as if that is somehow relevant to the discussion.

Chi847 hours ago

What an odd reply.

Trauma7 hours ago

Well that really great news I’m sure Disney is relived to hear that. Maybe they can design the entire park for your grandkids and then you will be the only ones there.

Trauma7 hours ago

You forgot to add in the fact that the mediocre attraction is rarely working at 100% or even close.

Chi848 hours ago

Maybe it was designed for young kids. My grandkids really loved it.

Kiff8 hours ago

Just rode Tiana for the first time and the ride video disney released before opening truly didn't do it justice. This ride needs sone serious help. I know Disney has cheaped out on attractions as of late but this is ridiculous. Huge portions of the ride with nothing to see. Mediocre effects throughout when there is something to see. Soundtrack really needs something else. Usually I don't like to see movie tunes reused but maybe they should think about it this case. I thought I could at least accept the change no matter the theme just based on the great ride system but this is just a disaster.

Trauma8 hours ago

The only thing that is fun about this ride is the drop. Not much to think about really since the theming is mindless and boring.

donaldtoo8 hours ago

I would answer this, but I don’t wanna’ be banned, yet again…!!!!! :hilarious:;)

Brer Panther8 hours ago

Why bother? Disney is never going to close down the most inclusive attraction they've ever built.

andre8514 hours ago

I mean, it's hard not to compare when what existed before was so great. It's clear this ride didn't have nearly as much thought or care put into it as its predecessor.