It's been four years since Disney first announced the closure of Splash Mountain. Disneyland And Walt Disney World to remove the culturally insensitive theme and make way for a new, more modern and inclusive story.
The attraction opened at Disneyland in 1989 (and then a few years later in 1992 at Disney World), and the music and characters were heavily inspired by “Song of the South,” a 1946 Disney film that depicts outdated racist stereotypes.
When Disney announced that the attraction would be closing at both parks to remove the outdated theming, it also revealed that the attraction would be re-theme from the 2009 Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog.” This groundbreaking film introduced audiences to the world's first black Disney princess: a strong and inspiring culinary expert named Tiana.
After four long years, Tiana's Bayou Adventure opened at Disney World on June 28 with a new design, new characters and a new storyline.
But recently, at this year's D23 Disney Experiences Showcase: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in Anaheim, California, Disney Experiences President Josh D'Amaro revealed — alongside dozens of other ads — that Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open at Disneyland on November 15.
Additionally, Critter Country, the land where Splash Mountain was located, will be renamed Bayou Country when Tiana's Bayou Adventure opens this fall.
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Bayou Country will also welcome current attractions including The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes and the newly reimagined Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree. The renovated restaurant will serve a menu of homestyle delights like pulled pork sandwiches, barbecue combo platters, ribs and all the trimmings.
Similar to the recently opened version at Disney World, Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disneyland will pick up where the movie left off: Tiana opens the restaurant she worked so hard to build, and she lives happily ever after (in human form) with Prince Naveen.
The ride follows Tiana as she searches for a live band to perform at her big Mardi Gras party. While Tiana's Bayou Adventure features all-new music, animatronic characters, and story elements, the ride's track, vehicles, and 50-foot drop are exactly the same, which means you'll get wet.
It has not yet been announced whether Disneyland will use The Way of Lightninga standby queue, a virtual queue, or a combination of all three when the attraction opens. If Disneyland adheres to Disney World's choices, the attraction will be available via Lightning Lane Multiple Pass and a free one virtual queueDisneyland will share exact details closer to the opening date.
No matter how long the line guests will ultimately have to wait to ride the attraction, we now know that you only have to wait until November 15 to ride down “the bayou” with Tiana at Disneyland in California.
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