MARK YOUR CALENDAR, Walt Disney World Splash Mountain will be closed starting January 23, 2023!

Since Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was announced in 2020, Imagineers have been hard at work designing an immersive experience inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Princess and the Frog” and the heart and culture of New Orleans.

Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World Resort will be closed starting Jan. 23, 2023!!   Start Planning your Walt Disney World Adventure today with Touringplans.com

Earlier Today Disney shared a first look at a new scene along with some of the brand-new characters we’re creating specifically for this attraction. In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you’ll join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans. This new scene is the thrilling moment you first drop into the bayou and encounter some friends, both new and familiar. 

As you can see here, fireflies will light up the night and invite you deeper into the bayou … almost like they’re waving you forward. What you can’t tell from this rendering – so you’ll have to trust me on this one – is that beautiful zydeco music will fill the air. Zydeco is a special blend of rhythm and blues that was born in Louisiana, and when you hear it, you’ll feel like you’ve truly stepped into Tiana’s world.

Here you’ll find Louis, who explains where this fantastic music comes from. Tiana made some new friends out here – a band full of adorable critters, including an otter, a rabbit, a raccoon, a beaver, a turtle, and others. The band members sing and play instruments made of natural materials found in the bayou. It feels like they may have a bigger role to play in this story … but we’ll have to wait and see on that one.

Like so many musical genres, zydeco combines the sounds and styles of many cultures. We wanted that spirit reflected in this scene (and throughout the attraction) so that all our guests feel welcome to join in the celebration. It’s emblematic of what we’re always striving for with our attractions – bringing people of different backgrounds together through timeless Disney stories. This new musical adventure provides a song sheet to write that concept into reality.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take you on a journey inspired by the story and characters from the hit film, picking up where that story left off. In preparation for this new experience and the many exciting updates ahead, Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World Resort will be closed starting Jan. 23, 2023