Are The Lion King Ride and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure the Same?
Are Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the new Lion King ride at Disneyland Paris different? Or are they two new Disney flume rides built on the same foundation? As fans compare Tiana’s ride to the Lion King concept art, both serve as spiritual successors to a classic—yes, we’re talking about the Splash Mountain remake.
Let’s break it down.
Splash Mountain’s Legacy Lives On
First, a little context. Both rides inherit some key characteristics from a Disney classic—Splash Mountain. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a reimagined Splash Mountain that closed in 2023 at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. It opened in June 2024 at Walt Disney World and in July 2024 at Disneyland. Both attractions retain the signature log flume design, concluding with the iconic 52.5-foot drop.
Similarly, the new Lion King ride in Disneyland Paris’ upcoming Disney Adventure World will feature a dramatic 52-foot plunge as guests journey through the Pride Lands with Simba. That’s nearly identical to Tiana’s drop, meaning the ride experience will deliver the same thrilling finale — with a different musical and visual twist.
While Splash Mountain has been reimagined in the U.S. parks, it still lives on—at least for now—at Tokyo Disneyland. That version continues to feature the full 52.5-foot descent and the classic storytelling fans have loved for decades. Whether Tokyo eventually opts to re-theme its version remains to be seen. With Tiana and Simba proving popular, Tokyo may have options… or something new could be on the horizon.
Similar Layout, Same Heart
While Imagineers haven’t officially confirmed the track layouts are identical, all signs point to a shared ride system. Even if the Lion King version is a mirror image, the design appears fundamentally the same. This allows Imagineers to focus on theme and storytelling—not rebuilding the ride mechanics from scratch.
Like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the upcoming Lion King ride will feature a musical journey, rich storytelling, and state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics, all built around a log flume-style experience.
The new Lion King attraction also promises multiple drops—three, to be exact—as guests glide through iconic scenes and songs from the 1994 animated classic. This approach mirrors that taken with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which reimagined Splash Mountain while retaining its flume-style thrills. So, how many drops does Tiana’s Bayou Adventure have? That depends on how you count. We spot five moments that could qualify as drops:
- A small indoor drop early in the ride (a gentle splash to get you started)
- A mid-sized drop into the show scenes
- A hidden drop in darkness (the old “laughing place” plunge)
- The big one—a 52.5-foot outdoor drop
- A final dip into the last show scene (more of a transition slope)
You could argue that only drops 2, 3, and 4 count, with the others more about pacing and scene transitions. But all five can splash you—especially if you’re in the front seat.
Bottom line? It’s the same ride system, just wrapped in new storytelling. Whether you’re gliding through the bayou with Tiana or racing through the Pride Lands with Simba, you’re riding a spiritual successor to Splash Mountain.
Unique Settings, Familiar Magic
What is the key difference between these two attractions? The theming. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure brings guests into the Louisiana Bayou, where Princess Tiana and her critter friends lead a musical journey through nature, music, and magic. On the other hand, the Lion King ride will plunge guests deep into the Pride Lands. Expect sweeping African vistas, iconic characters, and familiar songs—all brought to life through Disney’s signature storytelling.
Because the Lion King attraction is being built from the ground up, Imagineers have the opportunity to craft the environment around it. This means guests will enter the Pride Lands long before reaching the queue, similar to how immersive lands like Pandora and Galaxy’s Edge introduce their worlds gradually. Whether a new mini-land or a themed area, the experience begins well before boarding the ride.
Disneyland Transformation
We’ve already seen this approach at Disneyland. Splash Mountain was removed from Critter Country and reimagined as part of an expanded New Orleans Square. Combined with the retheming of the Haunted Mansion queue and the Tiana’s Palace restaurant, the area now feels cohesive and immersive. The transition from New Orleans Square, past the Haunted Mansion, and into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure flows naturally.
Magic Kingdom Transformation
As for Walt Disney World, official details are still limited—but a similar transformation could be underway. With Cars Land set to join Magic Kingdom near Big Thunder Mountain and changes already happening, like the Country Bear Musical Jamboree and the removal of the Frontierland Shooting Gallery, there’s strong potential for Pecos Bill to become a New Orleans-inspired Tiana’s restaurant. That would allow a storytelling shift—from the charm of New Orleans to the rugged, off-road adventure west of Cars Land and Big Thunder Mountain.
In all cases, Imagineers are building immersive storytelling around a familiar ride system. Whether it’s Tiana or Simba, they’re repurposing Splash Mountain’s ride layout and enhancing it with themed environments, original music, and Disney characters.
This approach supports Disney’s commitment to sustainability by reusing infrastructure and elevating the guest experience with layered storytelling. When new attractions are built from scratch—like The Lion King ride in Paris—imagineers are free to create an immersive world right from the entrance path.
It’s The Storytelling that Matters.
This isn’t just about ride mechanics—it’s about storytelling. Disney has long been known for reimagining existing experiences to align with evolving narratives and guest expectations. Whether it’s re-theming Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout or Maelstrom into Frozen Ever After, Disney is no stranger to refreshing rides while keeping their infrastructure intact.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the Lion King ride represent the next chapter of that tradition.
Final Thoughts
From Florida’s Frontierland to Adventure Way in Paris, the spirit of Splash Mountain lives on. But this time, it’s powered by fresh stories, richer cultural representation, and unforgettable music. The message is clear whether you’re gliding through the bayou with Tiana or exploring the Pride Lands with Simba. Disney Imagineers are creating new memories while honoring the thrills we’ve always loved.
So, whether you sing “Dig a Little Deeper” or belt out “Hakuna Matata”—one thing’s for sure. You’re in for a wild ride.
