Big Details on Splash Mountain ‘Princess and the Frog’ Re-Theme Storyline

Disney has made a lot of exciting ride announcements lately like an opening timeline for the TRON coaster in Disney World, a new attraction at Avengers Campus, and more.

One of those exciting announcements is also about the Splash Mountain retheme which is coming in 2024! We’ve seen models and concept art for the new retheme, but now we’ve got even more details.

In 2024, the ride currently known as Splash Mountain will transform into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! We recently attended a fireside chat with Disney to discuss the ride and we learned about all the exciting changes that are coming to this ride.

First things first — Splash Mountain will close for good on January 23rd, 2023 to start working on the new attraction.

We were able to get a peek at what the ride will look like, and Charita Carter (executive and creative producer) and Ted Robledo (executive creative director) shared new concept art that shows off some new characters! We’ve got a bass playing opossum, accordion playing raccoon, a beaver playing the drums, an otter with a fiddle, a turtle playing the harmonica, and a rabbit on the washboard.

Imagineers also shared that multiple original voice actors from The Princess and the Frog will return to voice their characters for the attraction, including Anika Noni Rose as Tiana, Bruno Campos as Naveen, Michael-Leon Woodley as Louis, and Jennifer Lewis as Mama Odie.

Disney confirmed that this attraction will have a brand new story that takes place one year after the movie. Since then, Tiana opened a successful restaurant and bonded with the surrounding community in New Orleans. She was inspired by her parents as her mom was an entrepreneurial dress-maker and her father loved cooking.

The attraction’s story kicks off in the queue, where we learn that Tiana is looking to bring her community together, so she starts an employee-owned company — Tiana’s Foods. Together, she and her employees make food products and help the community, and she acquires a salt dome — A.K.A. the new “mountain.” Then, you’ll be off on an adventure with Tiana and Louis through the bayou, culminating in a huge Mardi Gras celebration at the end!

As you move through the attraction, you’ll hear zydeco music, which 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.”

Imagineers spent time working in New Orleans researching the location and culture to get it right for the attraction. Stella Chase is the daughter of Queen of Creole Cuisine, Leah Chase, and she is part of the inspiration for Tiana’s character. Stella is considered an honorary Imagineer and is a beloved member of the New Orleans community.

Tiana’s new look is based on fashions from 1927, and was created in collaboration with Ira Muldrew, a Disney World costume designer. African American cosmetologist Tisha Powell helped create Tiana’s hair style and design.

The creatives behind the attraction are hoping it will “encourage people to look into New Orleans culture” and that it was “very important for [them] to tell an authentic, inclusive story.”

We caught a glimpse at the model for the new ride at the 2022 D23 Expo, and you can see that here. Plus, you can check out the latest update with construction here.

Splash Mountain remains open on both coasts until January 23rd, 2023 in Disney World. Disney has not announced a date for when the ride will close in Disneyland and shared more details would come later. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to open at both Magic Kingdom in Disney World and Disneyland theme park in late 2024.

We’ll keep you up-to-date on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, so stay tuned to AllEars!

See more MAJOR Disney announcements you might’ve missed!

Are you excited for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Let us know in the comments.

Post a Comment