
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opening Date: Key Info & Specs
For anyone who’s watched the logs float through Briar Patch over the years, the question was inevitable: when would the new version finally open? Disney answered with two distinct dates — June 28, 2024 at Magic Kingdom followed by November 15, 2024 at Disneyland — confirming that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure had officially replaced Splash Mountain (City Surfing Orlando (local Disney news); Disney Parks Blog (official Disney blog)).
Opened at Magic Kingdom: June 28, 2024 ·
Opened at Disneyland: November 15, 2024 ·
Replaced Attraction: Splash Mountain ·
Drop Height: 50 feet ·
Seats per Log: 8 ·
Location: Frontierland (MK) & Critter Country (DL)
Quick snapshot
- Opens June 28, 2024 at Walt Disney World (City Surfing Orlando (local Disney news))
- Opens November 15, 2024 at Disneyland (Disney Parks Blog (official Disney blog))
- Replaces Splash Mountain entirely (Disney Tourist Blog (fan resource))
- Exact drop height of Disneyland version (assumed identical to WDW)
- Future refurbishment schedules and any seasonal closures
- June 28, 2024 — Magic Kingdom debut, announced during American Idol (City Surfing Orlando (local Disney news))
- Disneyland version opens November 15, 2024, with Critter Country renamed Bayou Country (Disney Parks Blog (official Disney blog))
- Previews and testing expected through late 2024 (Disney Food Blog (fan site))
Six key specs, one pattern: the ride retains the same ride system and track layout as Splash Mountain, ensuring the log flume experience remains intact.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Opened WDW | June 28, 2024 |
| Opened DL | November 15, 2024 |
| Replaces | Splash Mountain |
| Drop height | 50 ft (15 m) |
| Seats per log | 8 |
| Height requirement | 40 inches (102 cm) |
The implication: the re-theming changes the story and aesthetic but deliberately preserves the core ride mechanics that made Splash Mountain a beloved classic.
Will Tiana’s Bayou Adventure open?
Current operating status at Walt Disney World
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened at Magic Kingdom on June 28, 2024, as a reimagining of Splash Mountain with a Princess Tiana theme (City Surfing Orlando (local Disney news)).
- The announcement was made during “Disney Night” on American Idol, and Disney officially confirmed the date in May 2024 (Disney Tourist Blog (fan resource)).
Current operating status at Disneyland
- The Disneyland version opened on November 15, 2024, roughly five months after the Magic Kingdom debut (Disney Experiences Press Release (official)).
- Critter Country was renamed Bayou Country to match the new theme (Disney Parks Blog (official Disney blog)).
What is the opening date of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
- Walt Disney World (Magic Kingdom): June 28, 2024 (City Surfing Orlando (local Disney news)).
- Disneyland Resort (Disneyland Park): November 15, 2024 (Disney Parks Blog (official Disney blog)).
Both dates are official announcements from Disney Parks. The Disneyland opening was timed to coincide with the start of the holiday season (Disney Parks Blog (official Disney blog)).
Riders planning a trip should check park calendars: the Magic Kingdom version has been operating daily since its June debut, while the Disneyland version opened just before the busy holiday travel window.
What is the drop height of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
- The main drop is approximately 50 feet (15 meters), identical to the drop on Splash Mountain (Disney Experiences Press Release (official)).
Comparison to Splash Mountain drop
- The 50-foot drop is a holdover from the original ride system; the re-theming did not alter the track layout or descent angle (Disney Tourist Blog (fan resource)).
Why this matters: guests who remember the drop on Splash Mountain can expect exactly the same splash and thrill on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
The identical drop height means the ride maintains the same physical intensity, but the new story and music freshen the experience for repeat visitors.
Do you get wet on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
- Yes, riders should expect to get wet, especially during the final 50-foot drop (Official Disney World Site (tier 1 source)).
- The ride includes multiple water splashes typical of log flume attractions (Official Disneyland Site (tier 1 source)).
How to stay dry
- Disney recommends wearing a poncho or sitting in the back rows of the log to minimize water exposure (Official Disney World Site (tier 1 source)).
Best time to ride
- Mornings and early afternoons tend to have lower wait times; riding during a rainstorm can increase the soaking effect (Disney Tourist Blog (fan resource)).
The catch: even with precautions, the final plunge guarantees at least a damp lap.
How many seats does Tiana’s Bayou Adventure have?
- Each log vehicle seats 8 guests in four rows of two (Disney Tourist Blog (fan resource)).
- This seating configuration is identical to the Splash Mountain logs (City Surfing Orlando (local Disney news)).
The pattern: Disney deliberately kept the same vehicle capacity to avoid changing load times and operational efficiency.
Ride Specifications
Four core specs, one takeaway: the attraction preserves the original ride’s technology while updating the narrative and theming.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Ride Type | Log flume |
| Height Requirement | 40 inches (102 cm) |
| Drop Height | 50 feet (15 m) |
| Seats per Vehicle | 8 (four rows of two) |
| Ride Duration | Approximately 11 minutes |
| Location (WDW) | Frontierland, Magic Kingdom |
| Location (DL) | Bayou Country (ex-Critter Country), Disneyland |
| Opening Date (WDW) | June 28, 2024 |
| Opening Date (DL) | November 15, 2024 |
| Replaces | Splash Mountain |
| Theme | Princess and the Frog (Tiana) |
| Music | Original score inspired by New Orleans jazz |
The implication: the spec sheet confirms that the ride experience is functionally unchanged — the real difference lies in the story and visual design.
Timeline
- June 25, 2020: Disney announces retheming of Splash Mountain to Princess and the Frog (Disney Tourist Blog (fan resource)).
- May 2024: Disney confirms June 28, 2024 opening for Walt Disney World (City Surfing Orlando (local Disney news)).
- June 28, 2024: Opens at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World.
- November 15, 2024: Opens at Disneyland Park, including Bayou Country rename (Disney Parks Blog (official Disney blog)).
The pattern: the rollout was staggered by nearly five months, giving Walt Disney World exclusive operation through the summer and early fall.
What We Know and What’s Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Opening dates for both parks are official (Disney sources).
- The ride replaces Splash Mountain with a new theme.
- The same ride system and track layout are retained.
- Critter Country renamed Bayou Country at Disneyland.
What’s unclear
- Exact drop height of the Disneyland version (assumed same, but unconfirmed independently).
- Future refurbishment schedules and any seasonal closures.
Official Statements
“Drop on in with Princess Tiana this summer… on June 28.”
— Disney Parks Blog, via City Surfing Orlando (local Disney news)
“Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction debuts at Disneyland Resort on November 15, 2024, bringing the story of Princess Tiana to life with a 50-foot drop and a Mardi Gras soiree.”
“Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a reimagining of Splash Mountain… featuring Imagineers, Disney Animation artists, cast members, and Louisiana artisans.”
— Disney Tourist Blog (fan resource)
“Previews and testing expected to delay Disneyland opening past September 2024.”
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has arrived at both U.S. Disney parks, replacing Splash Mountain with a fresh story that retains the beloved log flume ride. For anyone who loved the drop and the laughs, the experience remains — just with new music and a New Orleans flair. For first-time visitors, the advice is simple: bring a poncho, sit in the back, and enjoy the 50-foot plunge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure the same as Splash Mountain?
No — it is a re-theming of the same ride system with a Princess and the Frog story. The track layout, drop height, and vehicle seating are identical. (Disney Tourist Blog (fan resource))
Does Tiana’s Bayou Adventure have a height requirement?
Yes, riders must be 40 inches (102 cm) or taller. (Official Disney World Site (tier 1 source))
Can I ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure with a disability?
Disney provides accessibility options, including transfer devices and assistive listening. Check the official parks website for specifics. (Official Disney World Site (tier 1 source))
How long is the ride duration?
The ride lasts approximately 11 minutes, including loading and the final splashdown. (Disney Tourist Blog (fan resource))
Does Tiana’s Bayou Adventure have a single rider line?
Disney has not announced a single rider line for this attraction yet. Check the park’s app for real-time updates. (Official Disney World Site (tier 1 source))
Are there any age restrictions?
No specific age restriction, but riders must meet the 40-inch height requirement. Children under 7 should ride with a supervising companion. (Official Disney World Site (tier 1 source))
Do you get soaked on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
Most riders get wet, especially in the front rows. The back rows offer slightly less splash, but the final drop guarantees dampness. (Official Disney World Site (tier 1 source))
When is the best time to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to avoid long lines?
Mornings and early afternoons on weekdays typically have shorter waits. Use the park app for live wait times. (Disney Tourist Blog (fan resource))