CONFIRMED: Splash Mountain at Disneyland to Close Forever in May 2023

Rumors first reported on WDWNT.com of Splash Mountain’s closure at Disneyland have been confirmed and the ride will cease operation in May 2023.

The final day of operation for Splash Mountain at Disneyland will be May 6, 2023, with the ride closed to guests on May 7.

Disney confirmed the attraction will close this year to make way for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which is slated to open in 2024. The Magic Kingdom version is already closed, and work is underway.

Splash Mountain opened at Disneyland on Monday, July 17, 1989, in the newly renamed Critter Country. Actor Jim Varney (known popularly as Ernest) and twelve celebrity children join Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Eisner, Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, and Mickey Mouse in turning on the water pump to create a big splash. It cost approximately $75 million and recycled animal audio animatronics from America Sings.

Check out our complete history of Splash Mountain at Disney Parks around the world for more on the attraction’s development.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

The attraction takes place after the events of “The Princess and the Frog.” Tiana’s Foods is an employee-owned community food co-op established by Tiana in 1927, following the success of her restaurant, Tiana’s Palace. The co-op is housed inside a salt mine, with growers planting crops along the old Splash Mountain waterway. Guests will ascend through a mill house built into the side of the mountain.

Tiana’s Palace will replace the French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square. Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets, a shop featuring “The Princess and the Frog” merchandise as well as New Orleans-related items, is already open.

According to the model pictured above, the iconic tree will be removed from atop the ride. Not only that, the boat stuck in the tree that was in the original concept art for Tiana’s attraction is also gone, because it doesn’t fit the new backstory. There are also no thorns, of course, and some extra landscaping makes it look “more” like a Louisiana bayou.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure concept art featuring Louis, Tiana, and animal band

The attraction will follow Tiana venturing into the bayou to find animal friends. She’s hosting a party for the people of New Orleans, but it’s missing a special ingredient. Some of the original cast will be providing their voices to the attraction, including Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), Bruno Campos (Naveen), Michael Leon Wooley (Louis), and Jennifer Lewis (Mama Odie).

Read more details about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure:

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