Disney has announced the summer 2024 opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Opening Date

Disney revealed that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open on June 28, 2024.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a retheme of the former Splash Mountain ride. It uses the same ride system, though it has been overhauled both inside and out. Earlier this week, Walt Disney World revealed the attraction poster, as well as the second round of critter characters that will be present on the ride.

Splash Mountain closed permanently in January 2023 at Walt Disney World. It closed permanently at Disneyland in May 2023. The Californian version of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open “later in 2024.” Read our complete history of Splash Mountain for a look back at the classic log flume ride.

Disney says that in the upcoming attraction, guests will “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.” 

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.

Original “The Princess and the Frog” cast members are returning to voice their characters. Tiana has a new adventuring outfit which at least one audio-animatronic will sport. There will also be audio-animatronics of Louis, Charlotte, and more.

Read the official press release below.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (TBD, 2024) – “Drop on in” with Princess Tiana this summer, as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort on June 28!

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure invites guests to join beloved characters Princess Tiana, Mama Odie, Louis, and all-new friends on a thrilling adventure, all set against the music and excitement of a New Orleans celebration. This new attraction will feature dozens of Audio-Animatronics figures, a foot-tapping soundtrack, and a celebration where everyone’s welcome.

They got music, it’s always playin’

Music is at the heart of New Orleans, and guests will be tapping their toes all throughout the attraction thanks in part to adorable critters, who play instruments made of natural materials found in the bayou. Tiana’s new friends include an otter, a rabbit, a racoon, a beaver, a turtle and more. Their spirited stylings will turn the bayou into a party with Zydeco, Rara, and Afro-Cuban music authentic to the region of New Orleans. There will be new, original music alongside favorite tunes from the film, created in collaboration with award-winning artists PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard.

In addition to musical critters, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure welcomes talent voices from the film as they reprise their roles, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie, Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis, and the one and only Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana.

Grab somebody, come on down

As guests float through the cypress trees and Spanish moss of a beautiful Louisiana bayou, they may see some familiar faces as part of the dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics figures. Along with Princess Tiana, Louis and Mama Odie, keep an eye out for Eudora, Charlotte, Prince Ralphie, Prince Naveen and others. Between Disney’s iconic storytelling, technologically advanced Audio-Animatronics figures, and a thrilling 50-foot drop, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has enough fun for everyone!

As Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog” makes its home in the Crescent City, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is more stuffed with authentic NOLA artistry than Charlotte is with Tiana’s “man-catching” beignets! Artwork from Louisiana artist Malaika Favorite will delight guests as part of the queue, and guests can see an original metalwork weathervane from third-generation master blacksmith, Darryl Reeves and his apprentice, Karina Roca. New Orleans artist Sharika Mahdi’s artwork has inspired the attraction from the beginning. And, for some lagniappe (a “little extra”) guests will have a nose full of the sweet scent of beignets being kept warm in the oven – reminiscent of strolling through the French Quarter – as part of the attraction queue.

Dreams do come true in New Orleans

The heart of Tiana’s story reminds guests that everyone has the potential to make their dreams a reality. With teams of Imagineers, Disney Animation artists, cast members and Louisiana artisans working together, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is sure to pass a good time when it opens at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida on June 28, 2024, and later in 2024 at Disneyland Park in California!

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Let me tell you something. I like to sleep in. I like soft beds, dark rooms, and warm drinks. Do you know what I don’t like? Alarm clocks. Crowds. Rushing around. General chaos. ESPECIALLY on vacation. But when you’re spending all that money on Magic Kingdom park tickets, is it really right to snooze through valuable park time?

I’m not a morning person

If you hate chaotic mornings in Magic Kingdom but still want to make the most of your time in Disney World, you’re not alone. Sure, lots of people love to rope-drop the parks at the crack of dawn, but not everyone enjoys a busy morning. What can you do instead? Plenty! (And none of it requires a 6AM alarm!)

When you’re in a frantic rush to get to the bus stop in time to rope-drop Magic Kingdom, you might not have time to stop for breakfast. But take it from us. That is a CRIME! Disney has some really good breakfast options you might miss if you run out the door.

1900 Park Fare breakfast is elite

Tonga Toast from Captain Cook’s at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, for example? Well worth your time! And good news — Capt. Cook’s serves breakfast until 11AM, so you have plenty of time to sleep in.

Kona Cafe’s Tonga Toast with Strawberry Sauce

But there are plenty of other spots we recommend for breakfast, too! Steakhouse 71 has an excellent breakfast, and after your meal, you can take a leisurely walk right over to the Magic Kingdom entrance. Yep, you read that right. WALK. It doesn’t get any easier than this, people. Why race to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train first thing in the morning when you can enjoy all this warm, savory food instead? This is vacationing in style.

Just look at that spread!

If you’re looking for food recommendations, we love Steakhouse 71’s Walt’s Prime Rib Hash, which is seared prime rib, fried potatoes, carmelized onions and peppers, and topped with a fried egg. This is the way to start your morning!

REVIEW: We Found the Ultimate Disney World Breakfast for Picky Eaters

OK, so maybe you’re not a breakfast person, either. Fair enough. You could always sleep in, hit the pool, and then travel to Magic Kingdom in the late afternoon. The good news about this plan is that the line for the bus to Magic Kingdom is typically SUPER short after the initial rush of rope-drop crowds passes through.

Hippy Dippy Pool at Pop Century

Plus, the pool is typically less crowded in the morning, so if you’re looking for some quiet time at the pool, go in the morning. Hey, we love those enthusiastic Cast Members in charge of pool activities, but sometimes, we just want to read our book by the pool in peace and quiet.

Uzima Pool

Speaking of peace and quiet, there’s another hangout spot we frequent during our mornings in Disney World. If you, like us, love a cozy cafe, look no further than Le Petit Cafe at Disney’s Riviera Resort. This place is the best!

Le Petit Cafe

Not only do they serve some great coffee and chai lattes, but there’s also a little lounge right next door with plenty of seating. Admittedly, we’re a little nervous about giving up this information (this is our go-to hangout spot!), but we can’t gatekeep it. Enjoy it, and thank us later!

Pumpkin Napoleon

Seriously, though, the Voyageurs’ Lounge next door is a great place to visit before you head off to the Magic Kingdom for a busy day at the park. It’s dark, quiet, and packed with vintage Disney details we could admire all day.

Voyageurs’ Lounge

OK, so we should probably talk about actually getting to Magic Kingdom, since you did pay for those park tickets. In our experience, the calmest, breeziest way to get to Magic Kingdom is via boat. We like the ferry boat since it is big, slow, and holds a lot of people.

So pretty

Unlike the monorail, which packs a lot of people in a small space, the ferry is open-air and gives you plenty of space to move about as you like. Remember, we like it niiiice and easy around here. This is a calm, relaxing way to start your morning. Trust us.

Behold!

Ideally, we recommend avoiding the Transportation and Ticket Center early in the morning altogether if you can. The crowds can be pretty intense around park opening, and being stuck in a long, cranky crowd of people at 7AM is NOT a very magical start to your day.

Oh no!

Will you miss out on super short Magic Kingdom wait times if you sleep in? Yes, probably. But is waking up early worth it? That’s up to you! Ultimately, we like to protect our peace with an easy morning. Those rides will still be there in a few hours, right? In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more.

8 Places You Should NEVER Propose in Disney World 

How do you like to start your day in Disney World? Let us know in the comments!

The post I Hate Chaotic Mornings in Magic Kingdom. Here’s What I Do Instead. first appeared on the disney food blog.

Disney has teased an announcement about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure coming tonight, May 12, on the newest episode of “American Idol.”

The episode is themed with the contestants performing Disney music and footage having been filmed at the parks for the occasion.

But the magic doesn’t end there! This Sunday’s “Disney Night” episode of “American Idol” promises even more enchantment. Renowned actress and singer Jenifer Lewis, the voice of Mama Odie in the upcoming new attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, opening this summer at Walt Disney World, will grace the stage with a performance of “Dig a Little Deeper” from Disney Animation’s “The Princess and the Frog.” Eight-time Grammy winner Terrance Blanchard, a featured musician in the film and collaborator on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, will accompany Jenifer on the trumpet. It’s a #DisneyNight celebration you won’t want to miss. 

The episode airs tonight, May 12, at 8 p.m. ET.

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Work continues on the Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, Phineas and Ferb will meet guests at H20 Glow, and a new Country Bear Jamboree pin arrived — all this and more in today’s daily recap for Saturday, May 11, 2024.

Walt Disney World

Magic Kingdom

• During the ongoing refurbishment of Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom, crews have done some work on the patio pavement where caricature artists work.

EPCOT

• Since the Stave Church Gallery refurbishment began in March, about half of the removed shingles have been replaced on the EPCOT building.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

• As construction continues on Walt Disney World’s new Disney Vacation Club tower — Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows — crews are also adding new decorative elements to nearby Polynesian Village Resort buildings.

New Merchandise

• The newest pin in the Walt Disney World Parades series is inspired by the Country Bear Jamboree.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom has new mugs, apparel, and a Na’vi translator inspired by Pandora – The World of Avatar.
• D-Tech’s MaDe kiosks at Walt Disney World now offer wall signs.
• A new black Walt Disney World Spirit Jersey is available.
• Disneyland Resort has a new red, white, and blue Captain America Spirit Jersey — perfect for the 4th of July in two months.
• Several new items inspired by Marvel’s Avengers, including Captain America and Spider-Man, have arrived at Walt Disney World.

Other Walt Disney World News

• Phineas and Ferb will be greeting guests at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon during H2O Glow, a special separately ticketed event this summer.

Disneyland Resort

• Following the completion of facade work on the fire house and City Hall, the refurbishment work has now moved on down Main Street, U. S. A. at Disneyland.

Entertainment and Media

• Sigourney Weaver is reportedly in discussions to join the cast of “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” according to Deadline.

That’s it for today; we hope you enjoyed this Daily Recap. Thanks for stopping by, and we’ll see you tomorrow!

The post More Progress Underway on Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows & More: Daily Recap (5/11/24) appeared first on WDW News Today.

Sigourney Weaver is reportedly in discussions to join the cast of “The Mandalorian & Grogu,” according to Deadline.

“The Mandalorian & Grogu” was announced earlier this year by Disney and Lucas Film and is expected to hit theaters on May 22, 2026. The movie is set to follow the titular Mandalorian, Din Djarin, and his adopted son, Grogu, who were first introduced in 2019 in the Disney+ original series.

The cast has not been confirmed, but Pedro Pascal and the Emmy award winning stunt team are expected to return as Din Djarin. Other rumored returning cast members include Emily Swallow as the armorer, Katee Sackhoff as Bo Katan Kryze, and Paul Sun-Hyung Lee as New Republic Pilot Carson Teva.

It’s unknown what role Weaver is being considered for. “The Mandalorian & Grogu” begins production on June 17, 2024.

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