Your TL;DR Guide to Disneyland (California)
TL;DR: Opening November 15, 2024, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaces Disneyland’s Splash Mountain. With a familiar feel but fresh design, guests can expect an immersive ride through Tiana’s world. Expect more intense splashes and drops – it’s worth bringing some extra socks or a poncho.
- About the New Attraction
- The Concept of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
- What’s Different in the New Ride
- What to Bring – Planning for Your Ride
- Conclusion: Does it Live Up to the Hype?
- From the blog
About the New Attraction
One of Disneyland’s most famous attractions was the beloved Splash Mountain. Based (infamously) off Song of the South, the ride was definitely controversial.
In ride design, the attraction was fantastic, but its roots made this Disneyland staple the subject of raised eyebrows and questions as to WHEN the Park would revamp the theme.
And finally, in 2024, it looks like that question is ready to be answered.
After being closed since May of 2023, the new and improved Tiana’s Bayou Adventure features the same beloved thrill of the original ride, with an upgraded design and some additional twists and turns.
I had the chance to test out the ride before its official opening on November 15th, and here is what you can expect!
Related: Is Disneyland’s Carthay Circle worth the price tag?
But First, a Brief Video Tour
The Concept of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The overall set-up of the ride is similar to Splash Mountain.
Like the previous ride, guests are guided to the familiar logs, where they then go on a series of twists, turns, and drops.
This time, however, we as riders are being recruited by Tiana, who asks us to venture out and find some creatures to play in a band at her party.
With some help from Mama Odie, we go down and enter the bayou – which was formerly the “Laughing Place.”
We find some creatures and return for the celebration at Tiana’s restaurant.
While I’m sure someone can (and probably has already) explain the specific technical differences, I (as a layman) felt the overall experience was pretty similar.
What’s Different in the New Ride
There were two big differences I noticed (aside from the new concept) that enhance the overall experience.
First, there is a sweet beignet smell towards the end of the ride, which adds a nice special touch that makes everything more immersive.
And secondly, the drops were more intense.
Everyone said the new ride was much splashier than Splash Mountain – but nothing could have prepared me for what exactly that meant.
By the end of the ride – three drops later – I was utterly soaked. It’s not an exaggeration to say I would have been just as drenched if I had jumped in the water and swam around.
In fact, my phone ended up so waterlogged, I couldn’t charge it for a few hours until it all the water had drained out.
Granted, I did sit in the front and was able to capture some videos for you all. And luckily, my phone ended up just fine – but know I was willing to sacrifice it for you!
What to Bring – Planning for Your Ride
Now, I’m not sure if the amount of water I was dunked with is the norm- I have a hard time believing that’s what was supposed to happen since they had to dump some water out of our log before the next group boarded.
Even still, the general consensus is the new ride has more splash than before.
So, next time, I’d bring a jacket and second pair of socks to change into. And while a poncho wouldn’t have stopped the onslaught of water, it would have helped mitigate its impact.
My bag also was soaked through, so next time, I’d bring something a little more water resistant or make sure my more water-sensitive items were wrapped up in something and put in an inner pocket.
Like I said above, my phone also got wet since it was out of my pocket (please use a wrist strap – we don’t want flying phones!) so a waterproof case would also be nice. But an even better option is to keep it tucked away inside a bag.
Conclusion: Does it Live Up to the Hype?
Yes – I would definitely ride again! The attraction had all the thrill of the previous version with an even better concept. I just might need to waterproof myself a little bit better next time…
Are you looking forward to the new attraction? What Disney characters would you like to see get a new ride at the parks?
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