Ahead of Mardi Gras this Tuesday, we have what will likely be a final look at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure before an expected big announcement from Disney. It seems like Mardi Gras would be the perfect time for Disney to announce an opening date for the Walt Disney World version of the attraction or at least an opening season. Disney hasn’t used “Late 2024” in marketing materials since all the way back in 2022 (no, it’s not a recent change), so it’s very likely that we see the attraction open on or before October 1, 2024, with a summer opening for the popular water ride very likely.
We’ll try to provide as robust an update as possible, with a focus on the front of the facade and some outdoor queue work. Our first photo is from the Liberty Square area, looking toward the attraction across the Rivers of America.
From the streets of Frontierland, we can see the lush salt dome beyond the Peco’s Bill quick-service restaurant. There has been a decent amount of scaffolding removed from the front of the attraction and the mill house, but there is still a bit of work to be done.
Our last update focused on the first bit of moss added to the mill house, and with the scaffolding removed from the roof, it would suggest that the theming work has been completed for anything that’s not within reach of the existing scaffolding.
With the removal of the scaffolding, we have a much better look at the weathervane on top of the mill house. This weathervane was handcrafted by Louisiana’s master blacksmith, Darryl Reeves.
The north side of the mill house has some moss on it as well.
Looking back at the attraction model shown off at the 2022 D23 Expo, we can see that there is going to be quite a bit of foliage along the fascia. In the second photo below, we can see that the work to decorate the front of the mill house is underway. Scaffolding remains in place to allow for the completion of that part of the facade theming.
Before we take a look at the top of the salt dome and the lush theming featured on most of the attraction, we’re surprised to see that the south side of the attraction still very much has the Splash Mountain look to it. While the current theming follows the look seen in the model, it is rather striking in person. First, here’s a look at the model.
And here’s a series of increasingly more zoomed-in photos of the attraction as seen recently.
In contrast, here’s a look at some of the facade that has received theming.
Even some sections that are barely in view like the roof of the former Briar Patch gift shop has been green-ified.
Here’s a peek over the construction wall at the overlook where so many families will stand and watch logs barreling down the iconic 52.5′ drop. Of course, there is still theming work to be completed, and the pool flooded again, but this gives you an idea of what it will look like when completed.
Here’s a look back at what it used to look like when the attraction was Splash Moutain.
Finally, here’s a look at the drop and it looks like even more bottles have been installed for what is expected to be the Mama Odie “Dig a Little Deeper” scene as the boats go up the lift hill.
Here’s a look at concept art previously released by Disney of the Mama Odie scene (presumably at the bottom of the lift hill). The second photo below shows what the area in question looked like when the attraction was Splash Mountain.
Making our way onto the other part of the work that’s easily visible to guests is the outdoor queue. There has been a considerable amount of pavement work, but in terms of the queue itself, the layout doesn’t appear to have changed too much yet. Of course, the big change is the yellow barn that we learned is going to be the main office for Tiana’s Foods. Here’s a look at the front of the attraction from the walkway that leads to the reopened Frontierland restrooms.
In the photo below, you can see that the Walt Disney World Railroad offers a great look down into the construction zone. We head there next!
Before we board the train, here’s a look into what will likely be the entrance to the attraction.
As we wait for the train, here’s a look at the barn and some work underway on a portion of the former Splash Mountain queue that looked into the Frontierland train station.
With the Walter E. Disney locomotive in the station, we were able to choose a seat that offered a wonderful look into the construction zone.
For a full look at everything we know about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, check out our article below!
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!