Current Status of Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World
As of late 2024, Splash Mountain is no longer operating at Walt Disney World. The classic log flume closed permanently on May 31, 2023, to make way for a new themed attraction. The replacement, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is currently under construction in the Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland and is scheduled to open in 2025. This status clarification is consistent across Disney’s official channels and third-party theme park tracking sites.
Official Closure Timeline
Disney announced in July 2020 that Splash Mountain would be reimagined based on the film The Princess and the Frog. The final operational day for Splash Mountain was May 31, 2023. Shortly thereafter, construction fencing and signage for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure became visible. Below is a concise timeline of key dates and events.
Key Milestones for the Transition
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| July 2020 | Announcement of reimagining | Signals strategic shift to new IP-based attraction |
| May 31, 2023 | Splash Mountain closure | Final operating day; start of physical transition |
| 2023–2024 | Construction of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure | Infrastructure, show elements, and themed landscaping installed |
| 2025 | Planned opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure | New guest experience set to debut in Frontierland |
What to Expect: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will draw heavily from The Princess and the Frog and Louisiana bayou culture. Early reports and Disney previews indicate interactive elements, new Audio-Animatronics, and a soundtrack featuring original and familiar songs. The attraction will retain the beloved storytelling and humor while introducing fresh perspectives and technical enhancements.
- Themed environments inspired by New Orleans and bayou ecosystems.
- Technology upgrades for improved ride experience and accessibility.
- Dining and merchandise nearby that lean into the film’s culture and cuisine.
Planning Your Visit After the Closure
Guests visiting Magic Kingdom in 2024 and 2025 should note the absence of Splash Mountain in Frontierland. While the show building is enclosed and the area is partially active, the new attraction is not yet open. When it opens, it is expected to become a flagship experience in the land. For current itineraries, allocate time to the nearby attractions and anticipate updated crowd patterns once Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuts.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Because the transition involves a major retheme, guests often have practical questions about availability, design, and logistics. Addressing these points helps reduce confusion and sets accurate expectations.
- Is the original show building being reused? Parts of the structure and infrastructure are being repurposed, but the show scene and mountain are redesigned.
- Will there be a preview or test footage released? Disney typically shares limited construction updates; rely on official announcements for verified details.
- Are there accessible boarding options? The new attraction is planned to include improved accessibility features.
- How does this affect FastPass or Genie+ selections? Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will integrate into the existing reservation system upon opening.
- What happens to existing Splash Mountain merchandise? Some items may be retired, while others remain available until stock transitions.
Reliable Sources and Verification
Information in this status clarifier is drawn from Disney official announcements, corporate earnings reports, and reputable theme park news and tracking organizations. Cross-referencing these sources helps distinguish confirmed facts from speculation. Below is a summary of how we classify source reliability for this topic.
| Source Type | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Disney Parks Blog | Announces attraction changes and timelines | Direct, authoritative |
| Earnings Reports | Capital allocation and project status | Financial, high credibility |
| Authorized Trade Publications | Construction updates and opening estimates | Industry vetted, corroboration expected |
| Park Tracker Databases | closure dates, show building usageCrowdsourced but cross-checked |
Conclusion and Forward Outlook
Splash Mountain is permanently closed at Walt Disney World, and its successor, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is in active preparation with a 2025 opening target. For guests, this means planning around a temporary gap in Frontierland attractions and anticipating a new, story-rich experience aligned with modern theming standards. Staying on official communication channels will provide the most reliable path as construction progresses and the opening date approaches.