Tag: magic kingdom

Here’s what it will look like after Tiana’s Bayou Adventure retheming

Disney announces Splash Mountain closing date at Magic Kingdom

Walt Disney World has announced the official closing date for its Splash Mountain ride before it gets reimagined as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida will soon close to be reimagined as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which will be themed around the popular animated 2009 film “The Princess and the Frog.”

On Friday, Disney announced that Splash Mountain will officially be closed on Jan. 23, 2023 to undergo the transformation. That means if you want one last ride, the last day to hop on ‘Splash’ will be Jan. 22, 2023. 

As the company prepares for the transition, a new rendering has been released of what guests can expect from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, including new characters specifically created for the rethemed attraction.

“In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you’ll 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,” Disney Parks Blog reported. “This new scene is the thrilling moment you first drop into the bayou and encounter some friends both new and familiar.” 

The photo shows riders floating down the river in a log boat – similar to what is used on Splash Mountain currently. Fireflies light up the night sky and appear to lead riders deeper into the bayou as they encounter adorable animals – and of course Tiana – along the way. To enhance the atmosphere, the sounds of zydeco music will fill the air, which is a special blend of rhythm and blues that was born in Louisiana. Disney Parks Blog says “when you hear it, you’ll feel like you’ve truly stepped into Tiana’s world.”

Several critters will make up the band, including an otter,

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‘I Asked A Disney Insider For Their Best Travel Hacks And Secrets’

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You may not have won the Super Bowl, but you are going to Disney World! You’ve bought your tickets, made your park reservations, and begun your official countdown to magic hour, a.k.a. the moment you first spot Cinderella Castle. You’ve got the big stuff checked off your to-do list, but if you haven’t been to the parks since you were a kid or even in just the last few years, it can seem daunting to plan a vacation that lives up to your Disney fairytale dreams.

With so much to do and see (and eat) in each park, fitting in everything you and your theme park posse want to do in one day can be as stressful as trying to leave the ball before your carriage turns back into a pumpkin.

Luckily, Women’s Health partnered with a fairy godmother who knows the Walt Disney World resort like the back of her metaphorical wand. PlanDisney panelist Bryanna B. shared the inside scoop on how to prepare for your trip to Disney World, how to navigate the parks, and how to stay healthy and happy while hopping from ride to parade to show—and all the pixie dust in between.

1. Virtually pre-visit the parks with the My Disney Experience app.

A few weeks prior to your trip, download the My Disney Experience mobile app and double check that your tickets are ready to go and park reservations align with your desired dates. “That is like having all of Disney World in your hand,” says Bryanna. “You can see park maps, wait times, everything.”

If it’s been a minute since your last visit, take some time to scan the park maps so you don’t waste time

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Can you hit them all on your next visit?

Walt Disney World guests don’t need a fancy camera or paid Memory Maker photo package for fantastic photos.

Disney PhotoPasses photographers will gladly take photos on guests’ cameras and cellphones for free, upon request. Fellow guests can also help snap group photos in a pinch. And there are always selfies, which are especially fun with free Disney PhotoPass Lens filters on the My Disney Experience app.

The important thing is knowing where to capture the magic, away from crowds. Here are 16 of the best locations for photos across Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Florida.

Confessions of an ex-Disney princess: What it’s really like and what guests don’t know

Daunted by Disney World?: 10 tips to keep the magic in your vacation

Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle

Cinderella Castle is framed in an archway at Magic Kingdom.

Cinderella Castle is framed in an archway at Magic Kingdom.

Many people stop along Main Street U.S.A. for a photo of Magic Kingdom’s signature Cinderella Castle. Keep going.

Just past the Partners Statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse, guests will see two sets of archways. The interactive map on Disney World’s website identifies them as Central Plaza East and West Gazebos.

The arches beautifully frame guests standing against the columns, with the castle in the background.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Fans of Dumbo the Flying Elephant can step right up for this photo op in the Storybook Circus section of Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom.

Fans of Dumbo the Flying Elephant can step right up for this photo op in the Storybook Circus section of Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.

Dumbo the Flying Elephant delights kids of all ages in Storybook Circus.

The attraction is particularly popular among families with young children because there is an air-conditioned play area along the queue for the ride.

Guests don’t have to ride Dumbo, however, for this photo opportunity just outside the big top.

The Purple Wall

It’s easy to miss this highly

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