The façade of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is turning a darker shade of green each day as moss is added to cover red clay and a Br’er Rabbit fixture is still holding on while construction continues.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Construction
We had a bright day and a blue sky to give us some clear looks at the transformation of Splash Mountain into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom.
Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom closed in January to become the re-themed attraction. Construction walls and a new water tower advertise “Tiana’s Foods,” the fictional co-op founded by Tiana after the events of “The Princess and the Frog.” The co-op is located in an old salt mine, which guests will visit during the course of the new ride.
At the top of the mountain near the ride’s drop, there are umbrellas set up to shade construction crews from the unforgiving Florida sun.
The moss that is being added to the facade of the mountain seems to be growing, turning the mountain a darker shade of green with each passing day.
Moss can even be seen creeping up the supports for Tiana’s water tower.
The exterior loop that follows the ride’s climactic drop is still covered, with wooden planks for crews to cross over.
One crossing point is clearly marked “no step” to keep workers from walking there.
Scrim has been added in the tunnel that immediately follows the drop.
The most activity we spotted today was above the Walt Disney World Railroad tunnel on the side of the mountain near the queue.
Much of the queue pathway has been torn up to be replaced.
Despite construction, guests can still go behind the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure queue to access the restrooms and Splash Mountain pressed penny machine.
Last week, the barn in the queue was repainted yellow.
Br’er Rabbit is still sitting safely atop the barn’s weathervane. Crews have made several trips to the top of this roof, but he is still standing. It is certainly within the realm of possibility that he could remain permanently as an Easter egg that gives a nod to Splash Mountain. Tiana will be visiting some critters similar to Br’er Rabbit and co. during Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, so he’s not entirely out of place.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
During Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Tiana, Naveen, and Louis venture into the bayou to find animal friends as they prepare for a special Mardi Gras celebration. The ride will feature 17 new characters, including Prince Naveen’s younger brother, Ralphie. There will be multiple Tiana audio-animatronics, and she has a new adventuring outfit.
The scene depicted in the above concept art is “the thrilling moment you first drop into the bayou and encounter some friends both new and familiar.” Louis and a band of animals will be playing zydeco music, a blend of rhythm and blues that was created in Louisiana. The band of animal friends includes an otter, a rabbit, a raccoon, a beaver, and a turtle playing instruments made from natural bayou elements.
Award-winning artists PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard will arrange the queue and attraction music with a mix of songs from “The Princess and the Frog,” New Orleans classics, and original compositions. The scent of beignets will also be pumped throughout the queue.
Most of the original cast is providing their voice talent to the attraction, including Anika Noni Rose (Tiana), Bruno Campos (Naveen), Michael Leon Wooley (Louis), and Jennifer Lewis (Mama Odie). The above concept art shows Mama Odie in the crow’s nest of her home surrounded by glowing bottles.
What are your thoughts on this overhaul and transformation of the former Splash Mountain? Let us know in the comments.
For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The post PHOTOS: Br’er Rabbit Weathervane Holding On, Green Moss Spreading at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom appeared first on WDW News Today.