Exclusive: Disney Issues Warning of Upcoming Demolition at Magic Kingdom

We are almost there when it comes to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and with the new poster reveal today, Disney may have just leaked another major reveal, and it is not one that all guests are going to enjoy.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be sailing into Frontierland this summer, and today, we just got further confirmation on what the new attraction’s presence will mean for the land.

On January 23, 2023, and May 31, 2023, both versions of Splash Mountain closed permanently. Shortly afterward, construction walls were erected to facilitate Disney’s transformation of the beloved attraction into a new experience set in the bayou. While Splash Mountain had long been a favorite among theme park guests, Disney faced criticism when it announced the closure, largely due to the attraction’s ties to the Song of the South IP.

This film, now considered controversial for its racially insensitive themes, served as the inspiration for Splash Mountain. Despite the ride’s focus on whimsical characters like Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Bear, and Br’er Fox, its underlying narrative was problematic. Disney has since acknowledged its past missteps in terms of diversity and cultural representation, pledging to take proactive steps toward greater inclusion and sensitivity.

While Slash Mountain ran its course, its theme fit in well with Frontierland, whereas Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is not as well of a fit, which has led to rumors of New Orleans Square coming to Magic Kingdom, just like Disneyland. Today’s poster may have just confirmed that.

Today, we saw the new attraction poster, as we can see below in the X post by reporter Scott Gustin:

NEW: Disney has revealed the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction poster that will appear at Walt Disney World. It features Tiana and other characters that will appear as Audio-Animatronics figures throughout the ride.

NEW: Disney has revealed the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction poster that will appear at Walt Disney World. It features Tiana and other characters that will appear as Audio-Animatronics figures throughout the ride. pic.twitter.com/c7luRhgibC

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 2, 2024

When the poster is expanded, we know that the building on the left is the original Tiana’s Palace, as we know from the movie, but on the right, there is a building that we do not recognize right away, aside from the water tower that we know is a part of the ride.

When we look at both the building on the right as well as the facade of Peco’s Bill, the dining location right next to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, it fits the shadow’s frame quite perfectly.

There has already been rumors of Peco’s Bill turning into Tiana’s Palace, and now, this new artwork seems to prove that narrative further.

As we shared in the past, Brayden, creator of Mickey Views, has been sharing his belief that Frontierland will become, in part, New Orleans Square and now, doubled down on that belief with this recent tease. The Disney creator stated that this is “not speculation”; however, his sources are not mentioned.

The “more announcements” teased for Frontierland are closing Pecos Bills for Tiana Restaurant and, if they ever get money, building something desert-ish behind Big Thunder so they can rope it into a new land and remove the Frontierland theme from the existing street. Not speculation.

Brayden continued, “If they don’t secure the necessary resources and approvals to remove Frontierland in its entirety like they want to, at the very least we should see Disney create a New Orleans area consisting of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and what is currently Pecos Bills.”

Disney does clone a lot of their attractions between Disneyland and Walt Disney World, so it would not be too shocking to see a second Tiana’s Palace join Frontierland by taking out and replacing Peco’s Bill, and with the water tower in the poster right next to the restaurant, it hints that this new Tiana’s Palace would have that water tower right next to it, just as Peco’s Bill does now.

Related: BREAKING: Disney World To Announce Major Overhaul

When it comes to Beyond Big Thunder, Brayden had this to say, “I don’t know if there even is a current plan for Beyond Big Thunder given under the current WDW President Jeff Vahle and Chairman Josh D’Amaro there is no expansion happening they’re way too cheap. But building something Southwestern back, there was the plan *if* they had money”

Speculation suggests that Frontierland may be divided, with Country Bear Jamboree and Big Thunder Mountain remaining, while a new New Orleans Square emerges from Peco’s Bill to Adventureland. This theoretical division would potentially make room for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to seamlessly integrate into the park and allow for Magic Kingdom’s expansion without physically expanding its footprint.

While this remains speculative, it presents an opportunity for Disney to enhance the park’s offerings. However, any expansion may face challenges, particularly regarding the potential impact on existing attractions and future plans. The proposed growth may also intersect with plans for the villains’ section of the park.

Disney CEO Bob Iger has outlined a significant investment plan for the parks and Disney Cruise Line over the next decade, with $60 billion allocated for enhancements. It is hoped that this investment will include the expansion of Magic Kingdom, although specific details remain to be seen. Many fans are hoping to hear more about the possible expansions this summer at the D23 Expo.

What do you think of Peco’s Bill turning into Tiana’s Palace?

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