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Disney World Abruptly Closes Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Guests Trapped for Over an Hour

Guests dangle over a hill on Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Credit: @wdw.blog via TikTok

A Walt Disney World Resort guest recently shared their experience of getting stuck on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure for over an hour. The temporary closure left Magic Kingdom Park guests stranded mid-ride, dangling atop one of the attraction’s hills.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: A New Era for Splash Mountain

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuted at Walt Disney World Resort earlier this year, with Disneyland Resort’s version following shortly after. The reimagining of the beloved Splash Mountain features advanced audio-animatronics inspired by Disney’s The Princess and the Frog (2009). The ride transforms guests into part of the story, joining Princess Tiana on her journey through the bayou.

A group of people approaching the highest Tiana's Bayou Adventure drop.

Credit: Disney

However, despite its cutting-edge technology, the Splash Mountain retheme has faced challenges since opening. Previews for Disney cast members and Annual Passholders were plagued by technical issues and lengthy downtimes. While the attraction has become more reliable in recent months, occasional breakdowns continue.

A Ride Breakdown in Frontierland

Recently, TikTok user @wdw.blog documented their unexpected hour-long wait atop one of the ride’s hills:

@wdw.blog

Being stuck on tianas for over an hour. At least we were in the shade ans got an experience pass to come back and ride later in the day. #waltdisneyworld #disneyworld #magickingdom #tianasbayouadventure #ridemalfunction

♬ original sound – WDW Blog

“Being stuck on Tianas for over an hour,” they captioned the post. “At least we were in the shade.”

Guests stranded on the Frontierland attraction were eventually removed by Disney cast members, though it’s unclear if they completed the ride or were evacuated. Each guest received a multi-experience Lightning Lane pass, which they could use on another attraction or to return to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure later in the day.

Why Did Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Break Down?

An animated character with curly hair smiles and holds one hand up, reminiscent of Tiana's Bayou Adventure. They are wearing a light green jacket and a colorful shirt with embroidery. The blurred, dark background suggests an indoor setting.

Credit: Disney

The exact cause of the ride’s closure remains unclear. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure uses the same log flume mechanics as Splash Mountain, which operated at Magic Kingdom Park for decades. Integrating advanced animatronics into the older system may have contributed to the technical difficulties.

At the time of this article’s publication, the Frontierland ride had reopened and was operating as usual. However, brief periods of downtime remain a challenge for the attraction.

What’s the longest time you’ve spent stuck on a Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort attraction? Let Disney Tips know in the comments! 

About Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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