Earlier this week, Disney announced that Tiana's Bayou Adventure, formerly known as Splash Mountain, will open to the general public on June 28th.
The long-awaited re-theme is based on Walt Disney Pictures' 2009 animated musical and follows Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis "on a new adventure through a shimmering bayou as they prepare for a spirited celebration during Mardi Gras season."
"Along the way, you’ll see familiar faces and make new friends as you’re brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s inspiring story," Disney teases.
In the grand scheme of things, Tiana's Bayou Adventure is by and large the same attraction as Splash Mountain but with a less controversial theme. The animatronics are much-improved as is the overall aesthetic of the ride itself, but the experience -- especially the 50 foot drop at the end - is largely unchanged.
Still, there's immense hype surrounding the grand opening of Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Disney has already confirmed the attraction will open using its Virtual Queue system, which has become the norm for any major new attraction's opening. There will also be Lightning Lane available for purchase for those who don't get a spot in the Virtual Queue.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure Passholder Preview dates announced
If you're an Walt Disney World Annual Passholder though, you'll have to opportunity to ride Tiana's Bayou Adventure before its official opening. Disney confirmed Passholder previews will take place next month, shortly before the attraction's grand opening to the public.
The specific Passholder preview dates are: June 13, 14, 16, 17, 18 & 20.
Like the general opening later in the month, the Passholder preview will also operate using the Virtual Queue.
For those unfamiliar with how it works, you'll need to first make a park reservation for Magic Kingdom Park on a preview date. You'll then have the opportunity to join the 7:00 a.m. virtual queue for that day. You can also make a park reservation to any theme park on a preview date to have the opportunity to join the 1 p.m. virtual queue.
Disney also notes that you'll be able to hold a virtual queue for either TRON Lightcycle / Run or Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at the same time as your Tiana's Bayou Adventure Passholder Preview. However, this is a perk only being offered during Passholder preview dates.
Does this mean Disney will lift the Virtual Queues for these other two attractions when Tiana's Bayou Adventure opens? Or will guests have to pick and choose which Virtual Queue attraction they'll want to sign up for?