We are getting closer and closer to the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disney World — we think.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disney World
Disney has shared that the ride will be opening this summer, but an official date hasn’t been announced just yet. BUT, we recently learned exciting details about new characters coming to the ride, and we think Disney may have sent us a hidden message within the news. Buckle up, you’re in for a wild (and speculative) ride!
Disney recently shared a behind-the-scenes look at the new Critter Band featured in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! There will be Byalia the Beaver, Beau the Opossum, Gritty the Rabbit, Apollo the Raccoon, Rufus the Turtle, and Timoleon the Otter. Disney also shared some new concept art of each of the animals — but it’s what’s hidden within that concept art that caught our eye!
©Disney
First of all, we can’t get over how fun this group of swamp critters looks and we’re hoping for some seriously sweet tunes from them! But, pay close attention to Gritty the Rabbit over on the bottom left — see what’s in Gritty’s hand? Instead of playing the washboard, it looks like Gritty has taken up playing the license plate — a new one for us.
©Disney
It doesn’t look like any old license plate either — it appears to say “LA23 52872.” We don’t think Disney does things randomly — in fact, we’ve seen them do it before. Before TRON Lightcycle / Run opening in Magic Kingdom in 2023, Disney teased the opening date with a series of cryptic videos and numbers.
In this scenario, we think the LA is obvious — it’s the state abbreviation for Louisiana, where New Orleans and this story take place. The 23 could be for 2023, the year this merry band of Critters was perhaps named?
©Disney
Now, stay with us. We think the 52872 could be for an opening date or preview announcement on 5/28 (May 28th) and even possibly an opening date of 7/2 (July 2nd). Of course, Disney hasn’t made any sort of announcements or confirmed that this even is a hidden detail, but it’s something to keep an eye on for sure!
©Disney
What do you think Disney’s cryptic hints could mean? Anything? Or nothing at all? Either way, you can be sure we’ll be keeping up with the latest news on Tiana’s and more in Disney World, so stay tuned to DFB!
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Soft opening 5/28. Official opening 7/2?
The “LA 23” on the license plate should actually be a reference to the year that the the Disney Brother’s Cartoon Studio was founded.
The Black plate with “LA 23” on the left was the license plate design in 1923 in Louisiana.
In other words, or Disney speak, it’s open when you can actually walk through the gate and get on the ride!
Never count on anything for a firm date with Disney.
I am looking forward to this attraction. I hope they have addressed the earlier concerns about it being boring. I know — bringing back Splash Mountain is too much to ask along with giving Tiana her own, original themed attraction.
After some sleuthing – in addition to the Louisiana Plates circa 1923, I have some ideas on the other dates.
May 28th is when the precursor to Splash Mountain, Disneyland’s Mine Train Through Nature’s Wonderland opened – featuring over 200 Audio-Animatronic animals that were later repurposed for Splash and some are being repurposed for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. And 1972 is Anika Noni Rose’s birth year. She’s the voice of Tiana.
I hope it has something to do with SM or there’s some Easter eggs for us. It would be nice to have SOMETHING since they are truly working over time to erase it from existence.