Why Splash Mountain Went Away and Why Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Got Built
With previews well underway on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, and before I spend the time giving insight to what works and doesn’t work on this attraction, now is the time to understand why this attraction has been built, and why it has replaced the enormously beloved Splash Mountain. Critics abound and some have a point to be made. But it makes no sense to criticize if you don’t understand the reason and the why. We will look at how we got to this point, which began back park-wide decades ago and has had its own storied past, for both guests and Cast Members. In the end we’ll see that there is not only a need to create stories that others can see themselves in, but to know that there were some legitimate operational issues that needed to be addressed. All of this comes together in one pivotal moment in time and has now become Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
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The following is an outline of this week’s podcast:
1965: Disney’s Four Service Keys
The four keys were put in place to create a better, more consistent experience. But it had some unintended consequences.
The Disney Look
Knott
The Disney Look was intended to create a better show through the Cast. But with it can come some degree of exclusion.
Zip-a-Dee-River Run
What to do with a dead end of the park, a need for a flume ride, and scores of audio animatronics needing to go elsewhere.
Here is the attraction as it existed at Walt Disney World.
The Announcement of Triana’s Bayou Adventure
In the wake of Covid, and in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, the company announces a new attraction to premiere at both Magic Kingdom and Disneyland.
Introduction of the 5th Key–Inclusion
Not long thereafter a new key as added to Safety, Courtesy, Show and Efficiency
Revised Disney Look
Along with the new key of Inclusion, Disney revises its appearance guidelines.
The Premiere of Ariana’s Bayou Adventure
Finally, after years of re-construction and preparation, the newest attraction at Magic Kingdom premieres:
Souvenirs for You and Your Organization:
Consider the following when it comes to how you address welcoming others and making them feel included:
- What does your heritage teach you about how you have been successful or unsuccessful in making others feel welcome and included? What lessons can be learned from that?
- Are centered on what you value most? Are you speaking out about affairs of the day because it is politically correct, or because its morally not right?
- How are you intentionally making others feel more welcome and included?
- How are you creating an organization that reflects the audience you should be serving?
- What’s standing in the way of making others feel more welcome?
Books From Your Host at Disney Insights
My new book, A Century of Powerful Disney Insights, Volume I 1923-1973, The Walt & Roy Disney Years is available!
Also, check out my two of my other books, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney and Disney, Leadership and You.
Also, for those examining = other business benchmarks beyond Disney, check out Lead with Your Customer: Transform Culture and Brand Into World-Class Excellence.
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Find Excellence in Your Organization!
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