We’re almost there!
As Central Florida’s summer heat bathes the Walt Disney World Resort, the return of a very wet 50-foot plunge adds an extra splash of excitement. Both Disney fans and thrill-seekers are gearing up for the much-anticipated Tiana‘s Bayou Adventure this summer at Magic Kingdom Park.
According to Disney Parks Blog, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure promises an array of immersive experiences. The ride boasts dozens of new Audio-Animatronics figures, with the spotlight on Tiana in her adventure outfit, surrounded by familiar faces and intriguing new characters. The bayou comes alive with bands of musically talented critters, showcasing their resourcefulness by crafting instruments from natural materials found in the swamp.
The ride is a retheming of Splash Mountain, which held long-term spots in the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Parks. This ride was the source of controversy, as its theming came from Song of the South, which Disney CEO Bob Iger has acknowledged is inappropriate. In a 2020 announcement of the upcoming attraction, Michael Ramirez, Public Relations Director, Disneyland Resort said, “The approach to retheming or ‘plussing’ attractions (as Walt Disney referred to it) begins with Imagineers asking the question, how can we build upon or elevate the experience and tell a fresh, relevant story? It’s a continuous process that Imagineers are deeply passionate about. And with this longstanding history of updating attractions and adding new magic, the retheming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today. The new concept is inclusive – one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.”
@disneyparks FIRST LOOK 👀 at one of the new Audio-Animatronics figures coming to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ✨💚 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #Tiana #TianasBayouAdventure #DisneyNews #MardiGras #Technology ♬ original sound – Disney Parks
PJ Morton, a four-time Grammy winner and an artist celebrated for six consecutive years of Grammy nominations, is penning, arranging, and producing an original song for the attraction. He brings his unique touch to new arrangements and beloved tunes from The Princess and the Frog. Meanwhile, Terence Blanchard, a seven-time Grammy awardee and the trumpeting maestro behind Louis the Alligator’s parts in the film, orchestrates the musical arrangement for the attraction’s queue. With a nod to New Orleans’s vibrant history, the ride incorporates a medley of musical styles that will be brought to life by the Audio-Animatronic figures. These figures, like Prince Naveen’s younger brother, Ralphie, promise to infuse the bayou with the sounds of New Orleans.
In the middle of the ride’s awe-inspiring details of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is the celebration of Tiana herself. As Disney Parks Blog shares, we’ll witness Princess Tiana’s gratitude-filled festivity during Mardi Gras, where she extends her appreciation to family, friends, and the entire community for their unwavering support. A ride dedicated to Tiana’s resilience, self-made success, and her embodiment of the belief that dreams can become reality is a testament to the empowerment and inspiration she represents.
So, mark your calendars and heed the call to family fun as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens its doors at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida this summer, followed by its debut at Disneyland Park in California later in 2024. It’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the magic that Disney continues to weave.
Cover photo: Tiana’s Audio-Animatronic figure / Credit: Disney Parks