Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, set to debut this summer at Walt Disney World, is poised to enchant visitors with its immersive experience inspired by the rich culture of New Orleans and the beloved film. Replacing the former Splash Mountain, this reimagined log-flume style attraction at Magic Kingdom Park is progressing rapidly, with major construction milestones being achieved.
Disney revealed that the ride will boast numerous state-of-the-art audio-animatronics, featuring beloved characters such as Princess Tiana, Louis, Mama Odie, Eudora, Charlotte, Prince Ralphie, and Prince Naveen. The use of cutting-edge technology will enhance the fluid movements of these animatronics, akin to the ones showcased in Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen.
Surpassing the initial expectations, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open sooner than previously announced. Guests will be treated to an immersive French Quarter-inspired queue, permeated with the enticing aroma of freshly fried beignets. The experience begins with a musical adventure, where visitors join Princess Tiana, the jazz-loving alligator Louis, and new friends as they prepare for their inaugural Mardi Gras performance.
The ride promises to delve deeper into Princess Tiana’s story, picking up where the 2009 Walt Disney Animation Studios film left off. A host of new characters, musically talented critters who fashioned their instruments from natural bayou resources, will join the adventure.
The attraction will feature the voices of Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana, Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie, and Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis. With updates gradually released since the closure of Splash Mountain, Disney assures visitors that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will offer an immersive experience with new original music, a collaboration between industry legends PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard, blending jazz, zydeco music, and more.
Excitingly, the familiar 50-foot, five-story drop, a hallmark of Splash Mountain, will be integrated into the ride’s narrative, eliciting screams of delight from guests. While an opening date for Disneyland Resort’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is yet to be announced, it is anticipated to welcome visitors later in 2024.