A YouTube video shared by Walt Disney Imagineering gives a peek inside the attraction inspired by 2009’s ‘The Princess and the Frog’
Disney has just unveiled the first-ever look inside the brand-new ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!
The glimpse came via a YouTube video shared by Walt Disney Imagineering on Wednesday, May 29. This video dives into how music is crafted for Disney attractions and includes a sneak peek within the ride, which is inspired by the 2009 animated film, The Princess and the Frog.
This exciting ride is set to open next month at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, replacing the beloved Splash Mountain. It will showcase original music along with familiar tunes from the movie.
In the video, musician PJ Morton and Tricia Holloway, global music executive at Walt Disney Imagineering, experience the ride and are whisked away into vibrant New Orleans.
There are thrilling snippets throughout the video, starting from when they take their seats in the iconic log flume. As they move uphill, an animatronic figure of Tiana greets them. She’s dressed in a white chef’s jacket, gray slacks, and a colorful necktie, appearing in a kitchen filled with spices and a chalkboard menu.
From there, the riders continue through a dimly lit cave adorned with colorful bushes and large trees. Bright blue lighting illuminates the walls. Further into the ride, the same Tiana animatronic reappears, this time sporting an explorer’s hat and a portable lantern.
Other scenes include dancing bears and dazzling lights. A particularly delightful sequence showcases dancing mushrooms, accompanied by screens featuring videos of young Tiana.
The climax of the ride welcomes passengers with the sign, “Welcome to the Fleur du Bayou, home of Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen.”
In this magical setting, various characters gather on a deck around the town, decorated with pink and purple hanging lanterns and twinkling fairy lights. On one side, there’s a charming gazebo beneath a large tree, complete with stained glass.
On May 12, Disney announced that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will officially open on Friday, June 28, at the Florida theme park.
“You’ll join Princess Tiana on an adventure through the bayou as she prepares to host a one-of-a-kind celebration during Mardi Gras season where everyone is welcome,” Sarah Riles, vice president at Magic Kingdom Park, shared about the new ride. “Along the way, you will encounter familiar faces, make new friends, and journey through the bayou into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.”
She also mentioned that the ride will feature a thrilling 50-foot drop.
This attraction’s opening comes nearly four years after Disney announced the reimagining of Splash Mountain both at Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California.
In June 2023, guests were excited to see a tiara-topped water tower appear overnight at the Florida theme park. Disney Parks confirmed on Instagram that this tower would be the centerpiece of the new ride.
Disney Parks added, “We can’t wait to journey down to the bayou and celebrate Mardi Gras together when the attraction opens in 2024.”
As of now, there’s no confirmed opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in California, but it is expected to debut at Disneyland Park in 2024.
