Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Set to Open June 28 at Disney World
Disney World is gearing up for the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on June 28. Excitement is building as Disney recently offered a sneak peek into the making of this highly anticipated attraction, topped off with a surprise musical performance of the song “Special Spice” by award-winning artists PJ Morton and Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Princess Tiana and a Tony Award-winning actress.
As you may know, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is replacing Splash Mountain, themed to Song of the South. The 1946 musical has recently come under fire for having racist undertones, and Disney elected to replace the popular attraction with Tiana’s Adventure.
A Journey Through Tiana’s Story
The creative team behind Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, including Carmen Smith, Ted Robledo, and Charita Carter, shared insights into the ride’s development. This new chapter in Tiana’s story picks up after the events of the beloved Walt Disney Animation Studios film The Princess and the Frog.
Guests will be attending the biggest Mardi Gras celebration on this side of the bayou, where Tiana plans to express her gratitude to her family, friends, and community for their unwavering support.
However, there’s a twist. A mix-up in the party preparations means an essential ingredient is missing. Guests will join Tiana and her jazz-loving alligator friend, Louis, on a thrilling adventure through the bayou to find this crucial item. Along the way, familiar faces and new characters will appear, enriching the immersive experience.
Authenticity at the Forefront
From the beginning, the Imagineers strongly emphasized capturing the authenticity of New Orleans, the city that inspired Princess Tiana’s story. Extensive research was conducted in and around New Orleans, visiting places like the New Orleans Jazz Museum and the Williams Research Center.
Local artists, including Sharika Mahdi, Malaika Favorite, and Darryl Reeves, influenced the attraction’s development alongside musical legends and New Orleans natives PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard.
Notably, the Chase family, whose late matriarch Leah Chase inspired Tiana’s character, played a significant role in bringing this adventure to life.
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Cutting-Edge Innovation
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to dazzle guests with its state-of-the-art features. The attraction boasts dozens of new Audio-Animatronics figures, the most advanced to date, blending traditional Imagineering techniques with cutting-edge digital tools for animation and lighting. One of the standout innovations includes using mist as a painter’s canvas, creating a visually stunning and unique experience.
Meet New Faces and Talented Voices
In addition to beloved characters like Tiana, Louis, and Mama Odie, the adventure introduces 19 new critters, each with distinct names and personalities. These creative characters will entertain guests with renditions of sweet New Orleans sounds like Zydeco and Rara music.
Film fans will be delighted to know that the original voice talent has returned for the attraction. Jenifer Lewis reprises her role as Mama Odie, Michael-Leon Wooley returns as Louis, and Anika Noni Rose once again brings Princess Tiana to life.
What to Know Before Riding
Disney Destinations shared essential tips for guests planning to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The attraction will utilize a virtual queue via the My Disney Experience app at 7 a.m. or 1 p.m.
A standby queue will not be available initially, but it is expected to open soon after the attraction’s debut.
For those who prefer a faster option, the attraction will also be included as a Lightning Lane entrance in the Disney Genie+ service. This service allows guests to skip the line and includes digital downloads of select Disney PhotoPass attraction photos taken on the day of purchase.
As guests navigate through the bayou, Disney PhotoPass Service will capture special moments, which can be downloaded through the Memory Maker package.
Additionally, there is a chance guests might get wet during the ride, so bringing rain gear is recommended. Ponchos are also available for purchase throughout the Magic Kingdom.
Celebrate Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
To commemorate the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, exclusive merchandise will be available at the Emporium in Magic Kingdom starting June 28, and later at Critter Co-Op in Frontierland. Guests can also indulge in Tiana’s Famous Beignets, which are available for a limited time at Golden Oak Outpost and The Friar’s Nook. These delectable treats are drizzled with honey and powdered sugar, perfect for enjoying as part of the celebration.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure promises to be an unforgettable journey, combining the magic of Disney storytelling with the rich culture and vibrant music of New Orleans. Mark your calendars for June 28, when this extraordinary adventure officially opens at Disney World.
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