Disney Previews Tiana's Bayou Adventure To Mixed Reviews

ANAHEIM, CA—Walt Disney World’s The Magic Kingdom shared a video from inside the new ride in Florida, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, over the weekend. The recently redesigned ride, which replaces the former Splash Mountain attraction, is set to open this summer, according to a park spokesperson. A matching version of the bayou adventure will open in Anaheim later in 2024, they say.

The first-person video puts you on the floating log ride. It's been viewed by more than 452,000 since Saturday, and thousands have commented on Splash Mountain's redo with mixed reviews.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure has been anticipated since it was first announced in 2020. It replaces the former briar patch plunge with a promised adventure. The ride features Princess Tiana and the saxophone-blowing gator Louis as they head to a party in the bayou, gathering musicians along the way. Imagineers say that it begins at the close of the film, just after the final kiss, as Princess Tiana and her prince prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.

The voice of Princess Tiana, Anika Noni Rose, shared her delight at the proposed plans back in 2020, saying Tiana's presence in both Disneyland and the Magic Kingdom, "will finally be fully realized," and that fans will be "over the moon!"

"Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, opening at Walt Disney World in the summer of 2024, will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film 'The Princess and the Frog,'" according to a park spokesperson. The new ride combines animatronics, lights, spraying water, and video screens to create a new environment leading into the dark bayou swamp.

The music stays light and airy, based on the "Dig A Little Deeper" song, and the trip back to reality backs up the "Drop on In" concept of the ride that is the payoff of this attraction. According to the video, the ride is much less scary than its predecessor and focused on the fun to be had by all at Mardi Gras.

"Guests will be 'goin’ down the bayou' with the princess during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans," the park says of the new ride.

While on the way, "Mama Odie" magically turns you into a frog as your log ride floats you through larger-than-life toadstools and more before she helps you "Drop on In," returning your perspective to normal.

Actress Jenifer Lewis, who voiced Mama Odie, talked about the ride during concept phases. "The image of Mama Odie, in the fairy godmother role, truly reflected the New Orleans Black bayou tradition of the revered wise woman," she said. "I am thrilled that 'The Princess and The Frog' is being honored for the joy it has brought to millions of Disney fans."

While "frog-sized," guests float through the familiar ups and downs of the former "Splash" ride along with catchy zydeco music that fits the scenery. There is much to drink in, like the brightly colored bottles hanging from Mama Odie's tree and the brilliant colorful lights inside that surely will be best seen in person.

Still, Youtube commenters wondered about some missed opportunities during the ride, namely the absence of conflict and the Voodoo villain, many say one of the scariest ever created.

One commenter mentioned that the best part of Splash Mountain was waiting underneath the twin vultures. "The somber music set the tone for the terrifying drop, and the payoff was the bliss and happiness of the briar patch."

Another questioned the lack of a villain.

"It would have been so cool to hear Dr. Facilier sing 'Are you Ready?' before going down a massive drop," the commenter wrote. "It makes sense he isn't there, lore-wise, but it would have been so cool."

Still, Imagineers give themselves a little leeway with the ride's many video screens. Who is to say Disney won't use a little magic to transform the ride during the Halloween season?

"I think this is a lovely ride, although some parts feel empty," one commenter said of viewing the ride over video. "The animatronics look good, though, and it's adorable."

You'll have to decide for yourself when you go!

Related:

Disneyland Guests Take Last Rides On Splash Mountain

Splash Mountain Redo: Disney Embraces Princess And The Frog Theme