ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) — The long-awaited grand opening of Splash Mountain’s successor –Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — in Disney’s Magic Kingdom is almost upon us.
On Monday, WFLA got an inside look at the newest take on the classic water attraction, and the ride exceeded all expectations and left me wanting to rewatch “The Princess and the Frog” for the 100th time.
Deep in the heart of the bayou, Tiana’s new chapter takes place a year after Disney’s 2009 animated film. At this point in the princess’s life, she is following her dreams of running her own restaurant and guests get to take along and “dig a little deeper” to help Tiana create the most magical, music-filled party.
The Making of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The history behind Princess Tiana goes deeper than the beloved film “The Princess and the Frog.” Disney’s first African American princess is inspired by the real-life story of Leah and Dooky Chase, who ran Dooky Chase’s restaurant in New Orleans.
“Tiana would not be possible if not for Leah Chase. She was a dreamer and a doer, a working mom of four who followed her dream to run a restaurant. She and her husband, Dooky, ran Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans, but it wasn’t just a restaurant — it was a gathering place that inspired so Florida many,” Disney Imagineer Carmen Smith said. “When Disney Animation visited New Orleans and sat down with Chef Chase, they knew this American original was the perfect inspiration for Disney’s first African American princess. While Leah and Dooky are gone, their legacy lives on.”
Imagineer Charita Carter, who grew up as a self-described “air-force brat,” prided herself on Princess Tiana being a military child as well, explaining why the princess’s story is so relatable to the average American.
“[Tiana] has a working mom, she has military ties, and there’s so much about her life that is relatable,” Carter said Monday. “Everyone can find an aspect of Tiana’s story in their own story and so Florida many people are inspired by her and you know, Tiana is a dreamer and a doer.”
Inside The Bayou
When it came to creating Tiana’s Bayou, the Disney Imagineers, creators and collaborators wanted to ride to feel authentic and the attention to detail did not go unnoticed.
As soon as guests enter Tiana’s restaurant, they’re greeted with cartons of spices, hot sauces, and other ingredients. And just like any dining establishment, employee time cards, cookbooks and even a specially-crafted newspaper were in the room, allowing guests to enter Tiana’s world.
If you look closely, you’ll also spot Tiana’s to-do list, which has one last task to be completed –hire a band.
After making your way through the main entrance, guests are led through a sweet-smelling kitchen, thanks to Tiana’s fresh beignets. The walls are littered with awards and newspaper clippings that the princess has accumulated since opening her restaurant.
Guests then enter through a glittery salt mine where they will eventually climb into a wooden log before venturing into the bayou to help the jazzy alligator, Louis, find a band for Tiana’s grand party.
Here’s What Guests Should Expect
Music is an important part of Disney’s newest attraction, so expect to hear some New Orleans jazz throughout the ride, especially since Tiana needs the guests’ help to find a band for her party.
Riders go deep into the bayou, shrinking down to scope out the talent. Along the way, guests will meet new critters and say hello to the movie’s beloved characters, such as Mama Odie, Prince Naveen, Louis the alligator, Ray the lightning bug, and Tiana’s best friend Charlotte La Bouff.
All of the animatronics on Tiana’s Bayou move effortlessly, making it appear like the animated characters have truly come to life.
Just like Splash Mountain, riders should be prepared to get wet as the 50-foot drop before entering Tiana’s party is sure to make a splash.
After the attraction, guests can take home a memorable photo of the big splash, complete with two recipe cards to make Tiana’s famous “New Orleans Style Gumbo” and her “World Famous Beignets.”
The video player below gives an exclusive look into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Ready to let the good times roll? Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will finally open to guests on June 28.
