Disney has confirmed that fan favorite character Mama Odie will appear in the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction.
The Details
Mama Odie, the two-hundred-year-old Bayou Fairy Godmother, will continue to use her magic to brighten up Princess Tiana’s world in this new version of the attraction at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
As seen in the top rendering, Mama Odie jokes with guests along their journey after a special display of her magic.
Also returning to the role is legendary actress Jenifer Lewis, who starred as the voice of Mama Odie in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog.”
She joins other talent voices from the film reprising their roles, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and the one and only Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana.
Disney Imagineers aren’t just using the film for inspiration, they are also using art from New Orleans artist and YAYA Arts Center alumna Sharika Mahdi to help create the new Audio-Animatronics figures for the attraction.
Here is her interpretation of Mama Odie in the bayou:
Disney also says “the alluring scent of beignets being prepared for the party will be part of the attraction queue.” All I’m saying is that if they’re not selling actual Mickey-eared beignets at the end of the ride, they are missing a huge opportunity.
Making the Change
Walt Disney World’s Splash Mountain closed earlier this year to begin the transformation, and it was recently announced that Disneyland’s Splash Mountain will have its last day of operation on May 30, 2023.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at both parks in Late 2024. In the meantime, if you’re missing Splash Mountain after Disneyland’s version closes…there is always the one at Tokyo Disney Resort, which also just kicked off its 40th Anniversary.