This week, Nola.com posted a sneak peek of the version of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” coming to Walt Disney World later in 2024, and it had some interesting new details on the attractions.
At the Beginning
Nola.com reporter Mike Scott was allowed access to the Imagineers building the attraction, as well as a hard hat tour.
Of his discoveries, he noted the Frontierland courtyard that formerly served as a ride queue area for “Splash Mountain” will serve the same purpose for “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” but it will also be where the storytelling starts.
The first floor of that barn, now painted a vibrant yellow, will house the main offices for the bustling Tiana’s Foods, a sprawling food production operation that she founded after the events of the 2009 film, “The Princess and The Frog.”
The courtyard features a mural designed by Baton Rouge-area artist Malaika Favorite will decorate the side of the two-story barn, plus just outside the barn, multiple poles will sport loudspeakers hooked to a PA system broadcasting an “old-timey radio show” featuring reimagined New Orleans classics performed by an assortment of local musicians gathered by multiple Grammy winner Terence Blanchard.
And prepare to get hungry as the scent of beignets will waft through the air to further set the scene.
The Loading Area
Once at the loading area, guests will notice cranes hoisting pallets of crates marked “Tiana’s Foods” continuing the story that it is a working food operation.
According to Scott, the new attraction will use the same ride vehicles as its predecessor, along with the same ride track, so guests will start their ride with a brief outdoor float marked by a few not-so-intense drops.
From there, they’ll enter the main part of the attraction, which is where the biggest changes will take place.
Inside the Ride
The new additions include carefully crafted cypress trees, marsh grasses, and Spanish moss, which is where the all-new animatronic band will be found.
Rounding a gentle bend, and guests will encounter an animatronic figure of Louis the Alligator — a fan favorite from the movie.
Rounding another bend, and guests will meet one of several Tiana animatronics to appear throughout the ride. She will be seeking their help to find a yet-to-be-named missing element for a Mardi Gras celebration she’s planning. In fact, several Tiana Animatronics will “address guests directly.”
Reportedly these animatronics in “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” will be the same new high-tech versions used in Hong Kong Disneyland’s recently opened “World of Frozen” area.
There will also be nods to “Splash Mountain” throughout the ride, according to the article.
Finally the big plummet will feel totally different to guests. Details weren’t given, but the Imagineer said, “I’ll just say it’s got a lot to do with magic. It’s a magical moment that happens down there.”
I guess we’ll find out later this year, when “Tiana’s Bayou Attraction” is set to open.
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