Big changes are happening in Disney parks around the globe, but we’re particularly excited about one, in particular.

©Disney

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be making its way to both Disney World and Disneyland sometime this year. We’ve been keeping up with the progress from coast to coast, but the heart of this ride is in New Orleans — just like the original source material. One Imagineer just dished some new details about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and we’re thinking it’s time to dig in!

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set to debut in Disney World and Disneyland later this year, and we couldn’t be more excited to learn every single detail and inspiration behind this ride! The Princess and the Frog-themed ride will pick up where the story leaves off — more specifically, “after the final kiss, and [riders can] join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.” 

©Disney

Yep, that’s right — Tiana gets to live out her dream of owning and operating her own restaurant, Tiana’s Palace. During a Mardi Gras celebration, she realizes an ingredient is missing and sends us as riders on a mission to help her find it as she journeys through the bayou.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Concept Art ©Disney

Disney shared the ride’s backstory a while back, but Imagineer Ted Robledo recently spilled the beignets on much more! First, we learned that several Tiana audio-animatronics will be used throughout the ride! Disney uses these animatronics to convey stories to viewers in a more life-like, immersive way. It’ll be like Tiana is actually talking to us and taking us along on this journey.

These animatronics will feature the same advanced tech that the Frozen Ever After attraction uses in Hong Kong Disneyland. 

©Disney

We also heard that we’d be getting a Louis animatronic on the ride a while ago, but Robledo shared that not only will we see Louis, but we’ll also see more animatronics that will represent what Robledo called “the critters.” There will even be a swamp animal band!

Disney is apparently just using cutouts to test these parts of the ride so they can see just how things will look from a rider standpoint before the official animatronics arrive.

Louis animatronic ©Disney

In addition, Imagineers have been focusing on the use of a New Orleans soundscape to make visitors feel like they’re actually there. Outside the barn area, there will be speakers playing “reimagined New Orleans classics performed by an assortment of local musicians gathered by multiple Grammy winner Terence Blanchard.” And, as we previously learned, there’ll be the sweet smell of beignets drifting through the air to just add to the effects.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

It was incredibly important for Disney to include the art and culture of New Orleans to make the ride come to life. Robledo said, “The city as a place is as important as a character. The story reacts to the place. We’re starting to hint at that in the queue, to try to craft that love letter to New Orleans in every way possible.”

The new water tower looks great!

Up until you enter the main part of the ride itself, it’ll resemble Splash Mountain. The queue and loading area are very similar to Splash from what Robledo has said. The track is also the same, and you’ll board the same log flumes that appeared in Splash Mountain.

The interior architecture of Splash Mountain — including the rocks and the boulders — still remains. And, we might even be getting some more Easter Eggs and hidden nods to Splash! Robledo shared that more additions have been and would continue to be added to reference Splash Mountain, including a pair of stone arches spanning the flume.

Tiana’s construction

We’ll still get a whole makeover in terms of theming, though! Tiana’s story will begin as soon as you enter the courtyard at the beginning of the queue, which will eventually lead to the large mural on the barn — and Robledo said the barn will house the main offices for Tiana’s Foods.

If you’re worried about the iconic Splash Mountain drop, have no fear. You’ll still plummet five stories and get absolutely soaked along the way! But make sure you take a look around so you can see the native Louisiana foliage that was brought in to help immerse you. This is where you’ll see the Tiana animatronics, as well as Louis and the critter band. From Robledo’s comments, it seems that an animatronic will be there around nearly every bend — guiding you along in the story.

Progress on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Robledo also shared that the tree trunk that once sat atop Splash Mountain had to be removed. This was supposedly done to allow for more real estate to “fit the added show magic.” He promises the rest is a surprise, which just makes us even more excited to finally experience this new attraction!

More work to be done

Stay tuned to DFB as we bring you more updates on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disney World and Disneyland!

For more info on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, click here! 

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