ANAHEIM, Calif. – The whimsical water-based attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuts at the Disneyland Resort on Nov. 15, 2024, expanding the telling of Princess Tiana’s story at Disneyland Park. Inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ film “The Princess and the Frog,” guests join Princess Tiana and her musically inclined gator pal Louis as they travel down the bayou looking for her party’s missing ingredient during Mardi Gras season: the band!
Guests hop into log flumes in search of musicians to form a talented critter band. Once guests find the “special spice,” they “drop on in” to the New Orleans neighborhood soiree featuring familiar faces and brand-new musical critters.
Disney cast member quotes
Ted Robledo, Portfolio Executive Creative Director, Walt Disney Imagineering
- “With a joyful storyline, twists and turns, catchy music throughout and an iconic 50-foot drop, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has the recipe for an ideal first ‘big kid ride’ for a child to experience with their family.”
Laura West, Lead Concept Designer, Walt Disney Imagineering
- “The 19 new critters designed for this attraction are original Disney characters with distinct names and personalities. Each helps to bring the bayou to life in their own unique way, allowing guests to create new and exciting memories with the continuing story of Princess Tiana.”
Fun facts
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure features some of the most advanced Audio-Animatronics figures ever seen in an attraction, including new and familiar faces like Princess Tiana, Mama Odie, Louis and Naveen. There are dozens of Audio-Animatronics figures in the attraction, including three bands of musical critters.
- Among the featured characters are 19 critters with distinct names and personalities, including Mondo the Frog and Timoléon the Otter. Many of the critters portray the musical tapestry of New Orleans by playing Zydeco, Rara and Afro-Cuban music.
- Artisans from Louisiana such as Sharika Mahdi, the artist of the inspirational artwork used by the Imagineers; Malaika Favorite, the creator of the colorful murals displayed on the queue’s barn; and Darryl Reeves, the master blacksmith responsible for the attraction’s handcrafted weathervane, helped bring Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to life.
- The finale features a new, original song, “Special Spice,” which was written, produced and performed by award-winning musician PJ Morton, with vocals by Anika Noni Rose.
- Going down the bayou is no small feat! This journey includes a thrilling 50-foot drop where guests may get splashed.
- Voice talent from the film reprised their roles for the attraction, including Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana, Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis and Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie.
Hidden gems
- Mementos of Tiana and her family’s culinary prowess can be found in the attraction queue including the smell of Tiana’s famous beignets, newspaper clippings detailing Tiana’s story and the original gumbo recipe from Tiana’s family. Over at Tiana’s Palace restaurant, guests will find the spoon that goes with her gumbo pot found in the queue.
- Tiana is not the only one whose story is expanding. Her friends and loved ones are featured in new images displayed throughout the attraction queue.
- Music arranged by award-winning Terence Blanchard, a contributor to the original soundtrack of Disney Animation’s “The Princess and the Frog,” can be heard from the company radio in the attraction queue.
- Leah Chase Kamata, an accomplished singer and daughter of Dooky and Leah Chase, lent her voice for the queue song, “Do you Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans.”
- Guests will find the missing license plate of the Tiana’s Foods truck located outside the attraction being used by a critter as a musical instrument.
- The natural elements used by the critters in their instruments appear as actual foliage in the attraction. For example, jessamine vines are used on Phina’s and Sebastián’s drums, Octavia’s vaksin, and Rufus’ harmonica.
Planning tips
- Joining the complimentary virtual queue*, which is accessible only via the Disneyland app**, is required to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure during its initial opening days. More information and how-to details are available at Disneyland.com.
- Families with young children under the 40-inch minimum height requirement can speak with a cast member about the complimentary Ride Switch feature.
- MagicBand+ offers a bit of bayou firefly magic aboard the attraction by illuminating and vibrating during the journey.
- Guests can take a piece of the bayou home with apparel, accessories, home décor and more featuring Princess Tiana and her friends. Themed merchandise can be found at Louis’ Critter Club and Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets.
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Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Theme Park reservations and valid admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry, and a hotel reservation does not guarantee theme park access. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Visit Disneyland.com/Updates for more information about visiting the Disneyland Resort.
*In order to enter the virtual queue, a guest must have entered Disneyland park with a valid admission media or Disney California Adventure park with admission media that includes Park Hopper privileges. Virtual queues are limited and subject to availability, and joining a virtual queue does not guarantee entrance to any experience. Guests may only enter the virtual queue for each experience once per day. Subject to other restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice.
**Message, data and roaming rates may apply for use of the Disneyland app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
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