We’re Finally There: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Posted:  Parks

“And I’m almost there, I’m almost there. People gonna come here from everywhere. And I’m almost there, I’m almost there” ~ Anika Noni Rose

 

Exciting news for Disney enthusiasts! The highly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride is now open at Walt Disney World. This new attraction is located in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure Sign.

I have been closely following the development of this new attraction and eagerly awaited its debut. Now that it has opened, I am thrilled to share my insights on the ride’s queue, the experience itself, and the related attractions that enhance the overall adventure. Additionally, I will discuss the significance of this new addition to Walt Disney World.

 

Ride and Queue

To enter the attraction, you will join the virtual queue through the My Disney Experience app, as a standby queue is not available. Each guest may request to join the virtual queue once per day during regular park hours. Valid admission to Magic Kingdom Park is required, and a theme park reservation may also be necessary, depending on your admission type and visit date. Guests have two opportunities daily to request to join the virtual queue for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: at 7:00 AM (guests do not need to be in Magic Kingdom park) and at 1:00 PM (guests must be in Magic Kingdom park). Additionally, the attraction offers a Lightning Lane entrance through the Disney Genie+ service.

Exterior of Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Greenery and rocks cover a large hill, and there is a brown water tower in the background.

Let’s begin by discussing the exterior of the attraction. As you approach, you’ll be captivated by the stunning greenery, and the water tower adorned with Tiana’s tiara really stands out to me. The attraction’s visual appeal is remarkable, both during the day and at night.

Entrance into Tiana's Bayour Adventure. Bright yellow wood building featuring murals on the side, and green doors open to welcome everyone into the queue.

Moving on to the ride queue, it effectively brings the storyline to life. In the outdoor section, you’ll find a charming children’s garden featuring a potting bench with pots, gardening tools, and a lantern. A planter box brims with onions, celery, peppers, and okra. Nearby, a small green Tiana’s Foods delivery truck with wooden crates enhances the setting. The exterior of the building is designed to resemble French Colonial-style houses from New Orleans. As you progress through the queue, the sounds of jazz music immerse you in the vibrant atmosphere.

Fireplace covered in rocks in the queue of Tiana's Bayou Adventure.

Upon entering the main entrance of Tiana’s Foods, guests are informed about important ride details, such as high speeds, heights, sudden drops, and the likelihood of getting wet. This notice allows those who may not be comfortable with these aspects to exit the queue if necessary.

Sign in the ride that reads "Tiana's Foods" over the river on the ride.

Inside, various displays bring the 2009 film “The Princess and the Frog” to life. Tiana’s office features a newspaper headline about Princess Tiana hosting a Mardi Gras Party for all of New Orleans, which is the theme of the ride. Behind the table, a photo of Tiana’s Place adds to the ambiance. Another display showcases a desk with assorted items. As you continue, you’ll see photos and letters framed on the wall, inspired by the 2009 film. One notable display is Tiana’s kitchen, illustrating the different stages of beignet preparation, from dough to completion.

Greenery surrounding the river on the ride, with a drop seen ahead.

At the loading area, styled like a shipping yard, you’ll board the ride in log-shaped seats. Throughout the journey, music from the movie and new songs enhance the experience.

Tiana animatronic sitting sitting on a rock in her new Bayou outfit.

The animatronic designs are incredible, supporting the storyline where Tiana has accomplished her dreams by running her own restaurant. She plans a celebratory party for the people of New Orleans during the Mardi Gras season and needs to find music to make the event special. The ride features various scenes, such as Tiana’s stocked ingredients and her gardens.

Louis animatronic standing amongst some large grass.

Animatronics of critters playing instruments.

You’ll encounter beloved characters like Louis searching in an okra patch and meeting new friends with Tiana. The ride takes you through a lush, dark forest filled with colorful flowers and fireflies, where a Zydeco Band of critters uses makeshift instruments to create music. A Rara Band of bobcats, bears, and a friendly gray fox brings a Haitian musical tradition to the bayou, and Tiana invites them to perform at her party.

Mama Odie animatronic standing next to a plate of beignets.

Mama Odie makes an appearance, shrinking you to frog size to enjoy an Afro-Cuban Jazz Band of frogs performing vibrant melodies. She then returns you to normal size with a thrilling 50-foot drop, often resulting in guests getting wet.

Final party at Tiana and Naveen's house. Animatronics or Tiana, Louis, Naveen, and the critter band can be seen standing in front of a large New Orleans house.

The ride concludes at Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen’s home, where a joyous celebration unfolds. Characters from the movie join in, and the critters you met along the way help Tiana, Naveen, and Louis perform for their guests, creating a memorable and lively finale.

 

Other offerings connected to the new ride

After your magical adventure, visit the Critter Co-Op to purchase a souvenir that will help you remember your first adventure. You can also find merchandise at the Emporium, including items from both Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and “The Princess and the Frog” to add to your collection. I am particularly excited to buy the new limited edition Ear Headband pins and try Mama Odie’s Hot Sauce and Spices from Dooky Chase’s Restaurant.

Wooden Critter Co-op Sign. There is a cartoon raccoon sitting on the sign.

Exterior of Critter Co-op. The wooden entrance is built into a large rock.

Don’t forget to stop by Golden Oak Outpost between June 28, 2024 and August 8, 2024, and The Friar’s Nook to try Tiana’s Famous Beignets. These light, sweet, and fluffy beignets are drizzled with honey and powdered sugar and are only available for a limited time. If you are not able to stop by either location before August 8, 2024, you can also visit Disney’s Port Orleans Resorts and stop by the Scat Cat Club Cafe to try their beignets as well as seasonal beignet flavors. Additionally, you can make a reservation to dine with Tiana at 1900 Park Fare, where her gumbo is featured on the dinner buffet.

Princess Tiana in her new Bayou outfit at 1900 Park Fare.

Finally, head over to Princess Fairytale Hall to meet Princess Tiana, share your thoughts on the new attraction, and say hello.

 

Why Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is an Important Attraction

I have always loved Splash Mountain, but over the past few years, I have come to realize that change can be beneficial and sometimes necessary. Disney is evolving, helping the new generation fall in love with the parks just as I did when I was a child.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a prime example. It allows today’s children to connect with a beloved movie in a real way. The attraction celebrates the cultural heritage of New Orleans and African-American culture through its music and storytelling. It promotes inclusivity and diversity, offering all guests a rich and engaging experience.

Exterior of Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Greenery and rocks cover a large hill.

When I think of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, it reminds me that magic is for everyone, hard work pays off, making dreams a reality is possible, friendship is important, adventures are worth taking, self-belief is crucial, and bravery in the face of the unknown can lead to self-discovery. Some may think I’m reading too much into the ride, but this is my perspective, and everyone will have their own unique thoughts on how the attraction affects them.

I appreciate Disney’s continuous expansion and the addition of new attractions. I look forward to seeing what else they will create in their various parks.

Tiana-themed ears are being held up in front of the Tiana's Bayou Adventure Sign.

Are you looking forward to experiencing Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on your next visit to Walt Disney World?

 

~ Mya

 

DVC Rentals Magical Hat