Grab your tiaras, ladies! Disney World has something truly magical in store – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride! This brand new ride officially debuts at Orlando’s Walt Disney World on June 28, 2024, and MEFeater got a first look at the enchanting attraction.
Inspired by the beloved Princess Tiana from Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” this ride promises to deliver an unforgettable, magical experience. Beyond the ride, we met the creatives behind this NOLA-infused attraction and the iconic actors behind crowd-favorite characters. In addition, we chatted with the legendary family behind Tiana’s story. This enchanting experience was sweeter than a beignet!
A Royal Introduction
Can you believe that it’s already been 15 years? Let’s back up to when we first encountered Disney’s first African American princess. “The Princess and the Frog” was initially released in 2009, introducing us to the trailblazing and long-awaited Princess Tiana. Tiana’s journey from a tenacious waitress to a courageous princess who pursues her dreams has become a source of inspiration for many young girls and women around the world. After over a decade of expanding Tiana’s story, Disney is bringing Tiana’s world to life like never before at Orlando’s Walt Disney World!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: The Ride Experience
From the moment you join the queue, you feel the magic of NOLA surrounding you. Zydeco and jazz music fill the air as you enter Tiana’s realm. The exterior is immersed in greenery and drenched in florals and vines. The real beauty is in the details — from the intricate welcome sign to the custom weathervane by NOLA-based master blacksmith Darryl Reeves. In Frontierland, a “Critter Co-Op” gift shop peered from around the corner, filled to the brim with Tiana-inspired princess dresses, jewelry, cookbooks, and toys based on the magical tale. Before reaching the ride, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into the story, experiencing Tiana’s day-to-day firsthand.
The walls of the queue are adorned with nostalgic photos of Tiana’s father and family recipes, and we got glimpses into Tiana’s kitchen, boasting her famous “man-catching” beignets. Before you know it, you arrive at the front of the queue, fully immersed in the story. Our seating arrangement tips? For the full experience and maximum splash, sit in the front left. To stay as dry as possible, opt for the back right. You’ll get wet no matter what, but you can still save your blowout! Our pro-tip? Pack a plastic shower cap for this ride — you’ll thank us later!
Our adventure began as we stepped into the wooden logs, floating deep into the Louisiana bayou and basking in a magical glow from the fireflies. The scene immediately surrounds you with nostalgic tunes and familiar faces from the film. Disney’s latest animatronics are strikingly realistic, with the characters seemingly brought to life like never before. The ride features fan-favorite characters like Mama Odie, Louis, Prince Naveen, and Princess Tiana. The ride closes with a moment that embodies the spirit of New Orleans– a classic scene displaying a summer celebration that features all of the film’s favorite characters.
What to Expect
Get ready to splash! Taking over the former Splash Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is an exciting thrill ride boasting a 50-foot drop and a larger-than-life look at Princess Tiana’s world. The ride is an immersive 360º experience, with life-like animatronics, lush greenery, and a lively critter band. These realistic and intentional details stand out alongside a soundtrack that sonically transports you to New Orleans. As you float along the bayou, keep an eye out for Mama Odie, Louis the Alligator, and other critters who may pop up to greet you! Fireflies light the path through the magical bayou, guiding each log along the splashy waterway. Each scene engulfs you in the magic of the film, with glimpses into Tiana’s story at different stages along the ride.
Meet the Muse Behind Princess Tiana
Unbeknownst to many, Princess Tiana’s tale is inspired by the real-life story of Chef Leah Chase, the “Queen of Creole Cuisine” and the matriarch behind New Orleans’ iconic Dooky Chase’s restaurant. Leah Chase’s impact went far beyond her extraordinary culinary talents, as she was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a beloved community leader.
“We had many entertainers who could entertain all over, but could not eat all over. So they came to Dooky Chase’s. [Our family] founded the restaurant at a time when people who looked like us had very few places to celebrate.”
Stella Chase
Leah’s dedication to her craft and community helped shape Princess Tiana’s character. Her influence brought depth and NOLA authenticity to Disney’s first African American princess. Dooky Chase’s restaurant has been cemented as a cultural landmark for decades, known for its delicious Creole recipes and as a community gathering place for activists, musicians, locals, and tourists alike. Chef Leah Chase’s legacy lives on through Princess Tiana, whose story of resilience, hard work, and achieving her dreams inspires and resonates with children and adults worldwide.
“We’re celebrating 83 years– we opened in 1941, and when you talk about how we got to that, we only got there because of community support. When our community gets better, we get better.”
Edgar Chase IV
Edgar IV, the grandson of Chef Leah Chase and executive chef of Dooky Chase’s, spoke about the importance of honoring and continuing the legacy of serving their community. This sentiment was deeply ingrained in Chef Leah Chase and is firmly held by each descendant as they continue her legacy. One constant that remained throughout the experience is that Dooky Chase’s success stemmed not only from their famous recipes and hard work. Their dedication to integrating, supporting, and uplifting the community around them played a significant role in their continued success. Recipe books and seasoning blends by Dooky Chase’s are available at the Tiana’s Bayou General Store and Critter Co-Op.
More Than Just a Ride – The Heart of the Bayou
Sivonne Davis, VP of Marketing Strategy at Disney, spoke with us about the exciting expansion of Tiana’s story within Disney. She emphasized the importance of showcasing the multifaceted nature of women, especially women of color, and the unique opportunity to tell their stories.
“Tiana is multidimensional, as we all are, and that alone is reason enough to ‘dig a little deeper.’ Our goal is to show the next chapters in her journey. For me, it’s about reflecting on Tiana’s journey – to see her dreams met, then continuing to dream and imagining the possibility of those [new] dreams coming true.”
Sivonne Davis, VP of Marketing Strategy at Disney
Sivonne explained that the essence of Tiana’s story lies in her tenacious spirit and relentless pursuit of her dreams – the layers of her character that resonate with so many. The opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is just the beginning of expanding Tiana’s story, offering fans a deeper dive into her magical world.
The expansion of Princess Tiana’s story knows no bounds, with the exciting announcement of the upcoming Disney+ TV show: “Tiana.” This forthcoming series promises to dive deeper into the bayou, unlocking a new level of impact. Disney shows no signs of slowing down Tiana’s reign. The opening of this attraction and the upcoming Disney+ series ensure that Tiana’s inspiring journey continues to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
The intention behind creating Tiana’s Bayou Adventure wasn’t just to build another ride; it prioritized creating an experience that genuinely resonates with the community it represents. The detail and consideration that went into this attraction is a testament to Disney’s commitment to diversity and representation of all cultures. Disney collaborated with award-winning musicians like PJ Morton and Terrence Blanchard to bring the ride’s soundtrack to life. NOLA-based artists Sharika Mahdi and Malaika Favorite were also commissioned for the attraction. This ride celebrates Black culture and further recognizes Princess Tiana as an iconic member of the Disney Princess collective. It is more than just a thrill ride; it shares a story of perseverance, community, and the power of dreams.
Insider Tips
Ready to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Here are some insider tips to make the most of your adventure.
- Get There Early: We’re sure that many people will be excited to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, so get there early to avoid long lines.
- Meet and Greet: Keep an eye out for Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, and Louis around the park for a chance to snap a photo and say hello!
- Grab Your Merch: Don’t leave without checking out the “Tiana’s Goods” gift shop, exclusively stocked with “Princess and the Frog” themed merchandise. From the irresistible plush toys to one-of-a-kind Princess Tiana ears and even recipe books from Chef Leah Chase, you’ll want to bring the whole store home with you!
- Splash Alert: As mentioned, you will get wet on this attraction regardless of where you sit! But don’t worry — the magical bayou waters are a perfect way to cool down from the Florida heat. We recommend sitting in the front left for the full experience and maximum splash. To stay as dry as possible, sit in the back right. Be sure to ask for a poncho and bring your own shower cap!
Join the Magic
As the sun sets over the bayou and the fireflies dance, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure emerges. Not just a ride, this attraction is a testament to the power of storytelling, community, and dreams fulfilled. From the rhythmic beats of Zydeco to Mama Odie’s laughter echoing through the air, this attraction invites riders to embark on a journey where magic meets reality. As Princess Tiana’s world unfolds before us, we’re reminded that her story, rooted in resilience and hope, continues to resonate and inspire audiences of all ages.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure emerges as a vibrant celebration of culture, diversity, and the timeless magic that Disney embodies. By expanding Tiana’s story beyond the film, Disney continues to showcase its commitment to sharing diverse stories and giving all young girls a princess that they can look up to. So, grab your Mickey ears and head to Disney World to experience the magic of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!
Are you excited for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? The attraction officially opens on June 28, 2024 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla. Share your thoughts and pics with us on social media using #TianasBayouAdventure and tag @MEFeater / @MEFeatersMagazine. See y’all in the bayou! ???
