A brand new ride is now open at Magic Kingdom in Disney World and will soon open at Disneyland Park! The popular attraction, Splash Mountain, closed at both parks in 2023 to make way for a completely reimagined ride – Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! The new ride takes guests on a brand new adventure with Tiana and other characters from Disney’s 2009 film, The Princess and the Frog. But, before you hop on the ride, there’s a lot you need to know. From details about the ride, to state-of-the-art technology, to whether the attraction is included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and more, here’s everything you need to know about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in both Disney World and Disneyland.
About Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a reimagined log flume attraction coming to Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park, based on The Princess and the Frog. The ride is set to replace what was once known as Splash Mountain in 2024 at both parks with new characters and a brand new storyline. Here are the basic details to know before you ride:
- Type: Water ride
- Ride Length: Lasts about 11 to 12 minutes
- Height Requirement: 40 inches (or 102 cm) minimum height required to ride
- Ages: Kids, Pre-teens/Teenagers, and Adults
- Restrictions: Not yet known
- Disney PhotoPass Attraction Photo Op: Yes (taken on the final drop)
Ride Experience
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Queue
Goodbye, Splash Mountain and hello Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! Disney has completely transformed the queue to transport you to New Orleans from the second you get in line. With the smell of fresh beignets (which is pumped into the queue with special scent technology) and the sound of reimagined New Orleans classics in the background, you enter the queue and start learning all about what Princess Tiana and her friends have been up to since we left off with them at the end of the movie.
It turns out that Tiana has built her own employee-owned company called Tiana’s Foods inside of an old large salt dome (a.k.a. the “mountain” of Splash Mountain). You’ll notice that that land around the salt mine now grows veggies, spices, and herbs for Tiana’s recipes in the outdoor portion of the queue. And, as you make your way through the line, you’ll walk through the main offices for Tiana’s Foods learning about the relationship Tiana has with her parents and what made her into the person she is today.
Be sure to look at all the authentic details that Disney has implemented from their research in New Orleans and listen to the audio and music playing overhead! Disney shared that these both will play a “central role in the experience.”
Ride Technology
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure features a blend of practical lighting, digital lighting, and scenic paint to create one of the most immersive experiences of any Disney ride. The ride technology is state-of-the-art and includes audio-animatronics of various characters from the movie, such as Tiana, Louis, the “critter band,” Charlotte La Bouff, Ralphie, Mama Odie, and Juju (Mama Odie’s pet snake).
As some of the most technologically advanced audio-animatronics ever created by Disney, they are designed to bring the attraction to life and are incredibly realistic. The movements and expressions of the characters are synchronized with the dialogue and music so you’ll feel like you’re actually seeing the characters you know and love in real life!
The Backstory
The attraction picks up the story of The Princess and the Frog just after the final kiss in the movie. And, you’re invited to join Princess Tiana and Louis on a brand new musical adventure featuring some of your favorite songs from the movie (plus new ones!) as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras celebration.
The story of the attraction takes place during New Orleans’ Carnival season. And, Tiana is hosting a Mardi Gras Party for her community. Tiana realized that she’s missing a key ingredient and she needs help finding it – that’s where YOU come in! Guests join Tiana and Louis on a trip to the bayou, where they meet all sorts of new friends who have a special role to play at the party. In total, the attraction will feature seventeen characters. This includes Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis, Mama Odie, Eudora (Tiana’s mom), Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia, Naveen’s brother Prince Ralphie, and an all-new band of musical critters (which were created exclusively for the ride).
The Music
The music in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is one of the highlights of the attraction. Of course, there are plenty of songs that you’ll likely recognize if you’ve seen The Princess and the Frog. This includes “Almost There,” “Down in New Orleans,” and “When We’re Human.” But, there’s also some brand-new music that was created exclusively for the ride! The music throughout is a mix of jazz, blues, and gospel, which is a reflection of the New Orleans culture and the film’s setting.
Opening Timeline
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opened in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World on June 28th, 2024! D23 Gold Members, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Walt Disney World Annual Passholders were all offered exclusive preview opportunities prior to the grand opening.
According to Disney’s official announcement, the ride is set to open on November 15, 2024th in Disneyland. It’s opening will also mark the official renaming of Critter Country to “Bayou Country.”
How to Ride
If you’re planning to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, there are a few things you need to know. Here’s a breakdown of the different ways to experience the ride:
Lightning Lane Multi Pass
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is included as a Lightning Lane entrance with the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass (Disney’s new paid way to skip the lines at several attractions throughout each park).
You can purchase Lightning Lane Multi Pass up to 7 days prior to your check-in day if you’re staying at a Disney World Resort hotel or up to 3 days prior to your park visit if not. Once purchased through the My Disney Experience app, you can pre-book up to 3 Lightning Lane selections at Magic Kingdom and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is one of them!
Learn more about Lightning Lane Multi Pass and how to book Tiana’s Bayou Adventure here!
Virtual Queue
When Tiana’s Bayou Adventure first opens on June 28th, 2024, it will use a virtual queue. Disney has not shared how long they plan to use the virtual queue after the ride originally opens. So, be sure to confirm that no standby line is available before you visit.
To join the virtual queue, you’ll need to sign up for it through the My Disney Experience app at one of two times on the day of your visit – 7AM or 1PM. Just keep in mind that you will need to have already entered the park to be able to sign up for the 1PM virtual queue. And, if you don’t get a spot in the line at either time, you won’t be able to ride the attraction that day.
Standby Line
While a standby queue will not be available during the attraction’s initial opening days, Disney has shared that they expect to open a standby queue soon after. Check back later to see if the standby line is available when you visit. However, keep in mind that Lightning Lane Multi Pass will likely provide a faster and more efficient experience.
Attraction Merchandise
In addition to the brand new attraction, there will also be brand new Princess and the Frog merchandise available at both Disney World and Disneyland! From apparel to accessories, there’s something for everyone, and here’s where you can find it:
Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World
You can find the collections for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and The Princess and the Frog-inspired merchandise at the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A., or Critter Co-Op in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. This includes a variety of items such as t-shirts, hats, plush toys, Mama Odie’s Hot Sauce, and Dooky Chase’s Seasonings.
Disneyland Park
Disneyland is also getting in on the action with changes to two gift shops in Critter Country. A new store called Ray’s Berets (which is named after the firefly from Princess and the Frog) will be replacing The Briar Patch. Here, you’ll be able to shop for headwear, apparel, accessories, toys, and more. And, then on the left-hand side of Pooh Corner, you’ll find the new Louis’ Critter Club. It will have apparel, accessories, and home decor featuring “some of your favorite critters” and Princess Tiana. The other side of Pooh Corner will still be where you can find Hundred Acre Wood treats and souvenirs.
Critter Country temporarily closed on May 1st, 2024, and remains closed to make way for these changes.
Limited Time Food and Beverage Offerings in Disney World
If you’re planning to visit Disney World soon to ride the new attraction, you’re in luck! Among the food and beverage offerings available for a limited time will be Tiana’s Famous Beignets. These light, sweet, and fluffy beignets are drizzled with honey and powdered sugar, making them the perfect treat to celebrate the grand opening of the new ride. They are available for a limited time at Golden Oak Outpost and The Friar’s Nook.
And, here are all the other sweet treats, drinks, and snacks that you can try in Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs, and select Disney World Resort hotels in honor of the ride opening!
Magic Kingdom
Golden Oak Outpost (Available June 28th through September 6th)
- Hot Honey Chicken with Sweet Potato Fries: Chicken nuggets tossed in hot sauce-honey served with New Orleans olive relish and Cajun-spiced sweet potato fries
- Shrimp Gumbo with Sweet Potato Fries: Shrimp and Andouille sausage gumbo topped with Cajun-spiced sweet potato fries
- Tiana’s Famous Beignets: Light, sweet, and fluffy beignets with powdered sugar and drizzled with honey
Pinocchio Village Haus (Available June 28th through September 6th; mobile order available)
- Peach Cobbler: Cinnamon panna cotta, peach cobbler, brown sugar streusel, and whipped cream with a Tiana chocolate piece
Plaza Ice Cream Parlor (Available June 28th through September 6th)
- Butter Pecan Praline Sundae: Butter pecan ice cream topped with praline sauce, spiced pecans, and whipped cream
The Plaza Restaurant (Available June 28th through September 6th)
- Tiana’s Chantilly Cake: Vanilla chiffon cake, lemon chantilly, and fresh strawberries topped with a fondant flower and a Tiana chocolate piece
The Friar’s Nook and Outdoor Vending Locations near Cinderella Castle (Available starting June 28th, while supplies last)
- Princess Tiana Sipper (Limit two per person, per transaction)
Main Street Confectionery (Available starting June 28th)
- Tiana’s Sweet Popcorn Serenade: Caramel popcorn with praline pecans, M&M’S Caramel Chocolate Candies, pretzel pieces, and dark chocolatey drizzle
- Tiana’s Bayou Crunch: Cajun cheddar popcorn with M&M’S Peanut Butter Chocolate Candies, cheddar crackers, pretzel pieces, and white chocolatey drizzle
- Green Apple Gummi Frogs
- Spicy Butter Toffee Peanuts
Critter Co-Op (Coming soon)
- Green Apple Gummi Frogs
- Spicy Butter Toffee Peanuts
Disney Springs
Amorette’s Patisserie (Available June 28 through July 31; mobile order available)
- Over the Bayou Cake Bar: Vanilla cake bar
Available at Various Locations Throughout Walt Disney World Resort
- Bayou Lavender Lemonade: Minute Maid Premium Lemonade with flavors of lavender inspired by New Orleans’ influence on American cuisine; available June 28th through September 6th at the following locations:
- Dockside Diner at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- The Plaza Restaurant and The Friar’s Nook at Magic Kingdom Park
- Amorette’s Patisserie at Disney Springs (Available June 28 through July 31 only)
- Beaches Pool Bar and Courtyard Pool Bar at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
- Mardi Grogs Pool Bar at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
- Crisped Rice Cereal Treat Lily Pad; available June 28th through September 6th at the following locations:
- Main Street Confectionery at Magic Kingdom Park
- Big Top Souvenirs at Magic Kingdom Park
- Goofy’s Candy Company at Disney Springs
- Disney’s Candy Cauldron at Disney Springs
- Zuri’s Sweets Shop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Screen Door General Store at Disney’s BoardWalk
- Bayview Gifts at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- Pecan Praline Caramel Apple; available June 28th through September 6th at the following locations:
- Main Street Confectionery at Magic Kingdom Park
- Big Top Souvenirs at Magic Kingdom Park
- Goofy’s Candy Company at Disney Springs
- Disney’s Candy Cauldron at Disney Springs
- Zuri’s Sweets Shop at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Screen Door General Store at Disney’s BoardWalk
- Bayview Gifts at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
Comments
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