Earlier today, the name of the reimagined Splash Mountain attraction was announced by Disney. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be arriving at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and also at Disneyland in late 2024. When the attraction opens, Tiana will be sporting a new look. Walt Disney Imagineering shared a look at her reimagined look at ESSENCE Fest panel.
During the unveiling, it was explained how research went into the trends of the 1920s, when the story takes place. The team also looked through family archives to ensure that Tiana’s look was historically accurate and also authentic to the character. “Tiana was equally at home in the bayou as she was at a banquet,” Costume Designer Ida Muldrow said. “We wanted her look to reflect that, and be a compliment to the story’s setting.”
The panel also shared about the creative process as well. This included the thought that was taken for creating Tiana’s hairstyle. An emphasis was placed on the versatility of Black women’s hair and also the significance it has to the identity across geographies and generations of Black women.
“Our efforts are a tribute to the beauty and dignity of all the proud Black women who came before us,” Muldrow said. “And to their great-grand daughters joining us on the journey today, we’re celebrating with you.” The Imagineering team spent a great deal of time ensuring this representation of Tiana is authentic. Showing it at the festival gave further proof that the team is heading in the right direction.
There will be more details coming in the future about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Make sure to stay tuned to DAPS MAGIC for future updates. Subscribe to the newsletter to not miss any of them! What do you think of Tiana’s new look? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
