Later this year, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be taking guests on a musical adventure through the bayou that is inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog. When it begins taking guests, cast members will be making the magic happen on a daily basis. This week, four Cast Members who will be working on this attraction were chosen and revealed at Disneyland. The attractions cast members who were chosen to be a part of the test and adjust team for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure are Amber Whittington, Cullen Darius, Erick Rivera and Shelby Hull.
In a special event at Tiana’s Palace in New Orleans Square, these four cast members were revealed. “Having the opportunity to open up an attraction is an absolute dream come true,” said Adventureland attractions cast member, Cullen. There were cheers and applause, and even a few tears, when these four cast members were revealed as openers for the attraction.
Amber, Cullen, Erick, and Shelby will be a part of Disney’s test & adjust teams for this new attraction. Disney shared that these teams “are a part of the long-standing tradition where cast members apply to be on a specialized team and have the privilege of testing out the attraction long before official opening. This is a coveted and unique opportunity for attractions cast members to work with Walt Disney Imagineering in the initial testing phase of an attraction and get a chance to help shape the guest experience.”
This new attraction will “dig a little deeper” into the story of Princess Tiana after the events of The Princess and the Frog. Now it is Mardi Gras season at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The bayou will light up for a journey that promises to be full of music, Mama Odie’s magic, and a bunch of new friends. All of this comes together in preparation for a celebration that everyone is welcome to.
As is true in the movie and New Orleans, music is a central part of this experience. As guests experience this attraction, they will enjoy music that comes to life with the help of some adorable critters who are singing and playing instruments made of natural materials found in the bayou. Some of these new friends will include an otter, a rabbit, a raccoon, a beaver, a turtle, and others. The music they bring to life will use a variety of spirited stylings to turn the bayou into a party that includes zydeco and other types of music that are authentic to the region around New Orleans. There will be some favorite songs from the movie along with new, original music that was created in collaboration with award-winning artists PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard.
Critters won’t be the only ones bringing music to the bayou, however. Guests on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will hear some familiar voices returning from the movie. This includes Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis and the one and only Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana.
Throughout the attraction, guests will be floating through cypress trees and Spanish moss in this beautiful Louisiana bayou, they will see some familiar faces as well. These will be brought to life through entirely new Audio-Animatronics figures that were created entirely for this attraction. Guests will see Princess Tiana, Louis, Mama Odie, Eudora, Charlotte, Prince Ralphie, Prince Naveen, and others!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will also be highlighting the authentic New Orleans artistry throughout the attraction as well. There will be artwork from Louisiana artist Malaika Favorite found throughout the queue. There will also be an original metalwork weathervane from third-generation master blacksmith, Darryl Reeves and his apprentice, Karina Roca. New Orleans artist Sharika Mahdi’s artworks has also been inspiring the attraction from the very beginning. Guests will also get the sweet aroma of beignets frying as they stroll through the attraction queue, reminiscent of a stroll through the French Quarter.
At the end of the day, Tiana’s story is all about reminding everyone that they have the potential to make dreams into a reality. This is a new attraction that has been created by Imagineers, Disney Animation artists, Cast Members, and Louisiana artisans all coming together to create a magical experience. The attraction will be opening at Walt Disney World Resort this summer and then at Disneyland later in the year.
What do you think of these four cast members being announced as part of the test and adjust team? Join us in congratulating them in the comments below!
