The Disneyland Resort has announced that there will be two new Princess Tiana-themed shops coming to Critter Country. Both of these stores will draw inspiration from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog. This will continue to allow guests to be further immersed in this classic story when they visit Disneyland and experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure when it opens later this year at Disneyland.
Ray’s Berets
Ray’s Berets will be found across from the Hungry Bear Restaurant in the location that is currently the Briar Patch. This store will be the destination for guests to find headwear, apparel, accessories, toys and more. This will be hosted by firefly Raymond and his firefly kin in what is being described as the “coziest cabin in Critter Country.”
Louis’ Critter Club
Louis’ Critter Club will be found in the back of Critter Country where the left half of Pooh Corner currently resides. Those are friends of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure call this little “local hot spot their home away from home” It will have apparel, accessories, home decor and more that feature favorite critters and also Princess Tiana.
For those who are fans of the treats at Pooh Corner, there is nothing to fear! This side of Pooh Corner will continue to remain as a destination for Winnie the Pooh and the Hundred Acre Wood merchandise. This also includes the sweet treats like Tigger tails!
Critter Country Temporarily Closing
To make way for these two new shops, Critter Country will be temporarily closing on May 1, 2024. This will allow Disney teams to transform these shops and continue to work on the area around and entering Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This will include investments in the improvement of overall pathways and surrounding areas to provide for a better experience for all when they visit the attraction upon its opening.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure 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 and 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. This attraction will be opening sometime later in 2024 in California.
