Work continues on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland. The version of the attraction is set to open at Walt Disney World Resort this summer and then later this year at Disneyland. As it moves closer to taking guests “down the bayou,” the attraction is starting to take shape (quite literally) and give a hint at what the final attraction will look like. That model that was seen at the last D23 Expo is coming to life in full form!
Here is the model that was shown at the D23 Expo. Below are photos and video that was taken by Daps Magic team member Angela on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Take a look at the similarities between the model and reality! It really is quite fun to see how this attraction is progressing!
Here is the video and photos from Critter Country at Disneyland on April 13:
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. However, one ingredient is missing! It turns out that ingredient is music! This attraction will be about finding musicians/bands to bring even more magic to this party. These critters have been revealed in recent weeks by Walt Disney Imagineering.
These critters will be bringing the music to life in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. They will be 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, frogs 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. While it is now known that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be opening at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in the summer of 2024, Disneyland will have to wait a bit longer. The Disneyland iteration will be opening later in 2024 in California.
What do you think of what you are seeing of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Are you excited to experience it later this year? What are you most looking forward to experiencing when it opens at Walt Disney World Resort and then Disneyland Resort? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
