Just when you think they can’t possibly pack any more joy, entertainment, and heartwarming storytelling into Disneyland…they do! Disneyland’s new ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, is a delightful and thrilling extension of the fairytale The Princess and The Frog.
Disneyland Imagineers had a unique opportunity during the 2020 lockdown. Suddenly, the park was empty, giving them a chance to spend time “crawling around” in the old Splash Mountain ride to brainstorm how it could be renovated to tell a new story.
Lockdown gave the Imagineers a special appreciation for community, gathering, and celebration, and you can see how that comes through in the immersive way they told Tiana’s story with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The Disneyland team was excited to “tell the rest of Tiana’s story” and shared that “Tiana still had big dreams after the kiss. She is an entrepreneur, and she has big plans!”
Disneyland Imagineers, while telling a “what comes next” story for one of our favorite princesses, are also telling a sweet story of community.
“Tiana’s story shows that we are better together—we’re showing that through music, food, and art in this ride.”
What to Expect on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Ride: A Musical and Thrilling Journey
Even if you were a die-hard Splash Mountain fan, Disney magic has turned this ride into something altogether new. Here’s what you can look forward to on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
The Music
When The Princess and the Frog came out, our household was HOOKED. We knew all the songs by heart, and I’m not afraid to admit that it was one of the movies that we watched frequently when my kiddos were little. So naturally, Disneyland has made music a big feature of the ride, with a Grammy award-winning composer at the helm.
Your Favorite Characters
This ride revisits Tiana, Mama Odie, and Lewis with the same voice actors contributing their talents to the ride. And don’t worry, that cutie Prince Naveen makes a special appearance at the end.
Plus, you’ll meet some new critters with their own musical gifts.
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You’re Going to Get Wet!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a water ride with a few small dips and drops. Of course, it ends with a big, splashy drop that gives riders a view of the park. Pack a poncho and keep your phone tucked in your pocket, and you’ll be fine!
Immersive Storytelling
The Bayou area entry is a bit drawn out. Fireflies light up, music starts, it’s all about the AMBIANCE. Extra design went into the que line and telling Tiana’s story happens a lot as you wait in line through the artwork and decorations.
You’ll see photos, letters, newspaper clippings, and more as you wait in line. Take the time to read them if you can, they are sweet and made me a bit teary-eyed.
Care was also taken to ensure that the queue line for quests with disabilities could experience the story as well—Disneyland made sure that the art and experiences were mirrored in the additional access line. The ride design focuses not only on the vibrance of color but also on the absence of light, and the use of light makes for a really magical experience on the ride.
Where Is Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Ride Located and How to Plan Your Visit?
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is located just passed The Haunted Mansion at the edge of New Orleans Square on the way to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, with the entrance tucked back beyond the Hungry Bear Jamboree.
Use the Disneyland App
The Disneyland App is the most important tool for planning a trip to Disneyland and will help you assess ride wait times, sign up for virtual queues, and manage your Lightning Lane passes. Since Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is new, I would expect guests to use the virtual queue for the foreseeable future.
- You can join the complimentary virtual queue, accessible only via the Disneyland app, which is required to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. More details here.
- Guests may get quicker entry by booking an arrival window and using the Lightning Lane entrance with the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
- Parties with guests that do not meet the minimum 40-inch height requirement can ask a cast member about the complimentary Rider Switch feature.
Ride at Night!
If your schedule and weather permits, I would encourage you to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at night. The ride’s exterior pops, and the park’s view during the big drop is SPECTACULAR.
Try the Updated Menu at Hungry Bear Restaurant
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s closest neighbor is the Hungry Bear Restaurant and the menu has been overhauled alongside the newest Disneyland Ride. The menu now boasts more elevated foods that will delight adults—especially fans of smoked meats like brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. Bonus for the pickle fan in your life – they have a Sparkling Strawberry-Pickle Lemonade! You can see the full menu here.
Why Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Ride Is a Must-See for Families
Tiana’s Bayou is the perfect first “big kid” ride for those kiddos who have just gotten tall enough to graduate to the bigger rides. But make no mistake, it’s full of the excitement and magic that delights kids of all ages.
The Disneyland Imagineers feel a special responsibility to keep this park great because “it is the only park that Walt walked.” So when it was time to add to the New Orleans Square area of the park, they really leaned into it. Authenticity was important, and the Imagineers consulted with people, chefs, and artists of New Orleans to bring the culture to the area and ride.
Tiana’s story is special. She’s everybody’s princess. She’s modern. She had a working, single Mom and proud ties to the military through her Dad’s service. She represents pride and perseverance. Her story shines a light on the fact that what lies in us has the potential to make our dreams come true.
Plan Your Magical Disneyland Adventure: Book Tickets and Make the Most of Your Visit
Want to know more about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and get a peek behind the scenes? Check out the Disney Parks Blog and if you go, DON’T FORGET YOUR PONCHO!
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