Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: A Sneak Peek of the New Magic Kingdom Ride

View of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World

July brought exciting news for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders as they were granted early access to the reimagined Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom. We had the privilege of experiencing it before its grand opening to the public, and we’re thrilled to share our first impressions.

Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your chance to ride or just curious about the transformation, join us as we walk you through the queue, the storyline, and the ride itself. Fair warning: if you’re hoping to keep the experience a surprise, bookmark this post for later!

A New Chapter for a Beloved Ride

For those who fondly remember Splash Mountain, this attraction marks a significant re-theming of a classic ride. Set after the events of The Princess and the Frog, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure tells the story of Tiana’s latest endeavor: the creation of Tiana’s Foods. To celebrate her success and thank her community for their support, Tiana plans a Mardi Gras-style party—and she needs a little help from us to pull it off.

The Queue: A Journey Through Tiana’s World

The adventure begins outside with charming, subtle theming. A garden filled with vegetables like okra, celery, and onions greets you as you wind through the queue. Outdoor queues are a rarity at Disney World, so it’s a welcome touch that water fountains are strategically placed along the way—a lifesaver during Florida’s sweltering heat.

As you approach the building, you enter the offices of Tiana’s Foods, where the details truly shine. From a newspaper proclaiming, “Princess Tiana Throws Mardi Gras Party for All of New Orleans” to nods to her famous beignets, the queue immerses you in her world. While the virtual queue kept us moving briskly, we couldn’t help but wish for more time to soak in the intricate storytelling.

The Ride: A Journey into the Bayou

Boarding the familiar boats from Splash Mountain, now equipped with a single lap bar, you’re transported into the lush bayou. The transformation is striking, with vibrant greenery, whimsical frogs, and serene waterways creating a truly immersive environment.

One of our favorite moments came early on: catching glimpses of riders descending the iconic drop while being carried further into the bayou. It’s a playful reminder of the ride’s thrilling roots.

The standout feature? The animatronics. Tiana herself is a marvel, moving with fluidity and elegance that sets a new standard. If you’re familiar with Frozen Ever After’s animatronics, you might expect something similar, but Tiana surpasses expectations.

A Fresh Take on a Classic

Re-theming an iconic ride is no small task, but Disney Imagineers have risen to the challenge. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure masterfully preserves the ride mechanics we all loved in Splash Mountain while introducing a fresh, inclusive storyline that resonates with today’s audiences.

We can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself. Until then, we’ll be dreaming of Tiana’s beignets and planning our next adventure through the bayou.

Have you had the chance to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Savi’s Workshop Galaxy’s Edge, Walt Disney World

Finished custom lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop!

The Ultimate Jedi Experience: Crafting Lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop

In the heart of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios lies an experience that beckons to the heart of every Star Wars aficionado—Savi's Workshop. This unique adventure offers more than just the chance to leave with a personalized lightsaber; it immerses you in an interactive narrative that transports you into the very essence of the Jedi lore.

A Journey into the Heart of the Jedi

Upon stepping into Savi’s Workshop, you are no longer a mere visitor; you become an integral part of a riveting story that connects you to the ancient history and lore of the Jedi. The experience is designed to be deeply immersive, making you feel as if you have stepped into a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga.

Crafting Your Destiny

The highlight of the experience is, undoubtedly, the construction of your own lightsaber. You are presented with parts from four distinct collections, each designed to embody different thematic elements of the Force. Whether you envision your lightsaber to exude peace, power, wisdom, or defense, you will find pieces that resonate with your chosen path.

As your lightsaber takes shape, piece by piece, it is not merely an assembly of components but a creation imbued with a story—a story that you help bring to life. The choice of a Kyber Crystal adds another layer to this narrative. Offered in blue, green, purple, and red, these crystals not only determine the color of your lightsaber's blade but also serve as the heart of its power, echoing the timeless struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force.

An Encounter with Legends

While the specifics of the journey within Savi's Workshop are shrouded in mystery—free from spoilers—one can anticipate moments of awe, possibly including an ethereal visit from a force ghost of a legendary Jedi master. Such moments elevate the experience from a simple build-your-own activity to an encounter that feels like a rite of passage within the Star Wars universe.

Guiding you through this adventure is Kembe, a character who weaves the narrative thread as you are assisted by the Gatherers, a dedicated team whose knowledge of the Force and the lore of the lightsaber ensures that your experience is both authentic and enlightening.

A Transcendent Experience

For our family of four, the journey to Savi's Workshop was more than just an activity; it was a transformative experience. Each of us left with a customized lightsaber, a tangible reminder of our unique adventure within the world of Star Wars. These lightsabers are not merely collectibles; they are symbols of our shared experience, igniting memories of the magic and excitement of crafting our own piece of the saga.

Savi's Workshop, available at Galaxy’s Edge in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, offers an unforgettable experience for Star Wars fans. Whether you're planning a visit to Hollywood Studios or Disneyland, this adventure is an essential part of the journey for those drawn to the lore of the Jedi and the Skywalker saga. Pricing and details await, but the question remains: Will you include this legendary experience in your plans? Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and remember—may the Force be with you.