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!
