UPDATE September 11 – More details have been released at D23 Expo’s Parks, Experiences and Products panel, that offer some exciting updates on what guests can expect from this upcoming attraction.
The panel yielded some more details surrounding the story of the ride, confirming that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure would see guests join Tiana as she hosts a party for the people of New Orleans, however, she quickly discovers she is missing a key ingredient, thus bringing guests along with her as she searches for it.
The panel reiterated the attraction’s expected opening window of late 2024, while also revealing the incredibly exciting return of some original cast members from The Princess and the Frog film including Bruno Campos (Naveen), Michael Leon Wooley (Louis), and Jennifer Lewis (Mama Odie) and, of course, Anika Noni Rose who voiced Princess Tiana.
Still, no closing date has been announced for Disneyland or Walt Disney World’s Splash Mountain, the ride that will receive this Princess and the Frog themed overlay.
September 9, 2022 – An exciting first look has been released for Disney’s upcoming Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction, which will replace Splash Mountain in both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park.
As Disney’s D23 Expo gets into full swing over in Anaheim, California, visitors of the event will get to experience the Disney Parks and Experiences Wonderful World of Dreams pavilion, which has brought with it some interesting teases for the future of the Disney parks.
The pavilion includes a model of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, as well as stunning pieces of concept art which offer some of the best looks yet at what can be expected from this new attraction. The model showcases some new elements that will be incorporated into this overlay, including a big water tower that reads “Employee Owned – Tiana’s Foods – Est 1927.”
The pavilion also confirmed that the Princess and the Frog inspired attraction would feature 16 new friends alongside Tiana. Disney Parks Blog have shared some images from the expo which you can check out below.
Much of what can be expected from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure remains tightly under wraps, although Disney have shared various clips along the way that have detailed the exciting inspirations behind this upcoming attraction. The ride is set to take place after the events of The Princess and the Frog’s final moments, with guests set to encounter some of the film’s most memorable characters, alongside these new faces. Previously referred to as “a love letter to New Orleans” the ride is set to feature a mix of both original music and music from the film.
In addition to this new preview, the pavilion also teased two new additions to New Orleans Square at Disneyland Park, including an all-new reimagined restaurant inspired by the film called Tiana’s Palace, as well as Eudora’s Chic Boutique Featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets, with the latter set to officially open its doors to guests on September 20, 2022.
The store will see Tiana collaborate with her dressmaker mother, Eudora, to bring guests a unique retail experience that features both accessories and New-Orleans style cuisine.
As of right now, Splash Mountain’s official closing date has yet to be confirmed for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland, though Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was previously given an expected opening window of late 2024.
