Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: What We Know So Far

It’s been over a year since Splash Moutain closed and its transformation into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure began!

Based on the 2009 movie Princess and the Frog, the water ride is expected to open this year so we thought we’d do a round-up of everything we know about the attraction so far!

Update: Tiana’s Bayou will open June 28th 2024.

Check out the video below, but beware, there are spoilers!

When will Tiana’s Bayou Adventure open?

Though there isn’t an exact date, it’s been confirmed that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at Disney World in Orlando this summer.

The Disneyland California attraction doesn’t yet have an official opening date but it’ll likely follow later in the year.

What’s Changing?

There won’t be any change to the physical ride, it will still have the same layout including Splash Mountain’s famous drop.

The biggest changes will come through the ride’s storyline, music, and new scenes including some brand-new auto-animatronics.

Disney has revealed some impressive concept art, giving us a great idea of what the new ride will look like.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Storyline

Tiana wants to thank her family and friends for all their support, so she decides to throw a huge celebration during Mardi Gras season.

After a mix-up with the food preparations, visitors will join Tiana on an adventure through the bayou, looking for the missing ingredient she needs for the party.

Disney’s official description:

In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, you’ll join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis during Mardi Gras season as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration for the people of New Orleans. This new scene is the thrilling moment you first drop into the bayou and encounter some friends both new and familiar.

As you can see here, fireflies will light up the night and invite you deeper into the bayou … almost like they’re waving you forward. What you can’t tell from this rendering – so you’ll just have to trust me on this one – is that beautiful zydeco music will fill the air. Zydeco is a special blend of rhythm and blues that was born in Louisiana, and when you hear it, you’ll feel like you’ve truly stepped into Tiana’s world.

Here you’ll find Louis, who explains where this amazing music is coming from. Tiana made some new friends out here – a band full of adorable critters, including an otter, a rabbit, a racoon, a beaver, a turtle and others. The band members sing and play instruments made of natural materials they found in the bayou. It feels like they may have a bigger role to play in this story … but we’ll just have to wait and see on that one. 

Disney Official Description

Update: It has been revealed that the missing ingredient is music! Guests will follow Tiana and Louis as they look for a musical band of critters.

Meet The New Princess and the Frog Animatronics

Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis, and Mama Odie will feature in the ride and will be voiced by the original actors from The Princess and the Frog movie. Plus, they will be joined by Eudora, Charlotte, Prince Ralphie, and some new animal characters too.

One specific band of musical critters includes a beaver, an otter, a rabbit, a raccoon, an opossum, and a turtle!

Disney announced there will be dozens of audio-animatronics included on the ride and they look pretty impressive!

@disneyparks FIRST LOOK 👀 at one of the new Audio-Animatronics figures coming to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ✨💚 #Disney #DisneyParks #DisneyWorld #Tiana #TianasBayouAdventure #DisneyNews #MardiGras #Technology ♬ original sound – Disney Parks

The Music Of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

The ride will include songs from The Princess and the Frog movie, although Disney hasn’t revealed which songs will appear yet.

There will also be new music featured, with Grammy winners PJ Morton and Terrance Blanchard both writing original music for the ride.

Update: It has been revealed that the first song will be a rendition of “Gonna Take You There” played on makeshift instruments!

Fun fact: Terrance Blanchard played all of Louis’ trumpet parts in The Princess and the Frog movie!

Will there be any Princess and the Frog themed restaurants?

Tiana’s Palace in Disneyland, California opened last year serving southern-style food, including favorites like gumbo and beignets.

Disney hasn’t released any news on whether Magic Kingdom will get a Tiana-themed restaurant. However, her world-famous beignets appeared at the Golden Outpost in a trial run.

Are you excited?

Are you looking forward to the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Let us know in the comments!