Walt Disney World in Florida is preparing for the opening of their new attraction, Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Opening June 28th, this Princess and the Frog themed water ride is the replacement for Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom. While there are many people upset about losing a classic attraction, I think it was time for an update and am excited to see Tiana finally getting a place in Disney World!
Disney released a full ride-through video of the new attraction that you can watch here. While the ride mechanics and layout look essentially the same, Splash Mountain has gotten a total facelift inside and out. The barren, rocky mountain has been replaced with a lush, green bayou. You can also see a water tower for Tiana's Place with her crown on top and two stars to represent Evangeline and Ray.
One of my favorite parts of the exterior, which you can see in the video, is the nighttime lights. They add some fun color and life to the area. The interior of the ride is also filled with life, with new and old critters joining you on your journey through the bayou. The premise is that you are helping Louis and Tiana to find a band for a party. With the help of Mama Odie and her magic, you look for animals big and small that love jamming out as much as our old friend Louis.
The ride features some of the songs from the movie along with a new song for the finale party of the ride. The music from Princess and the Frog is some of my favorite, so I'm excited to have it featured and to get a new song from the original cast! While I will miss Zip-A-Dee-Do-Dah, I think the new theme for the ride is a step in the right direction away from an outdated theme and towards a movie more of today's kids have seen. It is also fantastic to finally have representation for our African American princess, especially when she is seen as a human throughout the ride.
I can't wait to experience this ride in person and to see what other changes they have made to the surrounding area, the queue, and the gift shop! Now here's hoping we can get Tiana's Palace restaurant in Disney World as well! New Orleans is one of my favorite places, so I home we get a little more of that flavor at our park in Florida.
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