Inside Disney World's newest ride, Tiana's Bayou Adventure
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The influencers were out for a preview of the latest Disney World attraction this week. Photo: Jeff Weiner/Axios
As my raft wound through the Louisiana bayou, the jazzy serenade of animatronic musical critters almost lulled me into forgetting where this ride was headed.
- But soon, there it was: That familiar 50-foot drop — and the splash.
The big picture: This week, I got a sneak peek at Disney World's latest attraction, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, based on the 2009 film "The Princess and the Frog."
- The New Orleans-themed log flume ride replaces Splash Mountain, though the bones of the Magic Kingdom mainstay remain. What's old is new again.
The vibe: Imagineers conferred with New Orleans-based artists and the family of famed NOLA chef Leah Chase, who inspired the Tiana character. It shows.
- This ride is a celebration of brassy music and Creole and Cajun culture.
Step inside: Set a year after the movie's happy ending, riders enter through our restaurateur protagonist's new business, Tiana's Foods.
- The walls are lined with mementos of Tiana's life with Prince Naveen — full, no doubt, of Easter eggs that Disney diehards will dissect ad nauseam.
🐰 All aboard: The ride takes you on a quest through the bayou, led by Tiana and fan-favorite alligator trumpeter Louis, in search of musicians for a Mardi Gras party.
- Among the recruits: a harmonica playing turtle, an opossum bassist and a rabbit using a license plate as a washboard.
🪄 The action ramps up when voodoo priestess Mama Odie shrinks us down to bug-sized so we can scout talent among Ray the firefly's brethren.
- Then, get ready for that 50-foot splash.
My six-word review: Classic ride + new adventure = comfort food.
Merch galore: You didn't think you'd meet those new critter musicians without having the chance to buy them, did you? Here's some of what I spotted for sale.
If you go: The ride opens to the public June 28.