Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: An Old Classic Made New
By Kevin Hoskinson
Entertainment Editor | Pastrami Nation
On July 17, 1989, Splash Mountain opened at Disneyland and became an instant classic. Based on the 1946 animated film Song of the South, it reintroduced generations to Br’er Rabbit and the iconic song “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.” I was just nine years old at the time, and I vividly remember visiting the park shortly after the attraction’s opening. The lines were long, but it was worth it to experience the massive drop for the first time. It was undoubtedly intimidating, but after conquering it, I discovered a lifelong favorite.
Over the years, rumors circulated that the ride would undergo a makeover. Song of the South had become less relevant, and its subject matter had made it one of Disney’s most controversial projects. It was essentially forgotten to history, with Splash Mountain serving as the sole remnant of the film and its characters. In June 2020, it was announced that the ride, as we knew it in Disneyland and Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, would undergo a transformation. Just over a decade prior, The Princess and the Frog had been released, marking the studio’s last traditionally hand-drawn princess animated film. This movie would serve as the foundation for the updated attraction, which would be known as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
In November of 2024, the new attraction officially opened at Disneyland. After months of anticipation, I finally embarked on an epic Disney-cation in Anaheim and had the opportunity to experience the ride firsthand. Boarding the familiar logs, I was torn between nostalgia for the past and the thrill of the unknown. Any worries I had were quickly put to rest as I quickly discovered that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is just as enchanting as I hoped it would be, even if that comes with a caveat or two.
They captured the New Orleans vibe and atmosphere that made The Princess And The Frog so special. Before stepping foot on the ride, you are immersed in the music and sounds of the bayou. It’s a party vibe, and walking through the queue, you see Tiana and her friend’s journey since we last saw them. Taking place a year after the finale of the film, the story of the attraction follows Tiana and her pal Louis as they recruit critter musicians to join their Mardi Gras celebration. Along the way, you take a trip with Mama Odie to find smaller musicians and ultimately down the thrilling water drop before the grand finale.
For the most part, this overlay is everything I could ask for. The animatronics are top of the line and have some of the most fluid motions I’ve ever seen. It blows my mind how much these pieces of machinery have evolved since the inception of Disneyland and how lifelike they have become. They are no longer in the realm of the uncanny valley; they might as well be flesh and blood standing right in front of you. They are characters come to life, and it puts you right in the middle of an animated film.
The story is super easy to follow and a lot of fun, allowing guests of all ages to enjoy their time on the attraction. This does lead to the only negative I have about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, though. This ride plays it super safe, never putting you in any sense of danger. Splash Mountain was dark and had a truly terrifying moment before the big drop, and it added stakes. This is just a party vibe all the way through. That’s not a bad thing, but some riders might find the experience less than climactic.
My wife and I truly enjoyed our time on this updated classic. We went out during the day and also at night, and both times we had a blast and got soaked. I’ve been a strong advocate of this overlay since it was announced, and I’m glad it turned out as good as it did. I have hope that one day they will find a way to include the villainous Dr. Facilier in the ride, but I’m not going to hold my breath. It’s fun the way it is, and I can’t wait to go back and experience it again.
