To paraphrase Tiana herself, “We’re almost there!” With early reviews already starting to roll in for Disney World’s newest ride, the countdown until Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens to the public is officially on. Set to transport visitors straight to New Orleans, the Princess and the Frog-inspired ride will replace the problematic Splash Mountain — the water-drop attraction formerly in its space — for good.
And brace yourself, foodies: The scent of beignets will be incorporated into the attraction’s queue. That’s right; while you wait to get on the actual ride, the attraction will be filling the air with the sweet smell of fresh beignets, just like the ones Louis is obsessed with in the movie. That’s just the beginning of the experience, though.
Disney is going to great lengths to immerse visitors in the world of The Princess and the Frog from the moment they join the line for the upcoming ride. Once the action gets underway, your family can expect to hear voicework from several members of the movie’s cast, as well as new music, and see an interior water tower that furthers Tiana’s story.
When will Tiana’s Bayou Adventure open?
Book your tickets now, because Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be available for all guests to ride at Disney World starting on June 28. A similar version is expected to debut at Disneyland by the end of the year.
What’s the story behind The Princess and the Frog ride?
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will continue the princess’ story from the movie, taking place a year after the events in the beloved Disney film. Set during Mardi Gras season, Tiana and Naveen will guide visitors as they enter the venue to discover the princess has expanded her business to include Tiana’s Foods. Per Disney Parks Blog, Tiana has grown her culinary empire by buying an old salt mine and starting a food cooperative.
As you enter the ride, you’ll be greeted by the smell of beignets as Tiana and Naveen prepare for a big party where everyone is welcome. Meanwhile, the 200-year-old “Bayou Fairy Godmother,” Mama Odie, will show off her skills as guests prepare to float down the bayou, meeting musical creatures and experiencing touches of magic along the way.
What else can Disney fans expect from the ride?
As if the scent of fresh beignets wafting in the air wasn’t enough, major stars from The Princess and the Frog lent their voices to the attraction. That includes, yes, Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie, who will pop up throughout the ride to demonstrate her magic and crack jokes.
Additionally, fans can expect to hear Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana, Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, and Michael Leon Wooley as Louis the jazz-loving alligator. The ride will also introduce new characters, including several singing animals.
In fact, music will be a big part of the ride’s experience, with original songs from the film mixed in with new tunes. Disney is understandably keeping details about the specifics of the ride under wraps for now, but the press release teases a “musical gumbo” to accompany the adventure of heading deep into the magical bayou.
Will there be a virtual queue for the ride?
Yes, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will use a virtual queue like other popular new attractions, such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and TRON. You can join the virtual queue via the My Disney Experience app at either 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. Although as anyone who’s used Disney’s virtual queue system before can attest, you’ll want to log on a little early so you can try to join the queue right when it opens. The app will tell you when there’s no availability left, which happens fast with new rides!
There won’t be a standby queue offered in the ride’s early days, but you can use Disney Genie+ to purchase a Lightning Lane entrance for the ride.
One thing is for sure — the moment you get off the ride, you’ll be heading to Scat Cat’s Club to satisfy your beignet craving.
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