Disney Parks has offered fans a first look at the new Tiana audio-animatronic who will bring some old school Imagineering magic to the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride, opening at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom this summer and at Disneyland later in 2024. The ride was previously said to be coming in winter 2024. (Watch the opening announcement video on TikTok.)
The attraction inspired by the 2D animated feature The Princess and the Frog (2009) will be replacing the controversial Song of the South-themed Splash Mountain log flume ride, which shut down in January 2023.
In addition to introducing the mechanized Disney Princess, the company also confirmed that the ride will feature dozens of brand-new audio-animatronic figures, including Louis, Mama Odie, Eudora, Charlotte, Prince Ralphie and Prince Naveen.
Guests on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will “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,” according to a statement made last year for the concept art unveiling by Carmen Smith, SVP, Creative Development – Product/Content & Inclusive Strategies for Disney Parks, Experiences & Products. The ride will also feature an all-animal zydeco band.
@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
[Sources: Disney Parks, WDW Magic]
