There's something green coming to Bayou Country (and it's not just us!). Tiana's Bayou Adventure is set to open at Disneyland Park on Nov. 15, 2024, and in the words of Mama Odie, it's "gonna be good!" A year after the closure of the thrilling 50-foot drop, we're "getting closer and closer every day" to hopping back into this famous log ride and experiencing Splash Mountain's fantastical re-theme based on Disney's "The Princess and the Frog!" While you still get that giant splash (yippee!), the adventure is entirely new, with original and familiar music and brand-new audio-animatronics. The land surrounding the ride also gets a new name, changing from Critter Country to Bayou Country. Here's everything we know about Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disneyland!
Overview of Tiana's Bayou Adventure
This just in — Magic Key Holders will have the opportunity to experience Tiana's Bayou Adventure before its opening date for a passholder preview! Preview dates are Oct. 21-23, 25-27, 29, Nov. 1, 3, 5, 6, 8-10 and 12, 2024. A virtual queue will open at 7 a.m. in the Disneyland app, and Magic Key holders who are already in the parks will have the chance to join at 12 p.m. for previews later that day. Virtual queues are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
Tiana has made all her dreams come true and is preparing to throw a giant Mardi Gras celebration for her friends, family and the entire New Orleans community for all the support they've given her on her journey to become a successful business owner, and you're invited!
But no matter how many delicious beignets she makes (and they are delicious!), or how perfectly Tabasco-ed her daddy's gumbo may be, there's no Mardi Gras without music, and Tiana is in need of a band! Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose), Naveen (voiced by Bruno Campos) and their alligator friend Louis (voiced by Michael Leon Wooley) take us on their journey to find the missing ingredient to make her party complete.
A Zydeco band consisting of new critter friends performs frog-favorite songs we know from the movie, such as "Gonna Take You There." We've got Rufus the Turtle on the harmonica, Apollo the Raccoon squeezing the accordion, Gritty the Rabbit playing the washboard (really a license plate!), Timoléon the Otter sawing the fiddle and Beau the Opossum rocking her upright gourd base. Last, but certainly not least, is Byhalia the Beaver. She's keeping the beat as the percussionist and leader of the band. Beau, Apollo and Rufus will be available as plushies to purchase at one of two all-new gift shops, Louis’ Critter Club and Ray’s Berets, opening alongside the ride.
As you float further down the bayou, you'll encounter another set of animal characters — the Rara musicians! Rara is a form of Haitian folk music that's part of the musical history and culture of New Orleans. Octavia and Pawpaw Bobcat both play the vaksin (a single-note horn instrument), Claude and Bernadette Louisiana Black Bears play the horn, while Sebastián the Louisiana Black Bear cub and Phina the Gray Fox keep time on the drums.
The final set of critters you'll meet represent the jazz sounds of Afro-Cuban music; meet four mucus-ically talented frogs — Felipe, Mayra, Mondo and Isabel who play the piano, trumpet and conga drums. We might be a teensy bit biased, but we think these critters are the best of the bunch! There's also Gloria and Delores, two BFF frogs who like to keep tabs on the folks floating down the bayou. But let's not froget about Lari, a mischievous armadillo who seems to make surprise appearances when you least expect it!
Also joining the celebration is the lovable Mama Odie, once again voiced by the legendary Jenifer Lewis! The 200-year-old Fairy Godmother illuminates the bayou with her magic for Mardi Gras season and jokes with guests along their journey. Frogs "goin' down the bayou" also get an up-close look at her eccentric belongings and can meet her precious "seeing eye snake," Juju.
Other familiar faces you'll see from the film include Tiana's mother, Eudora; Tiana's best friend, Charlotte; Charlotte's papa, "Big Daddy"; Naveen's parents, the King and Queen of Maldonia; and Naveen's younger brother, Prince Ralphie.
Have your nose ready for the sweet smell of beignets being prepared for the party while in the colorful queue, and expect some seriously beautiful nighttime lighting on the ride’s facade and its shops next door.
Featured in the queue are photos of Tiana’s father, James — a WWI veteran. This backstory acts as a salute to veterans by the Imagineers and Disney Animation.
Two new retail locations are coming to Bayou Country later this year, alongside the opening of Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Ray's Berets (formerly The Briar Patch) is the hop spot to get headwear, apparel, accessories, toys and more. Louis' Critter Club (the left-hand side of Pooh Corner) also features some favorite critters and Princess Tiana. The treat side of Pooh Corner remains for Hundred Acre Wood merch and treats. (Don't worry — the Tigger tails aren't going anywhere!) Critter Country closed as of May 1, 2024, to make way for these new shops and a land change. The new Bayou Country and ride open Nov. 15, 2024, the first day of Holiday Time!
The Disney teams did extensive research in New Orleans to help capture the sound and soul of Louisiana — including the iconic rhythm and blues music! Alongside familiar songs, the attraction features original music inspired by songs from the film, composed by Disney and musical legends PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard. This includes the brand-new song "Special Spice" at the ride story's finale. Tiana also debuts a new outfit and hairstyle, perfect for a bayou adventure.
The same attraction is also open at Magic Kingdom, as of June 28, 2024.
Splash Mountain Refurbishment
With the transformation into Tiana's Bayou Adventure, Splash Mountain permanently closed at Disneyland in May 2023. The last day of operation was May 31, 2023! The opening date is Nov. 15, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiana's Bayou Adventure
Here are the answers to some FAQs on Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disneyland.
When will Tiana's Bayou Adventure open at Disneyland?
Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open on Nov. 15, 2024 at Disneyland.
When did Splash Mountain close?
Splash Mountain permanently closed May 31, 2023, to begin the development of the new attraction.
Will the ride be the same at Walt Disney World and Disneyland?
Yes, both versions of Tiana's Bayou Adventure will be the same at Disney World and Disneyland.
What is the height requirement for Tiana's Bayou Adventure?
Riders will need to be 40 inches (102cm) or taller to ride.
Will it have a virtual queue?
Although we don’t know yet for sure, here is the information for Disney World’s version of the ride:
Upon opening June 28, 2024, Tiana's Bayou Adventure will use a virtual queue. Guests can request to join the virtual queue on the My Disney Experience app at 7 a.m. (from anywhere) or 1 p.m. (from inside Magic Kingdom). While a standby line won't be available initially, Disney expects to open a standby line soon after the ride's opening.
Will there be any ride previews?
Check back for updates soon!
Will the ride be offered on Genie+?
Although we don’t know yet for sure, here is the information for Disney World’s version of the ride:
Yes, it will be included in the Disney Genie+ service, which includes complimentary digital downloads of select Disney PhotoPass attraction photos taken on the same day of use.
Where can I find beignets?
You can find beignets at Tiana’s Palace and the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square and at Jazz Kitchen Coastal Grill & Patio and Beignets Expressed in Downtown Disney.
Will there be a ride photo?
Yes! A Disney PhotoPass ride photo will be available as you're "goin' down the bayou." Remember, if you purchased Genie+ for the day, ride photos are included!
Other "Princess and the Frog" Experiences at Disneyland
While we await the opening of this fun attraction, there are plenty of wonderful experiences celebrating Tiana. Disneyland is the best place for "The Princess and the Frog" fans. Did you know you can meet Tiana while she's roaming around New Orleans Square? She's often found by Rivers of America, at Tiana's Palace (in her new dress) or even on the Riverboat. We've even caught her in Frontierland, dancing with the Disneyland Band! Speaking of Tiana's Palace, you can try some of Tiana's family recipes, which have a Creole and Cajun flair!
Tiana and Naveen have their own float in the Magic Happens parade. (Or catch them in the Christmas Fantasy Parade during Holiday Time.) Sometimes Tiana makes an appearance at the end of Fantasmic!
Looking for inspiration to make some gumbo of your own? Hop into Eudora's Chic Boutique in New Orleans Square. There, you'll find some housewares, kitchen tools, dapper clothing and décor.
Although the princesses may vary, it is possible to meet Tiana at the Princess Breakfast Adventures Character Dining at the Grand Californian’s Napa Rose restaurant.
For more royal info, hop over to our guide about meeting princesses at Disneyland.
There are so many exciting attractions coming to Disneyland! What are you most excited about?
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Related: Get the Dish on the All-New Tiana's Palace Restaurant at Disneyland
Hoppy planning!
