While hard to choose, our Frog Family's favorite Disney film has to be ... you guessed it, "The Princess and the Frog!" Tiana's story of hard work and dedication is truly inspirational (plus, it has magic and catchy music — a classic Disney combo). You know that means ... we are so excited about Tiana's Bayou Adventure, a new attraction at Magic Kingdom Park. As of June 28, 2024, Tiana's Bayou Adventure is now OPEN, so here's everything we know about Tiana's Bayou Adventure!
Overview of Tiana's Bayou Adventure
Tiana's Bayou Adventure is a musical adventure boat ride in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. The attraction picks up right after the end of "The Princess and the Frog" film. In the queue, you'll discover Tiana has expanded her business with Tiana's Foods, an employee-owned cooperative, and transformed an old salt mine into both a farm and kitchen. As they prepare for an exciting Mardi Gras celebration with the community, they discover they are missing a key ingredient. Join Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose), Naveen (voiced by Bruno Campos) and alligator Louis (voiced by Michael Leon Wooley) as they journey through the bayou and make lots of new critter friends along the way.
Now, these new critter friends aren't your run-of-the-mill swamp creatures. No, sir! They just so hoppen to be very talented and make up the essential missing ingredient needed for Tiana's party ... a musical band! The Zydeco band is composed of a six-critter crew, each with their own special name and instrument. 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. You'll want to listen closely as these adorable critters will be playing a rendition of "Gonna Take You There" — one of our frog-favorite songs from the film.
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 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 (or should we say, splashing!) 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 will illuminate the bayou with her magic for Mardi Gras season and joke with guests along their journey. Frogs "goin' down the bayou" will also get an up-close look at her eccentric belongings and 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.
The Disney teams did extensive research in New Orleans to help capture the soul of Louisiana — including the iconic rhythm and blues music! The attraction features original music inspired by songs from the film. Tiana also debuts a new outfit and hairstyle, perfect for a bayou adventure. Plus, the alluring scent of beignets wafts through certain parts of the attraction! Yum!
Do you love to collect Disney merchandise? Then you're in luck! Disney released a first look at two new retail locations coming to Tiana's Bayou Adventure — Critter Co-Op and Tiana's Bayou General. You'll find Tiana's Bayou Adventure and "The Princess and the Frog" merchandise collections at the Critter Co-Op.
The same attraction will also debut at Disneyland Park in late 2024.
How to Ride Tiana's Bayou Adventure
Currently, Tiana's Bayou Adventure is only operating with a virtual queue (no standby line available). However, Disney has stated the virtual queue will be used temporarily for a short period upon opening. At this time, there isn't a specific date for when the switch to a standby line will happen. Until then, you will need to join a Boarding Group — or you can purchase expedited access through Genie+ (or Lightning Lane Multi Pass, as of July 24, 2024).
The virtual queue opens at 7 a.m. (from any location) or 1 p.m. (from inside Magic Kingdom) via the My Disney Experience app. You can only join one virtual queue at a time. Because Magic Kingdom offers two rides via virtual queue only (Tiana's and TRON Lightcycle / Run), you will need to prioritize which virtual queue you want to join at 7 a.m. as you cannot get Boarding Groups for both at that same time for your entire party (unless your party wants to split up — one group can join Tiana's while the other gets TRON). If you successfully join the virtual queue for Tiana's at 7 a.m. and are able to ride before 1 p.m., you can join the virtual queue for TRON at 1 p.m. (or vice versa).
If you really want to get on both rides and don't mind spending some extra green for Lightning Lane access, here's our recommended plan of attack:
- One person in the party purchases Genie+ (Lightning Lane Multi Pass, as of July 24) and prioritizes Tiana's at 7 a.m., while a second person joins the virtual queue for TRON at 7 a.m. By purchasing Genie+, you also receive free digital downloads of the PhotoPass ride photos for Tiana's, TRON and other select attractions.
- If you don't want Genie+ (or Lightning Lane Multi Pass), then we'd switch roles — at 7 a.m., someone should join the virtual queue for Tiana's while a second person purchases the a la carte Lightning Lane option for TRON. You can choose the Lightning Lane arrival time window.
If you don't want to purchase Lightning Lane access, then you will need to prioritize which virtual queue is most important for your party, so you can join it at 7 a.m. If you are able to ride before 1 p.m., you may join the other virtual queue at 1 p.m. The main caveat here is that you don't know exactly when your Boarding Group will be called.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiana's Bayou Adventure
When will Tiana's Bayou Adventure open at Magic Kingdom?
Tiana's Bayou Adventure opened June 28, 2024, at Magic Kingdom Park. (Disneyland's version will open later in 2024.)
When did Splash Mountain close?
Splash Mountain permanently closed Jan. 23, 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 must be 40 inches (102cm) or taller to ride.
Will it have a virtual queue?
As of June 28, Tiana's Bayou Adventure uses 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.
Can I also get a Boarding Group for TRON Lightcycle / Run?
You only join one virtual queue at a time, so you cannot get a Boarding Group for both Tiana's and TRON for your entire party at 7 a.m. (If you want to split up your party, it's toadally fine that one group goes for Tiana's while the other joins TRON.) However, say if you get a Boarding Group for Tiana's at 7 a.m. and you are able to redeem and ride it before 1 p.m., you would still have the chance to join the virtual queue for TRON at 1 p.m.
Will the ride be offered on Genie+?
Yes, it will be included in Disney Genie+ service (until July 23, 2024) which includes complimentary digital downloads of select Disney PhotoPass attraction photos taken on the same day of use.
On July 24, 2024, Disney Genie+ will transform into Disney Lightning Lane. The biggest change coming with Lightning Lane is that you'll be able to reserve your rides in advance! Tiana's Bayou Adventure is one of five rides included in Tier 1 of the new Multi Pass system for Magic Kingdom along with Big Thunder Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan's Flight and Space Mountain. For a more in-depth overview, be sure to hop to these posts — Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Magic Kingdom Lightning Lane Options and Tiers and Lightning Lane Multi Pass FAQs.
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 (or the new Disney Lightning Lane Multi Pass, as of July 24, 2024), ride photos are included! Along with capturing your plunge into the bayou with PhotoPass, there are some additional treats in store. At Tiana’s Bayou General, located at the ride's exit, you can purchase a commemorative print package for $32.95+tax, which includes an 8×10 print of your ride photo, two recipe cards, a note from Tiana and two special prints of Tiana and her friends. You'll also receive a digital copy of your ride photo in the My Disney Experience app. Plus, look out for a new Magic Shot from PhotoPass photographers featuring Tiana and her friends. Additionally, there's a new Disney PhotoPass lens.
Where can I find beignets?
Tiana's Famous Beignets are back for a limited time beginning opening day at Golden Oak Outpost and The Friar's Nook.
Other "Princess and the Frog" Experiences at Disney World
Now or anytime, there are plenty of wonderful experiences celebrating Tiana. Magic Kingdom is the best place for "The Princess and the Frog" fans. Did you know you can meet Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall? (And during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, she even meets with Naveen!)
@undercovertourist ‼️Breaking News‼️Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens June 28 at Walt Disney World!! 🎉 👸🏾We’re almost there, indeed! In the meantime, here’s where you can see Tiana NOW! 🐸 Magic Kingdom: Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire Princess Fairytale Hall Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade 🐸 EPCOT: The American Adventure Akershus Royal Banquet Hall 🐸 Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Fantasmic! 🐸Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: 1900 Park Fare 💚We might just be a little biased, but Tiana is our favorite princess! How frogciting! 🌟Hop to undercovertourist.com and snag adult tickets at child prices for both Walt Disney World and Disneyland!! (Hurry! Offer expires May 26, 2024) #tianasbayouadventure #tiana #tianasbayou #disneyworld #wdw #disney #magickingdom #disneynews #almostthere #disneylove #disneygram #disneyparks #orlandoflorida #disneyorlando #disneyprincess #disneyinsta #disneyreels ♬ original sound - Undercover Tourist
Also at Magic Kingdom, Mickey's Magical Friendship Faire on the castle stage features characters from "The Princess and the Frog." Be sure to sing along and have a swinging good time as we "Dig a Little Deeper." Tiana and Naveen are also on the first float of the Festival of Fantasy parade.
You can now meet Tiana in her new pantsuit and even try out her gumbo at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian Resort. Or visit her in her royal dress at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in EPCOT.
For the ultimate royal visit, consider staying at Disney's Port Orleans Resort — Riverside, featuring rooms with nods to "The Princess and the Frog" and even royal guest rooms!
There are so many exciting attractions coming to Walt Disney World! What are you most excited about?
