Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2009 movie The Princess and The Frog is one in all my favorites to rewatch — to not point out groundbreaking for a lot of causes. It shattered the mildew of what it means to be a princess and launched youngsters of all ages to a robust, relatable feminine. And now, she has her rightful place in Disney parks. Disney World friends will quickly be happening the bayou when Tiana’s Bayou Journey, the extremely anticipated Princess and the Frog-inspired attraction, opens to the general public.
Jazz-loving Louis, Princess Tiana, and even Mama Odie will all be there for the event, together with a number of new soon-to-be-favorite associates. A whole reimagining of the previous (and controversial) Splash Mountain, this thrilling new experience will reside in Magic Kingdom, simply earlier than Large Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland.
I used to be invited by Disney to be among the many first to experience, and — spoiler — I completely cherished it. Here is every part you could learn about Tiana’s Bayou Journey and the right way to experience.
What’s Tiana’s Bayou Journey?
Tiana’s Bayou Journey is a log-flume-style attraction set after the occasions of the beloved movie. Round 10 minutes lengthy, it provides riders a glimpse into Tiana’s subsequent chapter, wherein she achieves her desires. We be taught that the princess efficiently opened her personal restaurant and continued to develop her different companies. You go, woman!
The festivities start within the queue, which is adorned with images of Tiana’s accomplishments and introduces us to her subsequent enterprise, Tiana’s Meals.
There are so many particulars to absorb as you stroll by means of her prep kitchen. You possibly can even take pleasure in (learn: salivate over) the scent of recent beignets piped in. It’s pure eye sweet and instantly units the tone for what’s to return.
As soon as aboard, riders will journey to the bayou as Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen put together to host a Mardi Gras celebration. Everybody’s favourite trumpet-playing alligator, Louis, enlists riders to affix him within the job of discovering the ultimate elements to a profitable celebration: a merry band of musicians.
Similar to the film, music performs a pivotal half. Gleefully, the acquainted sing-along hits from the film make it alongside new tunes. The film’s unique forged (together with the extremely proficient Anika Noni Rose, who voiced Tiana) returns for the grand affair. The finale introduces a brand new unique tune, “Particular Spice,” with vocals by Rose.
The celebrities of the experience might very effectively be the cute new lineup of characters launched, a band of music-loving critters. There are 19 in whole, every with their very own distinct identify and persona, together with Timoléon, the fiddle-playing raccoon. Good luck escaping the reward store with no plush model!
When does Tiana’s Bayou Journey open?
Tiana’s Bayou Journey will probably be open for all Disney World friends (who meet the peak necessities) beginning on June 28. An analogous model is anticipated to debut at Disneyland by the top of the 12 months.
What makes this experience so distinctive?
The ante was upped in an enormous method for Tiana as Disney determined to, ahem, 🎵dig just a little deeper🎵 utilizing its newest audio-animatronics applied sciences. These had been first launched final 12 months in Hong Kong Disneyland’s World of Frozen however at the moment are making their method stateside.
The consequence? Probably the most fluid, lifelike motion I’ve seen but. Probably the most spectacular examples is Louis, one of many largest figures ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. There are dozens of those new refined characters, together with Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, Louis, and Princess Tiana.
The ultimate scene, which takes place at Tiana and Naveen’s residence, is a wide ranging showstopper. It brings collectively all of the characters you meet alongside the experience in a vibrantly coloured, immersive setting.
Who can experience?
The slow-moving boat journey (albeit with some drops) requires riders to be at the least 40 inches or 102 cm tall.
Since this takes place after the occasions of the film, Disney leaned right into a celebratory ambiance. Notably absent? The fear-inducing, ominous feels from the movie (Thanks. Dr. Facilier!) and the experience’s earlier model of Splash Mountain (I am going to by no means recover from the vultures).
Whereas some scenes are well-lit and outside, others are at the hours of darkness — however there isn’t a overtly harmful presence. Boat rows accommodate two friends, so you’ll be able to maintain onto your driving companion if comfort is required. There’s additionally a lap bar to seize onto.
However remember, this can be a log flume experience. There are a number of small drops and two main ones, together with the acquainted 50-foot drop from its earlier model. Company will stroll previous the large drop when accessing the attraction, providing a glimpse into what to anticipate. Honest warning: You’re going to get moist!
Why does this experience matter a lot?
Disney labored in partnership with the town of New Orleans to authentically convey its tradition and traditions to life on this new experience. And I truthfully assume they nailed it. Actual-life “Queen of Creole Delicacies” Leah Chase impressed the character of Tiana, and the experience continues to honor her legacy. Chase owned and operated the New Orleans restaurant Dooky Chase’s and performed an vital function within the Civil Rights Motion. Disney sprinkled Easter eggs that honor Chase all through the attraction, together with her reproduction cookware within the queue line’s kitchen.
Tiana is Disney’s first Black princess, and she or he’s a princess who deviates from the quintessential fairytale story. She comes from a navy, working-class household — not born into royalty. She’s a dreamer and a doer, and it is relatable, inspiring, and refreshing. Tiana is everybody’s princess.
How do you get on the experience?
Laissez les bons temps rouler … soon. As soon as Tiana’s Bayou Journey formally opens on June 28, friends could have two choices for driving:
- Attempt the free digital queue, as you’d for different common new points of interest like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. With this selection, friends can try to affix the net waitlist at both 7 a.m. or 1 p.m. throughout the My Disney Expertise app. Stepping into the queue is not assured, and as soon as it is your time window to experience, there will probably be an anticipated wait time.
- If your loved ones is insistent on driving, a greater possibility will be the paid Genie+ service, which incorporates Disney PhotoPass images and usually an expedited line.
Disney won’t provide a standby queue at opening, however they anticipate this to be out there quickly.
How else are you able to have a good time Princess Tiana?
In case your toddler would not fairly meet the peak necessities or is not prepared for the 50-foot drop, there are many different methods to have a good time the arrival of Princess Tiana. The Critter Co-Op is the one-stop store for all issues Princess Tiana, together with plush dolls of the brand new forged of critters.
Right here, you may as well buy the highly regarded sauce created by Tiana’s real-life affect, Leah Chase, together with different Dooky Chase merchandise, like its signature seasonings.
It goes with out saying that meals is an integral a part of the film and new experience. Come opening, Magic Kingdom Park will provide impressed bites, together with shrimp gumbo with candy potato fries and, after all, Tiana’s well-known beignets. And if you cannot make it to the parks however need a style of New Orleans delicacies at residence, Disney launched a recipe for Tiana’s gumbo. (Yep, it is scrumptious!)
Ultimate Verdict
This can be a win for households on many ranges. Illustration issues, and it is pleasant to see Princess Tiana with a major presence within the park. On high of that, the experience is pure enjoyable — a festivity with memorable music, scenes, and characters that mixes Disney’s mastery of storytelling with new ranges of immersion. The moment basic is scenically lovely with flowing Spanish moss and water lilies.
I already cannot wait to experience it many times for years to return. For those who’re a fan of the film (and who is not?), it tugs on these heartstrings in all the correct methods.
