This past weekend was one for the books. For starters, I headed down to New Orleans to attend the Essence Festival of Culture. If you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing the four-day event, it’s a fun-filled weekend bursting with uplifting activities, empowering panels, and of course, concerts all created with Black women in mind. Simply put, it’s a glorious celebration for us.
That’s why it was the perfect place for Disney to explore the details around Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, one of the newest amusement ride attractions coming to Magic Kingdom in Orlando and Disneyland in California in late 2024. That’s right, our favorite Black princess (from “The Princess and the Frog”) who is fictionally based in the Big Easy is getting her own ride.
I had the honor of attending the press event at Preservation Hall — one of the city’s most historic and popular music venues — where the attraction’s name was revealed and learned some fascinating facts about its creation. In case you didn’t know, authenticity is paramount for Disney. Their Imagineers (Disney’s spin on engineers), work tirelessly and comb through painstaking details to ensure that everything they develop is rooted in authenticity.
Pictured (L-R): Ted Robledo, executive creative director at Walt Disney Imagineering and Stella Chase, daughter of the late Chef Leah Chase who inspired Tiana’s story.
From an alligator’s slithering movement to New Orleans’ unique vibe and environment, the Imagineers relentlessly researched and studied real-life in the bayou — essentially leaving no lilypad unturned. They worked closely with local experts and individuals like Stella Chase, the daughter of the late, legendary chef Leah Chase — who was also a panelist at the event — to ensure the ride accurately depicts the setting and stays true to the city in which the movie was inspired.
Disney Park guests can look forward to seeing the next chapter of Tiana’s life as the attraction, which is a reimagining of Magic Kingdom’s Splash Mountain, takes riders on a musical journey inspired by the beloved film.
“Picking up where the film left off, guests will join Princess Tiana, Naveen and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome,” Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President, Creative Development – Product/Content & Inclusive Strategies at Disney wrote in a recent Disney Park’s blog post. “Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends and travel through the bayou to original music inspired by songs from the film as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.”
After learning about the details, attendees were treated to a surprise rendition of “Dig a Little Deeper,” performed by famed actor and prolific entertainer Jenifer Lewis. For the uninitiated, Lewis provided the voice of Mama Odie in “The Princess and the Frog” movie.
Overall it was an incredible event that exquisitely showcased the beauty of New Orleans coupled with the magic of Disney. My family and I can’t wait to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in late 2024!
Are you excited for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
