Disney fans will be happy to know there’s a new ride at Disneyland. Kind of.
A year after Splash Mountain was closed due to complaints about racist stereotypes in its storyline, the water ride has spectacularly reopened as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. And… You will get wet. (In fact, riders say almost too wet. More on that below.)
Here’s everything you need to know about the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Ride at Disneyland.
It replaced the controversial Splash Mountain
In 2023, Disney closed its Splash Mountain water rides at both its U.S. parks after widespread criticism for its theming, which former Disney CEO Bob Iger called “not appropriate in today’s world,” At the time, the 31-year-old ride was based on the 1946 movie, “Song of the South,” which contained racist stereotypes.
The original Splash Mountain toggled its log boats through winding waterways filled with woodland creatures following the title character of Br’er Rabbit, as he hid from his nemeses, Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear. The ride culminated in a waterfall drop into the briar patch, a reference to a story told in the “Song of the South” movie.
After a petition was started to remove the attraction in favor of a “Princess And The Frog”-themed ride, Disney agreed to reimagine the ride based on the 2009 animated film, which features Disney’s first black princess, Tiana.
It’s still a really great water ride
While some people were upset to see Splash Mountain go, the good news is that the ride itself is just as good as the original. After all, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has the same basic blueprint as the original ride, with riders enjoying two smaller drops before climbing up a steep hill in the dark for the final plunge. It also has updated ride technology, LED screen additions, and better animatronics.
As for the setting, Tiana’s Bayou is supposed to take place in an aging salt mine filled with cavernous hallways and watery tunnels. Inside, our beloved New Orleans princess—now in her dream job as a successful restauranteur—grows her own vegetables and keeps a kitchen to cook up new recipes; you’ll see this adorable kitchen while you’re waiting in line.
The story is a little hard to follow, but kids won’t care
The story of the ride (which is not obvious) is this: It’s about a year after the events of “The Princess and the Frog.” Tiana is a successful restauranteur throwing a big ole’ Mardi Gras party with her friends. Mama Odie, the lovable voodoo priestess from the film, must “shrink” all log riders down to the size of frogs so they can explore the bayou in search of special spices for the feast.
Cue the jazz and zydeco music.
With both indoor and outdoor sets, the ride explores this fantastical bayou, where frogs dance and twirl, music fills the air, and animatronic characters beckon you forward. Whether you follow the story or not, fans of the film will love seeing the familiar faces, including several appearances by Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, the alligator, Louis, and a menagerie of frogs, raccoons, and other bayou critters.
Some people think it gets you too wet (but c’mon, really?)
OK, it’s a “water ride.” So the presumption is that water is involved (right??). Still, many people on social media are complaining about the wetness factor.
“Our shoes and bodies were soaked,” said this social media user on X (formerly Twitter). “We would only do this again if we had a complete change of clothes or could run back to a hotel room on property.”
“Got so wet on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure I had to buy new shoes,” complained this Reddit user.
To that, I will just say, come on, people. It’s a water ride. Yes, you will get wet. But it’s not that bad. (And if you’re really worried, you can buy a poncho at one of the many Disney stores nearby ready to sell you one).
Hint: The first mini-drop of the ride—which happens about 3 minutes into the 9-minute ride — actually got me wetter than the last, so be sure to put away your devices and protect your stuff.
It’s a perfect first thrill ride for little kids (who are at least 40″)
While Disney calls the ride a “perfect first thrill ride for kids,” tiny tots who aren’t tall enough will have to wait a little longer to ride (if you want to take turns with your partner riding the ride while your little one waits, ask a cast member about the complimentary Rider Switch feature).
There are no scary characters or villains in the ride like there are with some of Disney’s other infamous dark rides (“Snow White’s Scary Adventures,” now the less-scary “Snow White’s Enchanted Wish” traumatized me as a kid).
And yes, the drop at the end is steep, but it’s a quick one. Apprehensive kids will be immediately rewarded (or distracted) with the ride’s colorful finale, which shows Tiana and her bayou friends celebrating Mardi Gras in grand French Quarter style. Bright Colors! Happy music! Even nervous kids will likely walk out smiling.
New ride = New swag!
What’s a new Disney attraction without a slew of new Disney stuff to go with it? Not surprisingly, the opening of the new ride comes with new merchandise. Not only will Tiana be represented at most of the souvenir stores across the park, but you can find a whole new store devoted to all things Princess and the Frog at the new “Louis’ Critter Club” store inside Bayou Country.
If you’ve got a kid who loves the movie, get ready to load up on Crescent City-inspired apparel, accessories, home décor and more all around New Orleans Square. My fave: This adorable light-up firefly, which can sit on your shoulder and “interact” with anyone else wearing their own firefly. (It can also be used as a lantern at home, and apparently, it’ll also light up when you use your remote control, as this Facebook post describes).
How to find the ride
When you get into Disneyland, head down Main Street to Frontierland. Tiana’s Bayou is located next to the Haunted Mansion and across from the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, inside the newly renamed “Bayou Country” (which was called “Critter Country” when it was Splash Mountain territory).
And while you’d expect the ride—which features a 50-foot final drop—to tower above the park, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is somewhat camouflaged by all the greenery designed to give it that authentic bayou feel. If you didn’t catch a peek of a token log plummeting past, you might miss it. Look for the yellow and green farmhouse; that’s where you’ll find the entrance.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens to the public on November 15, 2024. To learn more, go to: Disneyland.disney.go.com.
