With the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disneyland, crowds are expected to overwhelm the area with excitement. This new log ride is not exactly new. It has the same track as the old Splash Mountain, however the insides are new with a new story revolving around Tiana and her friends.
Guests are greeted by an animatronic Tiana (there are five of them throughout the attraction) and travel through the region looking for food and musicians for her fabulous Mardi Gras party. Besides the Tiana animatronics, there are visuals and a lot of animals to go along with the new music taking travelers through the area helping Tiana in her quest for all she needs for the big party.
photo: Christian Thompson/Disneyland Resort
New characters and critters in the attraction as well as new music throughout make this a brand new adventure for guests to Disneyland and fans of Tiana. Mama Odie is also part of the ride and from the ride guests can catch a glimpse of Tiana’s Palace restaurant, which was not intended when they created the attraction however it is a treat for riders and a fun part of this ride that is not included in the Walt Disney World version.
The queue includes plenty of Easter Eggs giving guests a glimpse into Tiana’s life. And for disabled guests there is a dedicated queue that also includes plenty of tidbits so if you are using this entrance to the attraction, don’t worry. You will still have plenty of great background to Tiana.
One word of caution, riders on the logs usually get wet, so make sure you are prepared for this. And for those who do not want to take the plunge, pun intended, and skip the ride, they are able to check out all the fun in the queue and exit before getting into a log.
Disneyland Park is the only Disney park with a New Orleans Square. Due to the love of Tiana, it has been transformed to give guests the feeling of being in New Orleans. With Tiana’s Palace restaurant featuring plenty of Creole style food, Eudora’s Chic Boutique offering plenty of items from Louisiana, this is like a trip to Louisiana. And guests can purchase the recipe book by Leah Chase, the American chef known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine. Her story was the inspiration for the newly remodeled New Orleans Square.
To go along with the new attraction there is plenty of merchandise to commemorate Tiana and her story. Would you expect anything less from Disney?
The plush Tiana is about 18 inches tall. She is dressed in her bayou adventure outfit with boots, pants a bright yellow shirt, scarf and hat. With a happy smile and soft body, she is perfect for cuddling. She cannot sit on her own and needs to be propped up, but sitting on a pillow would be just the ticket for this adorable doll.
Tiana and Naveen fans can purchase a beautifully designed shirt, tote, and accessory. This colorful design was created especially for the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
For a lot of fun there is an interactive firefly toy that lights up. He sits in a jar and can be removed. A magnetic stand makes him able to sit on your shoulder. He’ll buzz when in the vicinity of another firefly. This light up jar and firefly is a cute night light too. It’s rechargeable with the charger included.
Additional items include more plush bayou friends, shirts, and don’t forget Tiana’s Cookbook. This makes a great activity for a family evening. Kids can help their parents create one of Tiana’s specialties while wearing a Tiana shirt and being watched by one of the adorable plush animals in this new collection. And perhaps even watch The Princess and the Frog movie after dinner. Now that’s what I call a complete Tiana family evening.
For 15 years Tiana has been a beloved Disney princess. Why does she have such a big following? She is American, self-made, and inspirational. She demonstrates the we can make our dreams come true with a lot of hard work and perseverance.
When I asked Tiana fifteen years ago what she loves most about New Orleans, she told me, “It’s a place full of magic, music, and good food and I love it all.” Then I asked her what advice she would give little girls, she replied, “Dream as big as you can, then work hard to make those dreams come true.”
With the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Tiana’s Palace, and New Orleans Square, Tiana fans have another way to enjoy their beloved princess and enter a world of Creole cooking, Louisiana products, and Tiana merchandise to bring home and enjoy.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
