Disneyland now welcomes Louis the Alligator
This is our original review of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World, including a special section highlighting the ride's differences at Disneyland.
New Orleans has arrived at Magic Kingdom, as one of the most anticipated attractions of recent years finally opened its doors in 2024. Goodbye Splash Mountain and that crazy rabbit - hello Tiana, a talking alligator, and some of the best animatronics at Walt Disney World.
So, does this new water attraction live up to the hype? When replacing Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah with something brand new, you’d better have some impressive tricks up your sleeve. Let’s just say that Disney did enough to get a good rating. Nothing impressive that could rank it as a Disney classic, but Tiana definitely has some cool touches that make it a water ride that you should visit at least once.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will undoubtedly be divisive - there’s just no avoiding it. Splash Mountain was a symbol of Magic Kingdom, a ride that, much like Space Mountain, had a timeless charm that captivated guests from around the world. Personally, I enjoyed it, largely due to the nostalgia factor and that catchy song I’d always play on Spotify after leaving the park. While the main drop was small and the animatronics were dated, the ride had a unique charm and was a landmark attraction. It was like visiting Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower, it was something you just had to experience.
What we like about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is essentially a reimagining of Splash Mountain. There aren’t any new “mechanics” (if we can use that term to describe a theme park attraction), but the updated animatronics definitely give it a 2024 feel. The queue is also charming. While it’s not as spectacular as something like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, it does create a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of New Orleans, with jazz music playing in the background as you stroll through charming buildings and prepare for a music festival.
There is a small storyline for the ride, by the way. Tiana is hosting a Mardi Gras celebration at her house and needs to find a band for the party. It’s a simple plot, and honestly, I didn’t pay much attention to it. After reading various opinions and reviews online, I saw that many people were disappointed with the storyline that follows The Princess and the Frog. I found myself thinking, 'Wait… oh right, I guess there was a storyline!' I was mainly there to enjoy the visuals, animatronics, and check out the drops. Sorry if I wasn’t paying much attention to the plot, Tiana!
The best part of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is, by far, the animatronics. As a new attraction, it makes sense that Disney would introduce animatronics that are more impressive than usual. They’re larger, more expressive, and more dynamic in their movements than what you might expect. While they might not reach the level of the Shaman from Na’vi River Journey, I appreciate that almost every animatronic here features expressive eyes and a wide range of movements. There’s also a diverse array of animatronics, including Louis the alligator, the beautiful Tiana, and various animals like hedgehogs, wolves, cats, and more.
The visuals are quite impressive. Tiana makes use of a few digital screen effects, but not as extensively as in Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. There’s a beautiful scene with a sky full of fireflies that looks stunning, and the final set piece before you disembark is also gorgeous, featuring a huge ship and a lot of different characters. Love it.
This is also an excellent ride for kids, as they probably won’t mind that it’s replacing Splash Mountain. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure features amazing visuals and great animatronics, making it a treat for young guests. The drop is relatively small and definitely not as intense as those at Islands of Adventure, making it a perfect choice for your child’s first water ride.
What we don’t like about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
The main “bad” point of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is probably quite obvious: it’s essentially a reskin. It uses the same track as Splash Mountain, with most changes limited to the animatronics. The drops are the same, and there isn’t a new mechanic to surprise you. However, this is likely okay to most guests - after all, there’s nothing wrong with a relaxed water ride that isn’t as intense as a drop from Niagara Falls.
Still, I do wish that Disney did something else to make it look like 100% new. Now, what could they have done? I honestly don’t know. Changing tracks would require way more money and time, so maybe something related to the animatronics? Some sort of game where you point something at the animatronics, click a button and recruit them to Tiana’s band? I don’t know. Just thinking out loud here!
Will Kids enjoy it?
Yes! This is a great ride for kids who are 40 inches and taller. It looks fantastic, features charming songs, and doesn’t have any major drops. You don’t get very wet, especially compared to something like Ripsaw Falls at Islands of Adventure. If you’re looking for a mini-thrill ride for your kids, this is definitely a great choice.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: the differences between Disney World and Disneyland
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is quite similar at both Disney World and Disneyland, but there are a few key differences between the California and Florida versions. The most noticeable difference is that the ride vehicle moves slightly faster in the Disneyland version, making its overall runtime a bit shorter than the Florida version. Interestingly, the final section of the ride - featuring the big ship with all the characters dancing and having fun - is slower at Disneyland. That’s great news, as this is arguably the best part of the ride, showcasing incredible animatronics and visual effects.
The ride vehicle is different as well, featuring five single seats arranged in a single line, unlike the bench seats in the Disney World version. This design also increases your chances of getting soaked on the Disneyland version, so if you want to stay dry, aim for a middle seat.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure FAQ
Will I get soaked on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
Probably, but it’s unlikely that you’ll get completely drenched. The drop isn’t very tall, and you can minimize the splash by choosing a middle seat.
What are the key differences between the Disneyland and Disney World versions of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
The Disneyland version is slightly faster than the Disney World version and features a different vehicle design, with five single seats arranged in a single line.
When did Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debut at Disneyland?
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened at Disneyland on November 15, 2024.
Is there a single rider line for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland?
Yes, a single rider line is available for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland.
Ever wanted to work with us? Send us a message on vacationlab.io/join and let's talk! Best of all, clicking the link is completely free - no dues or fees from us, ever!
