The celebration may be for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, but Disney’s latest reveal suggests the company is more focused on the future than the past. As preparations continue for the milestone event this May, a new Tiana-themed experience has entered the spotlight—signaling Disney’s continued investment in expanding the world of The Princess and the Frog.
The announcement follows a complicated year for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the ride that replaced Splash Mountain at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland in 2024. Billed as a joyful continuation of Tiana’s story, the attraction was meant to usher in a new era of inclusivity. Instead, it drew heavy backlash.
Some decried the removal of a classic, while others viewed the retheme as overdue. The attraction’s rough debut—complete with frequent breakdowns and online ridicule—only deepened the division.
Despite the turbulence, Disney isn’t retreating.
Instead, it’s taking the character to new heights—literally and figuratively—with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer, a hand-painted Alaska Airlines plane that brings the story into the skies. The aircraft, revealed at Portland International Airport, features Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, and several animal friends from the ride. The inaugural flight takes off today for Santa Ana, California.
Alaska Airlines revealed a new Disneyland-themed plane “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer” featuring artwork inspired by The Princess and the Frog and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Park. The aircraft’s first flight will be today from Portland to Santa Ana, Calif.
Alaska Airlines revealed a new Disneyland-themed plane "Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer" featuring artwork inspired by The Princess and the Frog and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Park. The aircraft's first flight will be today from Portland to Santa Ana, Calif. pic.twitter.com/5pzTQE6wPQ
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) April 25, 2025
“Every journey should be as magical as the destination, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer brings that wonder to the skies,” said Eric Edge, Vice President of Brand and Marketing at Alaska Airlines. “This aircraft captures Princess Tiana’s love for exploration and adventure, inspiring our guests to embrace new possibilities and create memories along the way.”
More than 2,000 hours went into designing the custom livery, which will remain in rotation on Alaska’s route network for years. Passengers will also be able to purchase a themed snack pack inspired by the attraction later this summer. The airline says this collaboration continues its 25-year relationship with Disneyland Resort.
Tiana Takes Center Stage in Anniversary Plans
The reveal comes just weeks ahead of Disneyland’s 70th Anniversary Celebration, set to begin May 16. The celebration will feature the return of two fan-favorite nighttime spectaculars Wondrous Journeys and Paint the Night, as well as a brand-new experience: Walt Disney – A Magical Life. That offering, debuting in the former Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln space, will feature the first-ever animatronic of Walt Disney himself.
“For more than 25 years, Alaska Airlines and Disneyland Resort have collaborated to bring magic and happiness to the skies,” said Sybil Crum, Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Strategy at Disneyland Resort. “As Disneyland Resort prepares to celebrate its 70th anniversary, this latest addition honors our legacy and looks ahead to a bright future with Princess Tiana leading the way.”
The Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Flyer joins a fleet of Disneyland-themed planes that includes Mickey’s Toontown Express, Star Wars Transport, and the Pixar-inspired Friendship and Beyond. Each aircraft is a tribute to the stories that define the parks—and now, Tiana’s place among them is official.
Are you a fan of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
I rather have a bad rash then have anything to do with ta’s crap.