Dozens of New Animatronics Announced For Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!

Back in 2020, Disney shocked fans when it announced that the iconic Splash Mountain attraction would be permanently closing at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. The ride was being changed because it was based on the racially-insensitive film, Song of the South. Not many details were released when the announcement was first made. However, we now know that the ride will be getting a Princess and the Frog (2009) retheme and will reopen as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

The story of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take place after the events of The Princess and the Frog. According to Disney, Tiana is working on growing her own successful food line, Tiana’s Foods. She has purchased an old salt mine and has created an employee-owned cooperative. Now, the old salt mine has become a thriving place where dozens of vegetables, herbs, and spices are grown.

Tiana wants to thank all of her friends and family for their constant support and love, so she is throwing a party. However, while getting ready for the party, she realizes that she is missing a key ingredient. Guests will then travel down the bayou to help Tiana obtain that secret ingredient that will make the party a true success.

One thing that Disney is incredibly great at is creating life-like animatronics. Splash Mountain featured dozens of creatures from the Briar Patch. This included Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Bear, Br’er Fox, and so many others. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take the talent of Disney Imagineers to the next level.

On April 12, Disney announced that DOZENS of new audio-animatronics will be featured on the new attraction. There will be classic characters from The Princess and the Frog that Guests know and love, like Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, and Louis. There will also be dozens of new characters that Guests will meet on their journey through the New Orleans Bayou.

Disney Parks Blog shared more about the new, and returning characters, that Guests will encounter on their trip down the bayou.

• Brand-new cast of original Disney characters with distinct names and personalities
• Dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics figures
• Adorable critters with incredible talent, bringing the diverse flavors of musical gumbo found in New Orleans!
• New, original music alongside favorite tunes from the film
• Do you love beignets as much as Louis? Well, you’re in luck because the alluring scent of beignets being prepared for the party will be part of the attraction queue!
• Additional talent voices from the film reprising their roles, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and the one and only Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana
• Familiar faces from the film such as Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia and Prince Ralphie

Splash Mountain has already closed for its retheme at Walt Disney World. Splash Mountain at Disneyland Park will close on May 31 to undergo its massive transformation.

At this time, we do not have an opening date for either location. Disney has said that both rides are scheduled to open sometime in late 2024. Disney Fanatic will keep readers updated as we learn more!