As the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure draws near, Disneyland is weaving The Princess and the Frog (2009) into another classic ride.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has been a long-awaited addition, announced for both Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park in 2020. Its predecessor, Splash Mountain, was officially retired in 2023 after facing longstanding criticism for its connections to the controversial Song of the South (1946).
Disneyland’s version of Splash Mountain closed a few months after Walt Disney World’s, giving Florida guests the first experience of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The Florida debut back in June sparked mixed reviews, thanks in no small part to frequent breakdowns that persisted for months.
This week, Disneyland Resort began early previews of its own Tiana’s Bayou Adventure for cast members and Magic Key holders (well, at least for those who could secure virtual queue boarding groups). Though many have found the Southern California version an improvement over Florida’s, claiming that it makes better use of space, it too has faced occasional technical hiccups and interruptions during these initial previews.
Upcoming Debut of Bayou Country
Luckily, Walt Disney Imagineering has a few more weeks to fine-tune the ride before its official opening to the public, scheduled for November 15. This debut also heralds the transformation of Critter Country into the new Bayou Country, bringing fresh touches with two new gift shops—Ray’s Berets and Louis’ Critter Club.
The beloved Hungry Bear Restaurant has also been reimagined as Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, a tribute to the former residents of Bear Country and the Country Bear Jamboree.
Just yesterday, Disneyland unveiled Bayou Country’s new sign, adorned with characters from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The Princess and the Frog is also making its mark on the Disneyland Railroad.
Updated narration for Tiana's Bayou Adventure on the Disneyland Railroad pic.twitter.com/Xyo8QLLMtg
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With the reopening of the railroad, guests now hear fresh narration in the train’s spiel:
We’re now entering the bayou, home to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! Take a sneak peek at the big party princess Tiana’s throwing, where the welcome is warm, the music is hot, and the company is sweet as honey.
And when it comes to sweetness, the inhabitants of the land we’re passing over are the bee’s knees. Here in bayou country you can join Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Louis the Alligator, and other beloved critters on their fun-filled adventures.
As we steam past the Hungry Bear Barbecue Jamboree, we’re now joining up with the Rivers of America and entering the frontier as it looked more than a century and a half ago.
Since Splash Mountain’s closure, this part of the narration hinted at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s arrival. Previously, it referenced Splash Mountain and its characters, Br’er Rabbit and Br’er Bear.
Are you ready for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?