Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has been a hot topic since its debut at Disneyland Park, but a recent incident involving Princess Tiana herself has sparked debate among fans and critics alike. A viral TikTok video has showcased the final animatronic of Princess Tiana in the attraction’s grand finale, standing lifelessly amidst a lively scene. The malfunction has not only drawn humorous reactions but also reignited criticism of the ride’s controversial overhaul.
The Bayou Country ride, which replaced the nostalgic but controversial Splash Mountain at Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Park, opened last month. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure invites guests to join Princess Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos), Louis (Michael-Leon Wooley), and Mama Odie (Jenifer Lewis) on a vibrant musical journey through the bayou as they prepare for a celebration. Despite its immersive storytelling and cutting-edge animatronics, the attraction hasn’t been without its share of hiccups.
What Happened to Tiana?
This weekend, TikTok user @norma.rin captured a video showing Tiana’s animatronic figure frozen in place during the ride’s finale. As her fellow bayou companions danced and sang, Tiana remained eerily still. The video quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and sparking a wave of online commentary.
@norma.rin same girl , im tired #tianasbayouadventure #disneyland
“Tiana doesn’t want to go down the bayou anymore,” the TikTok user joked.
“Me dissociating at a party because I’m tired and I wanna go home..Tiana girl I can RELATE,” one commenter quipped.
Splash Mountain vs. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
While technical malfunctions like this are not uncommon for attractions with advanced animatronics, this incident has rekindled a broader debate among Disney Parks fans. Many commenters expressed longing for Splash Mountain, the iconic log flume ride that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaced at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort.
“Getting rid of Splash Mountain was criminal,” one commenter declared.
“We all agree Splash Mountain was better,” said another.
Comparing Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort Versions
Interestingly, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Park has faced fewer reported issues than its Walt Disney World counterpart, which experienced significant operational challenges during its preview and grand opening periods earlier this year. The Magic Kingdom Park version of the ride closed early on multiple occasions and struggled with recurring technical difficulties in its first weeks of operation.
Despite this smoother start, the Disneyland Resort version hasn’t been entirely problem-free, as evidenced by this weekend’s animatronic mishap. While it’s unclear whether Disneyland Park temporarily closed the Princess and the Frog (2009) ride after discovering the issue, operations had resumed as usual by the time this article was published.
Have you ever seen a Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort ride malfunction? Disney Fanatic would love to hear from you in the comments!
