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Disney Performers Freeze, Enter Emergency Mode in Front of Guests

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is experiencing yet another round of technical difficulties, and Disney Park guests are taking notice. Less than a year after its grand opening at Walt Disney World Resort, the reimagined Splash Mountain attraction is struggling to keep its animatronics functioning correctly.

Animatronic Malfunctions Frustrate Disney Park Guests

Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

Last month, multiple animatronic figures inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure glitched, creating an unsettling experience for guests. A Disney Fanatic team member captured photos and videos of four malfunctioning figures during their recent ride-through, giving a closer look at the attraction’s ongoing issues.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opened in June in Magic Kingdom Park’s Frontierland, replacing the former Song of the South (1946)-inspired Splash Mountain. However, technical problems plagued its debut, causing Disney to cancel multiple cast member and Annual Passholder preview events. Although Walt Disney Imagineers have resolved some of the ride’s most pressing operational issues, more minor but noticeable malfunctions persist.

Broken Animatronics Raise Eyebrows

A wooden building with a sign reading "Celebration of Family and Friends of New Orleans" invites guests to Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Disney Fanatic

During a ride-through on January 23, a Disney Fanatic team member noticed that the attraction was operating with four broken animatronics. The first Princess Tiana figure near the ride’s entrance stood motionless as her dialogue played.

Inside the attraction, another Princess Tiana animatronic was partially functional. She moved normally but somehow spoke without moving her mouth!

The grand finale also featured an issue with yet another Princess Tiana figure.

Approaching the finale of Tiana's Bayou Adventure with a partially broken Tiana animatronic.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Disney Fanatic

Princess Tiana’s mouth and head moved with the music as her body stood stiff. Her arms were locked at her side.

A vibrant stage with animatronic animals and human figures dressed in elegant attire.
Credit: Jess Colopy, Disney Fanatic

The final scene of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure didn’t fare much better. The Mama Odie animatronic, who is supposed to be playfully scolding Juju, the snake, for sneaking beignets, wasn’t working properly. She remained motionless as her dialogue played:

Disney Struggles with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Walt Disney World Resort guests need to secure a Virtual Queue or Lightning Lane Multi Pass reservation to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, making the attraction’s persistent technical difficulties even more frustrating. When a ride is in such high demand, guests expect the experience to function smoothly.

The end party scene of Tiana's Bayou Adventure in the Magic Kingdom
Credit: Disney

It is unclear whether these animatronic issues have been resolved since Disney Fanatic’s last visit. However, the cold front that hit Central Florida at the time may have impacted the attraction’s performance.

Have you ever noticed maintenance issues on a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort attractions? Share your memories with Disney Fanatic in the comments! 

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

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