Tiana’s Bayou Journey is a brand new trip changing Splash Mountain in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World and New Orleans Sq. in Disneyland. This shares every little thing we all know to date: opening timeframe, building progress, idea artwork, and commentary concerning the first Princess and the Frog attraction. (Up to date February 5, 2024.)
There have been loads of current updates about Tiana’s Bayou Journey this vacation season, however we’ll begin with essentially the most urgent element–particularly as lots of you begin to plan 2024 Walt Disney World or Disneyland holidays: the opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Journey. As of proper now, nothing has been introduced.
We’d be prepared to wager that Disney shares the opening date for Tiana’s Bayou Journey throughout Mardi Gras. Loads of the promotional push for the attraction has revolved round New Orleans and cultural authenticity, so it could appear to make sense for Imagineering to make an look throughout the occasions in Louisiana and share extra particulars, together with the opening date. Plus, the timing basically traces up given rumors concerning the opening date and visual progress on the attraction transformation.
To the purpose about trip opening rumors, we’ve heard that Tiana’s Bayou Journey is forward of schedule, at the least the Walt Disney World model. There are rumblings that at the least the Magic Kingdom model ought to open earlier than the beginning of the following fiscal 12 months, which implies it’ll debut earlier than October 2024.
In early February 2024, the flume of the log trip was really refilled with water for testing. Though the water has since been drained, this would appear to recommend that issues are fairly far alongside, and the attraction is rapidly transferring nearer to opening. Walt Disney World additionally gave journalists a strolling tour inside a portion of the attraction final month. Once more, that implies the transformation is nearing completion.
Tiana’s Bayou Journey opening manner forward of schedule makes full sense for those who spend time within the park watching building progress. Not solely is it transferring at a brisk tempo, however there are a ton of staff on the positioning each single day–and sometimes into the night time. It’s a really energetic challenge, particularly as contrasted with the EPCOT overhaul or different current rides.
Not solely that, however Disney has quietly modified the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Journey from “Late 2024” to simply “2024” in loads of advertising and marketing supplies. I’ve been advised that the dropping of “Late” is purposeful, and that it’s because the Walt Disney World model of the attraction is definitely forward of schedule. Up to now so, the truth is, that they could re-add the “Late” to the opening timeline…however subsequent to the phrase “Summer season.” For what it’s price, these are extremely credible rumors.
Truthfully, we’re a bit stunned that Walt Disney World hasn’t but introduced the opening season for Tiana’s Bayou Journey. One attainable cause why perhaps this hasn’t occurred is as a result of, regardless that the challenge is at present forward of schedule, there’s not full confidence it’ll keep that manner.
Delays are all the time attainable. Even when the present tempo may, theoretically, put Tiana’s Bayou Journey at a Summer season 2024 opening, there’s nothing to say it stays that manner. Truthfully, our hope is that Tiana’s Bayou Journey will get the time and a focus it must be nice, no matter whether or not meaning opening it early, on time, or late.
To that finish, we’d want if Disney waits to offer a gap date till they’re 100% optimistic they’ll hit. Asserting one now may lead to corners being minimize, temperamental results being dropped, and so on., as Imagineering races to fulfill the drop-dead date. Give Imagineers time to prepare dinner and make one thing particular with Tiana’s Bayou Journey, relatively than dashing the challenge to completion as a way to make a decent timeline.
Be aware that the entire above applies solely to the Magic Kingdom model of Tiana’s Bayou Journey. Not solely did Splash Mountain shut a number of months later at Disneyland, nevertheless it’s our understanding that a number of present scene and staging variations had been proving to make that reimagining “trickier.” It’s our assumption that the Disneyland model will open later, however we haven’t heard any credible rumors about it in a number of months. All the above perception pertains to Tiana’s Bayou Journey at Walt Disney World.
One of many very seen developments in trying on the exterior of Tiana’s Bayou Journey in Magic Kingdom is how inexperienced every little thing is trying. There’s a ton of fake foliage and newly-added timber surrounding the flume, and it seems to be unbelievable. Then there’s the mountain itself, which is roofed in a vibrant array of white and pink flowers.
Splash Mountain’s vegetation has been stripped out and changed with vegetation native to Louisiana. That features cypress timber, marsh grasses, Spanish moss, and extra. This all seems to be nice, and I can’t wait to drift via all of this–it ought to add properly to the ambiance.
Whereas I’ll personally miss the long-lasting tree stump atop Chick-a-Pin Hill and assume it was foolish to take away that and convert this to a supposed salt dome to make a “mountain” slot in a New Orleans attraction, I really like these cypress timber and the flora on the outside of the dome. The outside in Magic Kingdom seems to be actually near completed kind, and I believe it seems to be unbelievable.
It’s additionally price noting that the set up of this fake foliage on the outside of Tiana’s Bayou Journey and across the flume seems to be largely completed. Scaffolding has already began to come back down, and solely a little bit bit stays. I’m certain that serves some objective, however I’m actually undecided what–the skin of the mountain seems to be utterly carried out.
I wouldn’t be stunned to see this come down within the subsequent few weeks–by the top of February 2024 on the newest–in order that Walt Disney World can begin taking pictures promotional photographs, movies, and different advertising and marketing supplies. Assuming the within is progressing equally (and there are clearly no ensures of that), the trip reimagining is within the dwelling stretch.
Whereas I used to be initially skeptical that Tiana’s Bayou Journey would open by Late 2024, at this level, I wouldn’t be stunned if the goal date is now Memorial Day. This has been a really quick challenge by Walt Disney World requirements!
Disney has confirmed that there will probably be 17 unique character Audio Animatronics from The Princess and the Frog bodily created for the attraction, along with these repurposed from Splash Mountain. This may embrace a number of appearances of Princess Tiana, who will make wardrobe modifications all through the trip, plus different main and recognizable characters from the film, together with Louis the Alligator and Mama Odie.
These brand-new and reimagined Audio-Animatronics figures will convey the invigorating sounds of New Orleans to life. These will probably be scenes you generally see in New Orleans: the joie de vivre influencing each motion–together with with a band of pleasant critters taking part in joyful Zydeco-style music.
Imagineering shared that it’s creating brand-new characters with distinct names and personalities as a part of an expanded Princess and the Frog universe for Tiana’s Bayou Journey. Together with this, there will probably be dozens of totally new Audio Animatronics figures, together with lovely critters with unbelievable expertise, bringing the “various flavors of musical gumbo present in New Orleans!”
Along with the brand new characters, Tiana’s Bayou Journey will characteristic the acquainted faces from the movie corresponding to Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Massive Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia, and Prince Ralphie. The attraction will even serve up new and unique music alongside favourite tunes from Princess and the Frog, in addition to the alluring scent of beignets being ready for the celebration within the attraction queue.
One of many returning characters who Disney has highlighted is Mama Odie, reprising her function because the catalyst to that magic and joking with friends alongside the trip after a particular show of her magic. The legendary actress Jenifer Lewis, who starred because the voice of Mama Odie, is as soon as once more returning to her function for Tiana’s Bayou Journey. Further voice expertise from the movie reprising their roles embrace Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana.
Given what Imagineering has introduced about Mama Odie, present views of the climactic drop at Magic Kingdom (see above) and the mannequin of Tiana’s Bayou Journey that’s already been unveiled (see beneath), it seems to be like Mama Odie and her show of magic would be the remaining scene earlier than the attraction’s climactic drop.
On a optimistic word, we’re actually reassured by Imagineering’s announcement that Tiana’s Bayou Journey will characteristic dozens of totally new Audio Animatronics. I’ve gotta admit that I used to be getting a little bit fearful concerning the lack of element, and was involved complaints that “it’s going to be all screen-based” might need a level of validity as Disney continued to concentrate on sharing particulars about analysis journeys to New Orleans.
My guess is that “totally new” really means some Audio Animatronics will probably be repurposed from Splash Mountain, they usually’ll be reskinned or in any other case refreshed. So probably not totally new–extra like considerably new or reimagined. Nonetheless, it’s extremely promising that the variety of Audio Animatronics is within the dozens (plural). That alone bodes rather well for Tiana’s Bayou Journey, and will put to relaxation supposed rumors that the attraction can be all screens.
The quick tempo of Tiana’s Bayou Journey is paying homage to what occurred with Mission Breakout and Frozen Ever After, two different current fast-paced trip reimaginings that may very well be serving as a blueprint for Tiana’s Bayou Journey. With these sights, every little thing added was fabricated and staged off-site, after which put in contained in the attraction when the time is correct. Suffice to say, Imagineers have been doing a ton of labor off-site earlier than Splash Mountain even closed.
It’s not like they had been ready for that, after which lastly go inside for the primary time and begin constructing a bunch of AAs and new scenes with hammers and chisels (or no matter instruments are used for making that stuff–I’m not a scientist). In different phrases, building crews don’t want to attend earlier than beginning work on the Princess and the Frog trip. That work already started years in the past.
Tiana’s Bayou Journey recycling loads of the present Brer Critter Audio Animatronics makes full sense–loads of these Audio Animatronics in Splash Mountain had been recycled from America Sings at Disneyland and cloned for Magic Kingdom; they’d nothing to do with Splash Mountain’s supply materials.
Going ahead, these AAs are seemingly be given new life as a part of an “expanded universe” for the Princess and the Frog. This makes much more sense now given what we’ve seen of the idea artwork and the bullet factors above a couple of brand-new forged of unique Disney characters with distinct names and personalities, in addition to lovely critters with unbelievable expertise. My guess is this implies we’ll be getting extra in depth backstory about the entire animals that inhabit the attraction, which is okay by me.
As for the superior new Audio Animatronics, it’s protected to imagine that along with multiples of Princess Tiana, there will even be Prince Naveen and different characters. Given the emphasis on her, I’d additionally think about that Mama Odie proper earlier than the drop will probably be a powerful AA, as will no matter “magic” impact happens through the bottles. These superior AAs ought to be actually spectacular–higher than current princesses and princes at Walt Disney World, however most likely not on the identical stage because the Na’vi Shaman.
Imagineering has made large strides with Audio Animatronics of animated characters within the final a number of years. It’s most likely truthful to say that the projected faces on Frozen Ever After and Seven Dwarfs Mine Practice haven’t aged effectively; these are an instance of ambitions outpacing out there expertise, which was nonetheless in an ungainly place.
Against this, the brand new Elsa Audio Animatronics for the Arendelle lands and the Belle and Beast AAs which have already debuted at Tokyo Disneyland as a part of Enchanted Story of Magnificence and the Beast are wonderful. These are completely gorgeous, and completely meld previous and new expertise to create one thing extra true to the animated character fashions. These have wonderful fluidity and options, and also will age far more gracefully than their counterparts in Frozen Ever After and Seven Dwarfs Mine Practice.
Whereas I’d think about some Walt Disney World followers will stay skeptical, with the cynical view that the Asia parks all the time get nicer issues, I don’t anticipate that to be the case right here. (And on the contrary, the corporate does spend large on Walt Disney World…it’s simply not all the time what we need to see!) There’s each cause to consider that at the least a number of the human characters will probably be envelope-pushing Audio Animatronics.
One of many issues I liked about Splash Mountain was the entire critters, completely unrelated to the story being advised, who inhabited Chickapin Hill. Why had been they there? What was their deal? They weren’t simply nameless animals that spontaneously gathered to observe Brer Rabbit’s try kidnapping.
Actually, the alligator band–The Swamp Boys–had a live performance poster within the queue. It could’ve been nice to know extra about these critters, even when wholly immaterial to the attraction itself. Whereas wholly pointless, it could’ve been added colour, world-building particulars for the keen fan. (I additionally vividly recall inspecting the entire birdhouses as a child, questioning who/what lived inside.) I actually hope Tiana’s Bayou Journey tells extra of the story of the expanded universe of those critters.
Right here’s every little thing else we find out about Tiana’s Bayou Journey…
The largest and most substantive particulars had been revealed final fall on the D23 Expo when Walt Disney Imagineering shared extra particulars concerning the reimagined trip, together with a mannequin showcasing how Splash Mountain can be reworked.
See our Images & Video of the Tiana’s Bayou Journey Mannequin, which gives a complete take a look at the modifications to the mountain’s exterior, queue, and even on-ride particulars that’ll be added to the attraction because it turns into Tiana’s Bayou Journey.
Be aware that the mannequin is the Disneyland model of the attraction. There are going to be slight variations between the 2 each inside and outside the attraction, as a result of format of the doorway, queue, and staging of some present scenes. The logs are additionally completely different at Disneyland–aspect by aspect seating will nonetheless exist in Tiana’s Bayou Journey at Magic Kingdom.
It’s additionally our understanding that Tiana’s Bayou Journey at Disneyland may have some particulars not current within the Walt Disney World model (the alternative might be additionally true).
Walt Disney Imagineering has put in the tiara-topped water tower at each Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. This water tower is the icon of the attraction, and ties in with the Tiana’s Meals backstory concerning the attraction.
The water tower has a “Tiana’s Meals” painted marquee on the entrance, which is the identify of the employee-owned firm that Tiana based in accordance with the backstory of the trip. On prime of the tiara itself there are two stars, that are a reference to Ray and Evangeline.
We’re not super-enthused concerning the Tiana’s Meals backstory, and are hopeful that Imagineering doesn’t place it front-and-center within the precise attraction. The Tiana’s Meals logos emblazoned on the water tower and everywhere in the building partitions don’t precisely bode effectively for that, although.
Talking of which, Imagineering shared new backstory for the queue of Tiana’s Bayou Journey. The set-up to the trip will basically clarify the “subsequent chapter” of the story for Tiana, set after The Princess and the Frog. Throughout the queue, friends will uncover that she continues to develop her enterprise with Tiana’s Meals, which is an employee-owned cooperative. Combining her skills with these of the local people, Tiana has reworked an getting old salt mine and constructed a beloved model.
Many followers expressed concern or disappointment about this backstory. Whereas it doesn’t get me in the least excited, I additionally don’t assume it actually issues. It sounds just like the backstory will probably be principally relegated to the queue of Tiana’s Bayou Journey, setting the stage for the motion to come back. As with different queue backstories, it’s one thing most friends will most likely miss.
One particular that has followers upset is that the pretense of the trip is Tiana inviting us “to assist with the lacking ingredient for the celebration.” I may very well be fallacious, however this strikes me as an apparent MacGuffin.
For individuals who aren’t followers of Alfred Hitchcock or Pulp Fiction (to begin with…why not?), a MacGuffin is an seemingly-significant merchandise that advances the plot and motivates the characters, however finally ends up being irrelevant or unimportant. Muppet Haunted Mansion additionally makes use of this system, cleverly calling it The Nice MacGuffin.
Personally, I respect good world-building and superfluous backstory, with my one situation being that it doesn’t as an alternative choice to substance and isn’t an try and put lipstick on a pig. Round these elements, we name that “The Dino-Rama Rule.” There are such a lot of queues at Walt Disney World that reward astute observers, however are pointless to the primary attraction expertise. I’m anticipating one thing related with Tiana’s Bayou Journey. However who is aware of.
Now let’s check out what Imagineers have been doing behind the scenes to organize for the trip reimagining…
Imagineering revealed that they’re collaborating with award-winning artists PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard on the music in Tiana’s Bayou Journey. Each natives of New Orleans, PJ and Terence will assist Disney rating a lyrical love letter to the area that first impressed The Princess and the Frog.
Each PJ and Terence are a number of Grammy award-winning musicians; Terence additionally performed all of Louis the Alligator’s trumpet elements in The Princess and the Frog. PJ is writing, arranging and producing the unique music for the attraction. He’s acting on and producing the classes in New Orleans of all-new preparations of the music, in addition to songs from the movie that’ll play in Tiana’s Bayou Journey.
Terence Blanchard is helming music association for the queue in Tiana’s Bayou Journey. He’s working to pick songs from the film, in addition to iconic themes from New Orleans. There will probably be extra to share down the highway as groups make progress on a brand new unique music composed by PJ Morton and new renditions of fan favourite music from the movie.
Walt Disney Imagineers have been frequent vacationers to Louisiana whereas conducting in depth analysis to make sure Tiana’s Bayou Journey preserves the center and soul of town that impressed Princess Tiana’s story.
From exploring the French Market and the bayou, to consulting with lecturers, cooks, musicians and cultural establishments, Imagineers have acquired inspiration from everywhere in the area and realized from native specialists alongside the best way.
Imagineering additionally famous that to make sure Tiana’s Bayou Journey authentically displays the real-life inspiration of Tiana’s story, their inventive crew has consulted and collaborated with a number of lecturers, musicians, and artists throughout the New Orleans area.
So far as updates go, that is actually of the non-update selection…however it’s attention-grabbing to check the artwork with the present Laughing Place scene in Splash Mountain. This “inspirational” artwork may function a template for a way that may very well be modified to suit Tiana’s Bayou Journey, swapping out turtles and gophers for frogs and fireflies.
Previous to this, Disney additionally revealed a brand new search for Tiana, with character costume artwork pictured above.
That is primarily based upon researching prevailing traits of the Nineteen Twenties and searching via household archives to make sure Tiana’s look was traditionally correct and genuine to the character. Tiana was equally at dwelling within the bayou as she was at a banquet, and Imagineers needed her look to mirror that, and be a praise to the setting of Tiana’s Bayou Journey.
The corporate additionally shared extra particulars on the Disney Parks Weblog. That replace included a ~30 minute roundtable video included quite a few people, together with Charita Carter, Senior Producer for Walt Disney Imagineering. You may watch it in full for your self beneath:
Throughout that roundtable, Imagineer Charita Carter acknowledged that Disney will “advance the storytelling and actually simply sort of change the sport” in relation to the advance Audio Animatronics and scenic visuals utilized within the reimagined trip.
Regardless of its length, that was the one tidbit concerning the precise attraction that got here from the roundtable. The remainder was about Tiana’s cultural influence, the inventive course of behind the upcoming attraction, and Imagineers efforts to analysis New Orleans to inform a narrative that’s as genuine to the area as it’s to the characters’ tales. There wasn’t a lot substance concerning the proposed trip.
Finally, that’s our perspective on the feasibility of this overhaul timeline for Splash Mountain to be reworked into Tiana’s Bayou Journey. Personally, I hope Imagineering is given as a lot time as vital to provide a high-quality attraction, and never only a fast and superficial redo.
Each Splash Mountain and Princess and the Frog deserve higher than that. This reimagining NEEDS the perfect inventive expertise, finances, time, and all different sources. I hope Disney is cognizant of the truth that the Splash Mountain reimagining goes to be underneath a microscope, each from followers and within the mainstream.
If the top results of Tiana’s Bayou Journey feels rushed, sloppy, or phoned-in, it’s going to draw criticism from a various array of individuals. As the corporate has been getting loads of social backlash not too long ago, hopefully they understand the significance of avoiding that for as soon as. Right here’s hoping that Tiana’s Bayou Journey delivers an distinctive expertise that successfully silences critics and wins over skeptics.
As for the identify…I’m of two minds about that. I used to be actually hoping for “Splash Mountain ~ Voyage of the Log with Princess and the Frog: New Adventures with Princess Tiana!” That was principally in jest, poking enjoyable at Disney’s comically-long attraction names (though I believe incorporating “log” and “frog” into the identify would’ve been a strong transfer).
With that stated, I’m happy that this trip identify doesn’t have any punctuation. Tiana’s Bayou Journey is brief and candy, and straightforward to recollect. I personally would’ve most well-liked “Tiana’s Bayou Blast,” however perhaps that sounds an excessive amount of like a royal taste of Mountain Dew. (Perhaps Tiana’s Bayou Bash?)
I do assume loads of Walt Disney World followers and even common friends will nonetheless simply seek advice from Tiana’s Bayou Journey as “Splash Mountain.” That’s such an iconic and memorable identify, with sturdy model recognition. Provided that, I’m type of stunned that identify isn’t dwelling on.
Nevertheless, I additionally get the will to make a clear break from the previous. Disney desires this to be perceived as totally new (even when it’s not) and a recent begin for the trip. Both manner, it’ll be attention-grabbing to see how this unfolds. We’ll maintain you posted if and when there are extra updates this weekend!
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Ideas on the Splash Mountain reimagining? How a lot of the present attraction (e.g. random musical critter AAs) are you anticipating to look within the reimagined model? Excited for Tiana’s Bayou Journey? Expectations relating to the Splash Mountain reimagining timeline? Hold the feedback civil, as this isn’t the place for politically-charged arguing, tradition wars, antagonism, private assaults, or low-cost photographs. We will probably be heavy-handed in deleting any feedback that cross the road, regardless of viewpoint. You aren’t going to alter anybody’s thoughts through the feedback part on this weblog, nor are you going to alter Disney’s priorities. When you want to shout your outrage into the web abyss, that’s why Fb was invented.
