By Darlene Donloe
Contributing Writer
ANAHEIM — Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the first Black-themed ride in Disneyland’s history, opened to much fanfare Nov. 15.
The long-awaited new amusement park ride is the first time Disneyland’s diverse fan base has been able to see itself mirrored in one of the park’s rides.
The day before the opening, a host of Disney executives, fans and celebrities, including Jenifer Lewis (“Black-ish”), who voices Mama Odie; Anika Noni Rose (“Dreamgirls”), who voices Princess Tiana; and Michael-Leon Wooley (“AJ and the Queen”), who voices Louis on the ride; were all on hand to christen Disney’s latest attraction as the next chapter of “The Princess and the Frog.”
Lewis called the opening, “historic,” while Rose called it “phenomenal” and “amazing.”
Charita Carter, executive creative producer of Tiana’s Bayou; and Carmen Smith, senior vice president of creative development for Walt Disney Experiences; who both oversaw the development of the attraction, were on hand and called the ride a “fantastical journey.”
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a log flume attraction at Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland in Anaheim.
It is based on Disney’s 2009 film, “The Princess and the Frog.”
The experience begins with an outdoor float-through that leads to indoor dark ride segments, with a climactic steep drop followed by an indoor finale. The drop is 52.5 feet. The attraction replaced Splash Mountain.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is set in New Orleans, circa 1927, as Tiana, who is now a restaurateur (Tiana’s Foods) is preparing to throw a Mardi Gras party.
The water attraction has Tiana and her alligator friend, Louis, going into the bayou to find a band for the celebration. Tiana and Louis need help finding the new crew. Guests meet 19 new critters along the way, including a turtle, raccoon, bears and more. They also run into Mama Odie and her pet snake, Juju.
The attraction, which has a carefree, cheerful feel, takes place in a land called Critter Country and takes riders on a musical journey through the Bayou with Tiana and her friends.
It is supposed to be a celebrative ride, boasting a statement about the communal power of music and a narrative that serves as an American success story.
One of the opening scenes has Tiana welcoming guests to the bayou while Louis plays the trumpet, frogs croak, and a band of critters plays zydeco music on various objects. Lighting up the scene are water lilies and fireflies.
The ride features multiple songs from “The Princess and the Frog,” including “Down in New Orleans,” “Almost There,” “Gonna Take You There,” and “Dig a Little Deeper.”
True to the Louisiana culture, the music, food, spirit and flair of New Orleans are proudly on display, including murals by Louisiana artist Malaika Favorite on the building outside of the ride.
Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.
