Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is now open at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, marking the official transformation of Critter Country into Bayou Country.
The ride is located on the updated west side of the park, offering an immersive journey that combines music, storytelling, and interactive elements. Its debut also ties into the more extensive redevelopment of the area, which includes reimagined retail spaces and dining options inspired by New Orleans.
“We’re thrilled for our guests to experience the transformation of the west side of Disneyland Park with the joyful Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, reimagined Bayou Country and expanded New Orleans Square – immersive stories and experiences that guests can only find at Disneyland Resort,” Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock said.
A new chapter for Tiana’s story
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure picks up where The Princess and the Frog left off. The story follows Princess Tiana as she prepares for a Mardi Gras celebration to honour her employee-owned business, Tiana’s Foods. As part of the narrative, guests join Tiana and her companion, Louis the Alligator, on a quest to find a band to perform at the event.
Riders board a log flume for a trip through the bayou, encountering a variety of characters, including 19 new critter friends, along with familiar faces like Mama Odie. A 50-foot drop punctuates the experience and concludes with a Mardi Gras-themed finale.
Music sets the tone
The music in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure plays a significant role in setting the tone for the experience. GRAMMY® Award-winning musician Terence Blanchard arranged updated versions of songs like “Down in New Orleans” and “Gonna Take You There.” An original song, “Special Spice,” was created by GRAMMY® winner PJ Morton, with vocals by Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Tiana in the film.
The soundtrack also involved contributions from a large group of artists, including Leah Chase Kamata, whose family-inspired elements of Tiana’s character.
Bayou Country transforms Disneyland
The attraction is part of a broader transformation of the surrounding area. The new Bayou Country features two retail spaces and dining options that align with Tiana’s story.
- Louis’ Critter Club offers Tiana-themed merchandise, from apparel to home décor.
- Ray’s Berets sells headwear and accessories inspired by characters from the film.
- Tiana’s Palace Restaurant serves dishes influenced by New Orleans cuisine, including gumbo and beignets, and incorporates design elements tied to the film, such as a mural of the bayou.
Bring the Bayou home
For visitors looking to keep the magic of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure alive after their trip, the merchandise options are as thoughtfully designed as the attraction itself. Guests can shop for Tiana- and attraction-themed items, including a “bayou-tiful” Spirit Jersey, a stylish ear headband, and even an interactive firefly accessory that lights up with charm. Other popular picks include a Loungefly mini backpack and a MagicBand+, perfect for fans of Disney’s immersive experiences.
A highlight of the collection is the inclusion of artwork from Sharika Mahdi, a New Orleans native whose vibrant creations inspired Walt Disney Imagineering. This exclusive collection brings a touch of the bayou to every keepsake, blending the cultural richness of New Orleans with the ride’s unique story.
For those wanting a photographic memento, guests can enjoy complimentary digital downloads of their Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction photo through the Disney PhotoPass service. These photos are also included with purchases of a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass or PhotoPass+ One Day, allowing visitors to capture and share their magical moments seamlessly.
Tips for visiting the attraction
For guests planning to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, here are some important details:
- Virtual queue: Entry to the attraction is managed through a virtual queue, accessible via the Disneyland app. Standby lines are not currently available.
- Height requirements: Riders must be at least 40 inches tall. The Rider Switch feature is available for families with smaller children.
- Lightning Lane: Guests can purchase access through the Lightning Lane Multi Pass for shorter wait times, subject to availability.
The 2024 Global Stars program recently concluded in Southern California. It recognised top-selling travel advisors from Australia and New Zealand for their exceptional support of VIVA Holidays, ReadyRooms, and GO Holidays.
The Anaheim itinerary featured a memorable evening at an Anaheim Ducks ice hockey game, highlighting the city’s sporting culture. Advisors also visited the iconic Disneyland Resort, where they enjoyed the spectacular “World of Color – ONE” night-time show, a highlight of the resort’s entertainment offerings. This magical event was accompanied by a dessert party, enhancing the immersive experience.
