We went down the bayou… again!
While the East Coast version of this ride has been open in Walt Disney World for a few months, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure officially opens on Friday, November 15th at Disneyland Park. We enjoyed a preview ahead of the attraction’s grand opening, and from the moment I entered the bayou over here, I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts with you!
Since we’re all most-likely familiar with Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom by now, I’d like to embellish on the noticeable differences within Disneyland’s version. I’m also including some quick tips for experiencing the attraction further down. Now, let’s go down that bayou!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: Disneyland vs. Walt Disney World
In terms of size, Disneyland’s version is smaller, including the queue and overall ride. But honestly, it just works better. It truly feels like Imagineering built Tiana’s Bayou Adventure for Disneyland, and Walt Disney World received the same setup, same amount of animatronics and props, just to fit however they could make it work within the larger space. There’s very little “dead space” in the ride here; no dark tunnels with nothing happening. The scenes aren’t set as far back as Walt Disney World’s, so everything — from the fluffy critters, the life-like movements from the animatronic figures of Tiana and Louis, to the lush bayou scenery — is in your face (…in the best way).
This, combined with the quicker flume pace of Disneyland’s version, leaves you taking in each scene on either side of the log with quick back-and-forth motions. There’s a lot of “blink and you’ll miss it” sort of moments, but this just leaves room for that sweet, sweet re-rideability. While I personally still long for a Dr. Faciller moment at the top of the lift, this new attraction story flows much better here. Mama Odie’s moment where she shrinks riders down before the big lift fits so well; the entire former Laughin’ Place area possesses those low ceilings, filled with giant frogs and fireflies that are extra close up, effectively leaving you feeling tunneled in and small — unlike Walt Disney World. Don’t get me wrong, both versions are cute, and Tiana deserves an attraction after all. But if you’re a frequent WDW visitor and find yourself at Disneyland, don’t pass this version up!
For more Tiana’s Bayou Adventure from Disneyland, check out our walkthrough & ride POV video here:
Accessing Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland
Upon grand opening, joining the complimentary virtual queue (only through the Disneyland app) is required to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. A standby queue will not be available during the attraction’s initial opening days.
- The virtual queue enrollment will happen three times daily, at 7AM, 12PM and 4PM PT.
- Quicker access to the attraction may be available through Lightning Lane, via the purchase of Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Quick Tips
– Tiana’s Bayou Adventure height requirement is 40″ or taller. If you have any smaller riders who don’t meet the requirement, ask a cast member about the Rider Switch feature, which allows adult guests to take turns experiencing the attraction.
– The attraction’s story, which picks up right where Princess & the Frog left off, starts the moment you enter the queue. Don’t miss all the details as Tiana is preparing to host a one-of-a-kind celebration during Mardi Gras. On the ride, you’ll join her search for the party’s missing ingredient: the band! The queue helps build out the story of her employee-owned business, Tiana’s Foods.
– The big lead up for this flume attraction is the 52-foot tall drop… and you will most likely get wet! For any items you wish to protect from water, consider placing them in a locker rental on Main Street, leaving them with a non-riding member of your party, or placing them in a resealable plastic bag prior to boarding. (Pack those Ziplocs in your day bag!) Additionally, waterproof ponchos are available at various shops around Disneyland park.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is the perfect recipe for some man-catching beign– wait that’s not right… The ensemble of adorable critters and familiar friends from Princess & the Frog throughout the water flume attraction create the perfect recipe for a first “big kid” ride, and will fulfill thrill-seekers alike.
Theme Park Correspondent for The DIS | Chloé loves kitschy dark rides, roller coasters, a good background area music loop, hot Butterbeer, and all things Halloween. You’ll mostly find her wandering around Orlando’s biggest theme parks snapping pics and sharing tips… or probably talking about The Great Movie Ride.
