Disney fans, hold onto your Mickey ears! The highly anticipated Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is finally getting its close-up, but not everyone is singing praises. This excitement turned a bit sour when Disney Parks’ social media team recently shared a virtual sneak peek via their YouTube channel. While Disney’s Imagineers—those creative wizards behind the attractions—might have hoped for applause, the response was a bit more frosty.
Inspired by the beloved 2009 film “The Princess and the Frog,” the new attraction takes riders on a vibrant journey through the bayou as Tiana searches for the perfect Mardi Gras music. Set to open later this month, it was meant to be a groundbreaking replacement for the controversial Splash Mountain, which closed due to its association with the problematic 1946 film, “Song of the South.”
Criticism swiftly cascaded in social media comments. One YouTube user lamented, “A multimillion-dollar Disney ride that looks… boring? I never thought I would see it.” Another echoed a similar sentiment, arguing that Disney missed the mark by not hewing closer to the original movie’s narrative. “There wasn’t a single imagineer that said, hey, maybe we just base this on the actual movie?” wondered another perplexed fan.
The transition from Splash Mountain to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was amid growing calls for change, especially following the Black Lives Matter protests. Disney CEO Bob Iger highlighted during a 2020 shareholders meeting that “Song of the South” was no longer appropriate, even with a disclaimer. Thus, the reimagination was celebrated as a progressive move, presenting Disney’s first Black princess at the forefront.
But as the ride’s debut looms, opinions remain divided. Critics are questioning not only the storyline but also the ride’s re-rideability factor. “There is a zero re-rideability factor because there is no storyline to promote emotional connection or anything visually stunning,” declared another disillusioned fan.
We’d love to hear what you think! Are you excited to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, or do you share the concerns voiced by some fans? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and let’s get the conversation started! And don’t forget to share this story and your opinions with fellow Disney enthusiasts. After all, the magic of Disney thrives on fan interaction!
