Disney announced yesterday that legendary actress Jenifer Lewis will reprise her role as Mama Odie for Disney Parks’ upcoming attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This exciting new water flume ride attraction is based on the Disney Animation Studios feature film The Princess and the Frog and is set to open in 2024 at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will replace Splash Mountain, which featured outdated themes and characters from Disney’s 1946 Song of the South movie. Song of the South was yanked from Disney’s catalog long ago as a result of The Walt Disney Company’s initiative to become more inclusive and relevant. As such, Splash Mountain was a cultural vestige that was in dire need of removal.
Led by Disney Parks producer Charita Carter, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be a convergence attraction that will combine successful storytelling with Disney Imagineering magic. This attraction will build on the story of Princess Tiana who is another shining Disney example of a character making their own dreams come true.
As per Disney Parks, here’s what you can expect once Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuts:
- Brand-new cast of original Disney characters with distinct names and personalities;
- Dozens of entirely new Audio-Animatronics figures;
- Adorable critters with incredible talent, bringing the diverse flavors of musical gumbo found in New Orleans!
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New, original music alongside favorite tunes from the The Princess and the Frog;
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Attraction queue that will include an alluring fragrance of Beignets
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Familiar faces from the film such as Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Mama Odie, Louis, Eudora, Charlotte, “Big Daddy,” the King and Queen of Maldonia and Prince Ralphie
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Additional talent voices from the film reprising their roles, including Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana;
