Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disney’s Princess and the Frog-themed replacement for Splash Mountain, is to open at Magic Kingdom in Florida on 28 June.
Disney revealed the news in a blog post and on American Idol‘s ‘Disney Night’ yesterday (13 May), promising a musical adventure that begins after the events of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 2009 film.
Guests will join Princess Tiana on a trip through the bayou as she gets ready to host a Mardi Gras celebration. They will hear original music and familiar songs from the film.
As well as enjoying a 50-foot drop, riders will meet a collection of critter characters and musical frogs created for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Disney recently shared a first look at a new Tiana animatronic for the ride. She will be joined by dozens of new animatronic figures created by Walt Disney Imagineering.
Stars of the film are reprising their roles for the attraction. These include Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie, Michael Leon Wooley as Louis, and Anika Noni Rose as Tiana.
“Tiana’s Bayou Adventure builds on the story of Princess Tiana, a character whose pride and perseverance reminds us of a universal truth: within us lies the potential to make our dreams come true,” said Carmen Smith, senior vice president of creative development at Walt Disney Imagineering.
Tiana ride to open later at Disneyland
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open at Disneyland in California later this year. Disneyland is also set to open two new shops inspired by The Princess and the Frog in Critter Country.
Disney is investing $30bn in its theme parks over the next decade as part of a total $60bn investment in its experiences division.
The $30bn includes the $1.9bn DisneylandForward development, and a major Magic Kingdom expansion.
Images courtesy of Disney
