Tiana's Bayou Adventure: Disneyland Watch & Discussion

[SuddenStorm]

There's no wait-and-see with the reskin. Tiana Mountain, coming soon to a Disney Park near you unless you live in Japan.

Yes, we know. Doesn't mean that's the smartest approach.

 

[Rich T]

I mean, there's always the chance Anaheim spends more to get it swapped quicker.

Of course, the wise thing would be to change Florida's first- leaving Disneyland's open- and see how the public receives the new version before they close Anaheim. Which would also leave it open to handle the additional crowds the 100th anniversary should bring. That would delay the transition a few years, but could potentially stop long term damage to the park if the new version is a dud.

I’m predicting the former. Any changes they make at this point if they wait would be minor tweaks. Disney wants anything related to Song of the South out of their official entertainment portfolio as quickly as possible.

As far as how the retheme goes over with the public… What’s the worst that could happen? People stop going? Considering the mediocrity Disney’s opened in the past several years on both coasts without any loss of attendance, I think Tiana’s is—barring any catastrophically dumb decisions—going to be a smash hit and the best-looking attraction people have seen in quite a while; we already know the flume itself is incredibly fun.

 

[SuddenStorm]

As far as how the retheme goes over with the public… What’s the worst that could happen? People stop going?

Disney will always be able to get people to go to Disneyland, at least over the next decade or two. The brand is too strong.

The worst that can happen is a beloved classic is lessened to something with little staying power- further weakening the park from a creative/artistic lens- making it harder for newer generations to connect with the place at the same level as previous generations. Disneyland can only undergo so many mediocre changes before it stops gaining new fans at the same rate. Of course, to play devil's advocate there's always the chance this ride outdoes Splash Mountain, and is a far more enriching experience for guests and sticks around the next 50 years. But I'm not counting on it.

Considering the mediocrity Disney’s opened in past several years on both coasts without any loss of attendance, I think Tiana’s is—barring any catastrophically dumb decisions—going to be a smash hit and the best-looking attraction people have seen in quite a while; we already know the flume itself is incredibly fun.

I'm reminded of Star Wars Land- something that should be a runaway hit- that has little cultural relevance among park fans. The Millenium Falcon attraction is especially egregious- for an attraction focused on piloting perhaps the most iconic ship of all time- it falls flat and misses the mark on what you'd expect from a Millenium Falcon ride.

And they built two of them at the same time. Imagine if they had opened DL first- seen the things the crowds didn't like- and then revised and adjusted and built WDW's. There's a reason Disney's 'second run' at an attraction is usually considered the stronger version (unless it's Pirates!)- WDW's Splash, WDW's Mansion, Disneyland's Space Mountain. Disneyland's version of MMRR is rumored to have improvements over the WDW version.

We also have to wonder if WDI is accounting for the differences in pacing for the two Splash Mountains and this redo- or if they're doing as much copy/paste as possible to the detriment of both Tiana Mountains.

There's no chance this happens- but if we're looking at positioning the park for long term success delaying one of the redoes to adjust based on guest reception would be the smarter route.

 

[Rich T]

…The worst that can happen is a beloved classic is lessened to something with little staying power- further weakening the park from a creative/artistic lens- making it harder for newer generations to connect with the place at the same level as previous generations. Disneyland can only undergo so many mediocre changes before it stops gaining new fans at the same rate…

I hate to say this, but I think that ship has sailed.

Disney isn’t what it used to be, and that includes the parks. The Bob/Bob era (and looking forward into the Bob/Bob/Bob era) has brought growth at the expense of identity and focus, in my opinion. And yet there are *still* rotting PeopleMover tracks all over DL’s Tomorrowland. Actions and decisions speak for themselves. I see decreasing evidence of a corporation that cares much about beloved classics..unless it involves an opportunity for merch or upcharge events.

Splash, however, is its own unique situation that stands it apart from other classics like Big Thunder or Haunted Mansion. Times change and Splash’s theme has aged about as well as the Pirates’ Wench Auction did. I think most of the GP will at some level be aware and accepting of that need to move on.

 

[RobWDW1971]

Times change and Splash’s theme has aged about as well as the Pirates’ Wench Auction did. I think most of the GP will at some level be aware and accepting of that need to move on.

And that example is exactly why are expectations are so pathetically low. Taking a classic Disney theme park scene and "improving it" by now having it make absolutely no sense, losing all of its iconic charm/sense of humor, and is now just embarrassing.

Nothing marauding pirates like to do more than go antiquing! Oh, besides bidding on poultry!

"Now you scurvy scum, do I hear ten? A hen for a ten." Woo hoo!!! Hysterical!!!

 

[Rich T]

And that example is exactly why are expectations are so pathetically low. Taking a classic Disney theme park scene and "improving it" by now having it make absolutely no sense, losing all of its iconic charm/sense of humor, and is now just embarrassing.

Nothing marauding pirates like to do more than go antiquing! Oh, besides bidding on poultry!

"Now you scurvy scum, do I hear ten? A hen for a ten." Woo hoo!!! Hysterical!!!

I agree the scene has been rendered incredibly stupid by the change. The scene needs to be entirely replaced by another Pirate concept—something that is as effective and well-staged as the auction was when it debuted in the 60’s, in an era where such humor was commonplace and accepted. This is 2022. A wench auction cannot exist in DL or Magic Kingdom any more than General Halftrack can chase his secretary around his office.

 

[RobWDW1971]

I agree the scene has been rendered incredibly stupid by the change. The scene needs to be entirely replaced by another Pirate concept—something that is as effective and well-staged as the auction was when in debuted in the 60’s, in an era where such humor was commonplace and accepted. This is 2022. A wench auction cannot exist in DL or Magic Kingdom anymore than General Halftrack can chase his secretary around his office.

I wasn't discussing the rationale for the change, I was noting Disney's incredibly poor history of actually replacing something (for whatever reason) with an actually better product.

The normal script is for Disney to replace something, have the replacement be of incredibly inferior quality (design, humor, theme, etc.), and then blame the fans for "hating change" and "Disney isn't a museum". Just yet another reason there is incredibly low expectations for this concept change.

 

[Californian Elitist]

I hate to say this, but I think that ship has sailed.

Disney isn’t what it used to be, and that includes the parks. The Bob/Bob era (and looking forward into the Bob/Bob/Bob era) has brought growth at the expense of identity and focus, in my opinion. And yet there are *still* rotting PeopleMover tracks all over DL’s Tomorrowland. Actions and decisions speak for themselves. I see decreasing evidence of a corporation that cares much about beloved classics..unless it involves an opportunity for merch or upcharge events.

Splash, however, is its own unique situation that stands it apart from other classics like Big Thunder or Haunted Mansion. Times change and Splash’s theme has aged about as well as the Pirates’ Wench Auction did. I think most of the GP will at some level be aware and accepting of that need to move on.

This. The ship many years ago.

The park will always be attractive to people, including new generations to come years from now. This has been occurring since the beginning. They’re old, middle-aged, young, and child fans to this day. No one can determine how future generations will connect with the park, but it’s fair to say that it will continue to attract people.

The people running the place haven’t cared as much as some of us would like them to for many years.

 

[EPCOTCenterLover]

This. The ship many years ago.

The park will always be attractive to people, including new generations to come years from now. This has been occurring since the beginning. They’re old, middle-aged, young, and child fans to this day. No one can determine how future generations will connect with the park, but it’s fair to say that it will continue to attract people.

The people running the place haven’t cared as much as some of us would like them to for many years.

Sadly, I believe you are 100% correct. We fans care more about the parks than the executive team does.

 

[Rich T]

I wasn't discussing the rationale for the change, I was noting Disney's incredibly poor history of actually replacing something (for whatever reason) with an actually better product.

The normal script is for Disney to replace something, have the replacement be of incredibly inferior quality (design, humor, theme, etc.), and then blame the fans for "hating change" and "Disney isn't a museum". Just yet another reason there is incredibly low expectations for this concept change.

Agree. I thought the storyline and music of the Princess and the Frog was a perfect match for Splash’s layout, but that’s not the direction they chose. And it’s hard to get excited by the awful descriptions they’ve so far given of the new story they’ve concocted.

I’m trying to stay optimistic, because 1) There are still a lot of great characters, settings and musical styles to work with from the PatF World and 2) anything is better than the terrible state they’ve let current Splash deteriorate into. Unless they put trim brakes on the final drop.

 

[BuzzedPotatoHead89]

I agree the scene has been rendered incredibly stupid by the change. The scene needs to be entirely replaced by another Pirate concept—something that is as effective and well-staged as the auction was when in debuted in the 60’s, in an era where such humor was commonplace and accepted. This is 2022. A wench auction cannot exist in DL or Magic Kingdom anymore than General Halftrack can chase his secretary around his office.

Fat shaming and oogling females is wrong. I’m glad in the 21st century the modern WDC has elevated responsible and inspirational corporate leaders like Christine McCarthy and John Lassiter. Thank goodness it’s not the 1960s anymore.

 

[Rich T]

I’m wondering now how many casual once-every-few-years WDW vacationers (you know—the favorable mix) are going to head for the all-new, much-publicized attraction, “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” and have one of these reactions as they approach it:

1) “Wait a second… this is just that same old log ride.”
2) “This looks like a copy of that bunny ride with new puppets.”
3) “I love Tiana’s movie! This is going to be so cute! Wait—-NO!!! This is that ride with the drop!!!” (Flees).

 

[Californian Elitist]

I’m wondering now how many casual once-every-few-years WDW vacationers (you know—the favorable mix) are going to head for the all-new, much-publicized attraction, “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” and have one of these reactions as they approach it:

1) “Wait a second… this is just that same old log ride.”
2) “This looks like a copy of that bunny ride with new puppets.”
3) “I love Tiana’s movie! This is going to be so cute! Wait—-NO!!! This is that ride with the drop!!!” (Flees).

When you’ve got guests coming to Disneyland looking for Universal rides, I would say scenarios like these aren’t out of the question.

 

[Practical Pig]

Like others, I've long thought that there's a challenge to this re-theme. It's a princess ride that assumably should appeal to children, yet the ride facade features the BIG INTIMIDATING SOAKING WET DROP that frightens many children, and will likely prevent many of the princess crowd from riding.

Actually, maybe that's why they're telling a new story instead of drawing from the film: To stage something that is meant to appeal the the age range that will do the drop. I hope so anyway, but without confidence.

Heck I don't like the drop either when I end up soaked from head to toe (including wallet and shoes), in clinging, translucent clothing.

 

[Rich T]

Like others, I've long thought that there's a challenge to this re-theme. It's a princess ride that assumably should appeal to children, yet the ride facade features the BIG INTIMIDATING SOAKING WET DROP that frightens many children, and will likely prevent many of the princess crowd from riding.

Actually, maybe that's why they're telling a new story instead of drawing from the film: To stage something that is meant to appeal the the age range that will do the drop. I hope so anyway, but without confidence.

Heck I don't like the drop either when I end up soaked from head to toe (including wallet and shoes), in clinging, translucent clothing.

But Splash Mountain has always been weird that way. The cute singing animals are aimed at children, many of whom aren’t even tall enough to ride, let alone brave enough for the drop.

The original 1989 TV ads for DL’s ride even highlighted that contrast: “It may look peaceful and fun, but the only way out is a long way down.”

When I rode it during its first year, I did overhear first time GP riders commenting that they were surprised that there was so much singing.

Like so much of DL’s wonderful weirdness, it only seems logical because we’re used to it.

 

[Practical Pig]

But Splash Mountain has always been weird that way. The cute singing animals are aimed at children, many of whom aren’t even tall enough to ride, let alone brave enough for the drop.

The original 1989 TV ads for DL’s ride even highlighted that contrast: “It may look peaceful and fun, but the only way out is a long way down.”

When I rode it during its first year, I did overhear first time GP riders commenting that they were surprised that there was so much singing.

Like so much of DL’s wonderful weirdness, it only seems logical because we’re used to it.

True.

Edited to add, though:

Song of the South was considerably more removed from current cultural relevance when Splash Mountain debuted as opposed to Tiana's Bayou Adventure now. When it opened, It didn't really have a built in base of children adoring a rabbit (or a princess) for them end up feeling obstructed by a drop challenge beyond their scope.

 

[EagleScout610]

Like others, I've long thought that there's a challenge to this re-theme. It's a princess ride that assumably should appeal to children, yet the ride facade features the BIG INTIMIDATING SOAKING WET DROP that frightens many children, and will likely prevent many of the princess crowd from riding.

Cue the big signs that say "What huge drop? There's no huge drop here"

 

[TwilightZone]

But Splash Mountain has always been weird that way. The cute singing animals are aimed at children, many of whom aren’t even tall enough to ride, let alone brave enough for the drop.

The original 1989 TV ads for DL’s ride even highlighted that contrast: “It may look peaceful and fun, but the only way out is a long way down.”

When I rode it during its first year, I did overhear first time GP riders commenting that they were surprised that there was so much singing.

Like so much of DL’s wonderful weirdness, it only seems logical because we’re used to it.

My mom always said "every Disneyland ride ends with us going to Hell". Which actually makes a lot of sense when you think about it. I think the only exception might be its a small world, unless you count the song as being "Hell".

 

[mickEblu]

Like others, I've long thought that there's a challenge to this re-theme. It's a princess ride that assumably should appeal to children, yet the ride facade features the BIG INTIMIDATING SOAKING WET DROP that frightens many children, and will likely prevent many of the princess crowd from riding.

Actually, maybe that's why they're telling a new story instead of drawing from the film: To stage something that is meant to appeal the the age range that will do the drop. I hope so anyway, but without confidence.

Heck I don't like the drop either when I end up soaked from head to toe (including wallet and shoes), in clinging, translucent clothing.

A lot of things about this retheme just don’t add up or bug me. You listed a few here. Then you also have possibly not including the great soundtrack from PatF for a retheme that’s replacing a GREAT soundtrack. Then if the genesis of this retheme wasn’t enough to turn me off, they appear to be leaving out the villain for similar PC reasons. A very awkward backstory that mentions a food cooperative from the 1920’s. Lastly you have Tiana in pants of course….which I’m fine with for the bayou scenes. I’d imagine she’ll be in her signature dress for the finale/ ZADD room. If not, that’s a miss too.

 

[Rich T]

A lot of things about this retheme just don’t add up or bug me. You listed a few here. Then you also have possibly not including the great soundtrack from PatF for a retheme that’s replacing a GREAT soundtrack. Then if the genesis of this retheme wasn’t enough to turn me off, they appear to be leaving out the villain for similar PC reasons. A very awkward backstory that mentions a food cooperative from the 1920’s. Lastly you have Tiana in pants of course….which I’m fine for the bayou scenes. I’d imagine she’ll be in her signature dress for the finale/ ZADD room. If not, that’s a miss too.

I can’t wait to hear the ride’s soundtrack. It better be freakin’ great, since it certainly WOULD have been if they’d used the movie’s songs.