Tiana's Bayou Adventure: Disneyland Watch & Discussion

[Consumer]

More new critters revealed, plus first look into the WDW ride with photos (finally): https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2024/04/inside-tianas-bayou-adventure-new-critters-revealed/

Get ready to clap your hands, paws or anything else you’ve got, because today we’re digging a little deeper! It’s time to reveal the last batch of musicians hoping to hit the big time at Tiana’s celebration during Mardi Gras season! We’re almost there for the summer opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom Park, and later this year at Disneyland.

The musical tapestry of New Orleans is woven with traditions and voices from all over the world. We’ve gotten a sneak peek at critters who play Zydeco music, and critters who perform Rara music, and now it’s time to introduce you to critters who bring the jazzy sounds and complex rhythms of Afro-Cuban music to life in the bayou.

Felipe the Frog – Deep among the cypress trees, you’ll hear band leader Felipe making musical magic on the piano! Felipe is also the proprietor of an exclusive bayou night club, where the local fireflies love to dance the night away to a musical recipe of hot rhythms and spicy melodies. He’s an old-school family guy, especially to his “family” in the band.

Mayra the Frog – Have you ever seen a frog play a flower blossom like a trumpet? You will when you meet Mayra; be sure to stick around for one of her toe-tapping solos. Mayra’s the most ambitious of the four frogs and has been practicing her instrument since she was just a tadpole!

Mondo the Frog – Mondo is a natural on the conga drums, which he made as a happy accident when his favorite bottle cap got stuck on his second-favorite acorn. From there, the rhythm in Mondo’s soul took over! He’s very copacetic and accepts what comes, a trait as steady and reliable as his drumbeat.

Isabel the Green Tree Frog – Learning from Mondo’s example, Isabel loves getting lost in the music playing her congas. She’s the youngest member of the group, and there’s nothing she loves more than “going with the flow” and getting to play drums all night long!

From Zydeco to Rara to Afro-Cuban jazz, you’ll hear all kinds of musical flavors from critters big and small around the bayou, just like you would walking the streets of the French Quarter in the Crescent City. Of course, not everyone you’ll meet in the attraction is a musician – among others are a couple of amphibious friends who love to sit back, relax and catch up on all the gossip from around the bayou. Gloria and Delores the frogs are best friends who love to observe folks as they float in logs down the bayou. Don’t be surprised if they keep their watchful eyes on you as you float by.

Also, keep an eye out for Lari the armadillo. This mischievous fella, while quiet in demeanor, seems to always show up where you least expect him to. I hear he has a habit of “borrowing” things that aren’t his (although those things eventually make it into the right “paws”).

Speaking of critters big and small, you’ll meet them throughout the attraction, and some really are … big, with an even bigger personality.

Just like Tiana said, we’re getting closer and closer every day with progress on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. I hope you’re looking forward to joining these musicians down in the bayou!

Needs more frogs.

 

[mickEblu]

Needs more frogs.

It’s interesting to hear my 8 year olds questions just yesterday.

Him: What do you thinks going to happen at the top (lift hill)? Are they going to turn into frogs? (Kids love the concept of people transforming into animals)

Me: No, I don’t think so. I’m not sure what happens.

I didn’t want to tell him it’s Mama Odie because he would have just been confused and probably just indifferent or disappointed. Pretty sure he doesn’t know her by name anyway. About a year ago he asked me the same question wondering if the bad guy (Facilier) would be at the “top.” Mind you he had only been on Splash Mountain twice (and they were separated by years) and was 7 when he asked me but even he understands what the tone should be at the lift hill. So easy a 7 year old can do it and yet we’re supposedly “celebrating” as we inch our way up that lift hill.

 

[Dr.Cheeto]

The main animatronics revealed for the ride are obviously really impressive in their fluidity and complexity.
Does anyone know if Garner Holt still manufactures all of the animatronics for Disney? I remember reading in about 2012 that Disney shut down their MAPO division of imagineering and handed over all further animatronic manufacturing to Garner Holt. Just thought it was interesting to see everyone putting the finishing touches on the animatronics in that new imagineering Youtube series in house at WDI. I assume WDI designs the figures, Garner Holt produces them, and then WDI costumes, paints, and animates the figures?

re: Disney Shuts down MAPO:

Garner Holt takes over Disney's MAPO Division

Per Al Lutz: We have news for you today, Garner Holt takes over Disney's MAPO divison, ending an era at Disney Imagineering. For those who don't know, MAPO stands for "Manufacturing And Production Organization"; the design and production department at Imagineering.

forums.wdwmagic.com

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

It’s interesting to hear my 8 year olds questions just yesterday.

Him: What do you thinks going to happen at the top (lift hill)? Are they going to turn into frogs? (Kids love the concept of people transforming into animals)

Me: No, I don’t think so. I’m not sure what happens.

I didn’t want to tell him it’s Mama Odie because he would have just been confused and probably just indifferent or disappointed. Pretty sure he doesn’t know her by name anyway. About a year ago he asked me the same question wondering if the bad guy (Facilier) would be at the “top.” Mind you he had only been on Splash Mountain twice (and they were separated by years) and was 7 when he asked me but even he understands what the tone should be at the lift hill. So easy a 7 year old can do it and yet we’re supposedly “celebrating” as we inch our way up that lift hill.

No, your 8 year old is wrong, everything about this ride is great and makes perfect sense ...your son must be the 8 in h8ter!

 

[Homemade Imagineering]

The main animatronics revealed for the ride are obviously really impressive in their fluidity and complexity.
Does anyone know if Garner Holt still manufactures all of the animatronics for Disney? I remember reading in about 2012 that Disney shut down their MAPO division of imagineering and handed over all further animatronic manufacturing to Garner Holt. Just thought it was interesting to see everyone putting the finishing touches on the animatronics in that new imagineering Youtube series in house at WDI. I assume WDI designs the figures, Garner Holt produces them, and then WDI costumes, paints, and animates the figures?

re: Disney Shuts down MAPO:

Garner Holt takes over Disney's MAPO Division

Per Al Lutz: We have news for you today, Garner Holt takes over Disney's MAPO divison, ending an era at Disney Imagineering. For those who don't know, MAPO stands for "Manufacturing And Production Organization"; the design and production department at Imagineering.

forums.wdwmagic.com

Garner, at least to my knowledge isn’t involved in this project, but yes he still does work for Disney. It seems the majority of the TBA figures were fabricated and designed in house, especially the main cast. Some of the side figures may have been outsourced to Lifeformations, who did work on BaTB for Tokyo and Pan in Shanghai, but I’m not 100% on that. Just something I’ve heard

 

[Dr.Cheeto]

Garner, at least to my knowledge isn’t involved in this project, but yes he still does work for Disney. It seems the majority of the TBA figures were fabricated and designed in house, especially the main cast. Some of the side figures may have been outsourced to Lifeformations, who did work on BaTB for Tokyo and Pan in Shanghai, but I’m not 100% on that. Just something I’ve heard

Nice, thanks for the info! I did notice that Garner Holt's instagram page didn't mention Tiana, the Frozen ride figures, or BATB. I wonder if whoever made the Tiana figures did BATB and Frozen as well. Would be cool to know if WDI still made some figures in house.

 

[D.Silentu]

It’s interesting to hear my 8 year olds questions just yesterday.

... Are they going to turn into frogs?

Your son and I had the same prediction, though I'm not so certain anymore. Transformation just seems so integral to the movie that I thought it would factor into the ride some way.

 

[Disney-Universal Fanboy]

More new critters revealed, plus first look into the WDW ride with photos (finally): https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2024/04/inside-tianas-bayou-adventure-new-critters-revealed/

Get ready to clap your hands, paws or anything else you’ve got, because today we’re digging a little deeper! It’s time to reveal the last batch of musicians hoping to hit the big time at Tiana’s celebration during Mardi Gras season! We’re almost there for the summer opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom Park, and later this year at Disneyland.

The musical tapestry of New Orleans is woven with traditions and voices from all over the world. We’ve gotten a sneak peek at critters who play Zydeco music, and critters who perform Rara music, and now it’s time to introduce you to critters who bring the jazzy sounds and complex rhythms of Afro-Cuban music to life in the bayou.

Felipe the Frog – Deep among the cypress trees, you’ll hear band leader Felipe making musical magic on the piano! Felipe is also the proprietor of an exclusive bayou night club, where the local fireflies love to dance the night away to a musical recipe of hot rhythms and spicy melodies. He’s an old-school family guy, especially to his “family” in the band.

Mayra the Frog – Have you ever seen a frog play a flower blossom like a trumpet? You will when you meet Mayra; be sure to stick around for one of her toe-tapping solos. Mayra’s the most ambitious of the four frogs and has been practicing her instrument since she was just a tadpole!

Mondo the Frog – Mondo is a natural on the conga drums, which he made as a happy accident when his favorite bottle cap got stuck on his second-favorite acorn. From there, the rhythm in Mondo’s soul took over! He’s very copacetic and accepts what comes, a trait as steady and reliable as his drumbeat.

Isabel the Green Tree Frog – Learning from Mondo’s example, Isabel loves getting lost in the music playing her congas. She’s the youngest member of the group, and there’s nothing she loves more than “going with the flow” and getting to play drums all night long!

From Zydeco to Rara to Afro-Cuban jazz, you’ll hear all kinds of musical flavors from critters big and small around the bayou, just like you would walking the streets of the French Quarter in the Crescent City. Of course, not everyone you’ll meet in the attraction is a musician – among others are a couple of amphibious friends who love to sit back, relax and catch up on all the gossip from around the bayou. Gloria and Delores the frogs are best friends who love to observe folks as they float in logs down the bayou. Don’t be surprised if they keep their watchful eyes on you as you float by.

Also, keep an eye out for Lari the armadillo. This mischievous fella, while quiet in demeanor, seems to always show up where you least expect him to. I hear he has a habit of “borrowing” things that aren’t his (although those things eventually make it into the right “paws”).

Speaking of critters big and small, you’ll meet them throughout the attraction, and some really are … big, with an even bigger personality.

Just like Tiana said, we’re getting closer and closer every day with progress on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. I hope you’re looking forward to joining these musicians down in the bayou!

Those pictures look like something out of a six flags nightmare fuel Darkride

 

[Disgruntled Walt]

Those pictures look like something out of a six flags nightmare fuel Darkride

Not at all terrifying

 

[mickEblu]

Your son and I had the same prediction, though I'm not so certain anymore. Transformation just seems so integral to the movie that I thought it would factor into the ride some way.

No it’s for sure not happening. But it doesn’t rule out that WE turn into Frogs or Fireflies.

 

[D.Silentu]

But it doesn’t rule out that WE turn into Frogs or Fireflies

Exactly, and I imagine we'll find out relatively soon based on the steady feed of information that seems to be coming our way. I'm liking what I see so far, but feel that there is more to this picture. Ever since they started talking about co-ops I've gotten the impression that they're burying the lead.

 

[SuddenStorm]

More new critters revealed, plus first look into the WDW ride with photos (finally): https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2024/04/inside-tianas-bayou-adventure-new-critters-revealed/

Get ready to clap your hands, paws or anything else you’ve got, because today we’re digging a little deeper! It’s time to reveal the last batch of musicians hoping to hit the big time at Tiana’s celebration during Mardi Gras season! We’re almost there for the summer opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom Park, and later this year at Disneyland.

The musical tapestry of New Orleans is woven with traditions and voices from all over the world. We’ve gotten a sneak peek at critters who play Zydeco music, and critters who perform Rara music, and now it’s time to introduce you to critters who bring the jazzy sounds and complex rhythms of Afro-Cuban music to life in the bayou.

Felipe the Frog – Deep among the cypress trees, you’ll hear band leader Felipe making musical magic on the piano! Felipe is also the proprietor of an exclusive bayou night club, where the local fireflies love to dance the night away to a musical recipe of hot rhythms and spicy melodies. He’s an old-school family guy, especially to his “family” in the band.

Mayra the Frog – Have you ever seen a frog play a flower blossom like a trumpet? You will when you meet Mayra; be sure to stick around for one of her toe-tapping solos. Mayra’s the most ambitious of the four frogs and has been practicing her instrument since she was just a tadpole!

Mondo the Frog – Mondo is a natural on the conga drums, which he made as a happy accident when his favorite bottle cap got stuck on his second-favorite acorn. From there, the rhythm in Mondo’s soul took over! He’s very copacetic and accepts what comes, a trait as steady and reliable as his drumbeat.

Isabel the Green Tree Frog – Learning from Mondo’s example, Isabel loves getting lost in the music playing her congas. She’s the youngest member of the group, and there’s nothing she loves more than “going with the flow” and getting to play drums all night long!

From Zydeco to Rara to Afro-Cuban jazz, you’ll hear all kinds of musical flavors from critters big and small around the bayou, just like you would walking the streets of the French Quarter in the Crescent City. Of course, not everyone you’ll meet in the attraction is a musician – among others are a couple of amphibious friends who love to sit back, relax and catch up on all the gossip from around the bayou. Gloria and Delores the frogs are best friends who love to observe folks as they float in logs down the bayou. Don’t be surprised if they keep their watchful eyes on you as you float by.

Also, keep an eye out for Lari the armadillo. This mischievous fella, while quiet in demeanor, seems to always show up where you least expect him to. I hear he has a habit of “borrowing” things that aren’t his (although those things eventually make it into the right “paws”).

Speaking of critters big and small, you’ll meet them throughout the attraction, and some really are … big, with an even bigger personality.

Just like Tiana said, we’re getting closer and closer every day with progress on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. I hope you’re looking forward to joining these musicians down in the bayou!

These are something you'll float by in about 20 seconds. They're a nice diversion but not necessarily something that warrants a full Disney parks blog post.

I can't wait to see the finished product, then go back over two years of marketing on this to see if they dropped the ball, or if the attraction really just doesn't have a ton to offer besides a few animatronics and hot sauce sold at the exit.

 

[britain]

Honestly, I am most encouraged by the detail on the log and the reeds.

 

[chadwpalm]

Also, keep an eye out for Lari the armadillo. This mischievous fella, while quiet in demeanor, seems to always show up where you least expect him to. I hear he has a habit of “borrowing” things that aren’t his (although those things eventually make it into the right “paws”).

I'm guessing this will be similar to Jack Sparrow in Pirates or Pluto in MMRR where they randomly show up in scenes and it'll be a little game trying to spot him? The last sentence almost sounds like he'll get caught at some point to reveal everything he "borrowed"?

 

[Rich T]

But the logs are just the splash mtn logs, just without the rabbit on the front.

Exactly. Big reveal, dramatic lighting, epic music…. Old log. Maybe put a whoopee cushion sound effect at the end.

 

[Disney Irish]

So WDW Tiana appears to be opening in June, at least based on dates for media events. I wonder if that gives any indication on opening for DL Tiana. Based on current progress I'm still sticking with my August opening in time for D23 prediction.

 

[chadwpalm]

Let's get to the really important issue here.......

.....do we watch the videos online before riding it?

 

[Professortango1]

Let's get to the really important issue here.......

.....do we watch the videos online before riding it?

I am, but that's because I don't visit the parks as often anymore due to the pricing and reservations prioritizing Key Holders over folks buying day tickets.

And I want to see the effects working rather than how the attraction ends up after a few months. Looking at you Rise cannons!

 

[mickEblu]

Let's get to the really important issue here.......

.....do we watch the videos online before riding it?

I’d like to. I’m going to try. I’ll try to stick to spoiler free threads. Might be hard to do for 4 -5 months

 

[mickEblu]

I’ll definitely be riding it. I’m too invested haha and both of my kids enjoy the movie. I just wish it resembled the movie.

I think that there will be certain scenes that are more stimulating due to the new tech and effects. I think a good amount of charm will be lost. Music will be fine but obviously a downgrade. I expect the finale and the lift hill to be the biggest downgrades. Only thing left to find out is if it feels like there is enough life and if there is any element of suspense/ conflict.

Overall I expect the reception to be similar to Mission Breakout. Diehards will still prefer Splash. GP will love it for music and the ride system alone. I don’t think we’ll be hearing a lot of “instant classic. More like a lot of younger generation fans saying or feeling like it’s a worthy replacement. People like us will always lament Splash is gone but I’m willing to give it a fair shot. From what I heard though it doesn’t sound like it’s going to check all the boxes for me. Then some of execution on Florida facade and queue is pretty bad. I’m open to it coming together in a way I don’t expect but also fear I’ll be disappointed. Also worried about what they do to the set up in the queue with all this “main office” business and them trying to do too much with the outdoor portions of the ride.