Tiana's Bayou Adventure: Disneyland Watch & Discussion

[Brer Oswald]

That is my understanding too, he isn’t on the ride other than as a reference and his “voice” in song. But again that doesn’t mean anything as both can still happen even if he is dead in this timeline.

Additional for reference from the WDW version -

https://allears.net/2024/06/06/wait-ray-and-evangeline-are-not-missing-from-tianas-bayou-adventure-in-disney-world

While it may look like Ray is in the ride, I have been told that this is in fact his identical twin Jay who was on temporary leave of absense when they were filming the original movie.

 

[mickEblu]

While it may look like Ray is in the ride, I have been told that this is in fact his identical twin Jay who was on temporary leave of absense when they were filming the original movie.

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Has anyone brought up one good reason why Ray is singing on the ride? Did Tiana bring a bunch of record players to the bayou (so they could have music on their way to find bands that play music) and are they hidden behind all of the foliage? Is it his ghost?

 

[Disney Irish]

While it may look like Ray is in the ride, I have been told that this is in fact his identical twin Jay who was on temporary leave of absense when they were filming the original movie.

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And yet notice all the fireflies look fairly similar in the background. So yeah its not Ray.

Look I know you guys are making fun of this whole situation, but I don't think it that serious.

 

[mickEblu]

100%. There are a few evac videos with full lighting that show how much remains from Splash. Look at the sculpted grass they painted over brown to just blend in as dirt. Some of the rockwork they painted in to look like trees. Anything else was just covered with the tackiest display of fake foliage I have ever seen in a theme park run by a Fortune 500 company. They turned some of the most whimsical and richly detailed sets (particularly at World, but definitely Land too) into the blandest looking sets to ever exist within a Disney E-ticket. I can't imagine how anyone is satisfied with this.

As for the budget, the 150 million number was an estimation thrown out by Forbes with no recent data to back it up. I think they were using Star Tours: The Adventure Continues figures as a baseline. SplashArchives (the same guy that leaked the accurate renders of the Disneyland finale a year before the ride opened in Florida) gave me a number of $50 million shared between both versions. This is definitely more believable. Majority of that likely went into the development and fabrication of the animatronics.

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SMH. While everyone was saying “The stakes are too high…Disney has to throw everything at this to get it right” Disney said no, actually we re just going to cover the outside with fake greenery and turn the lights off on the inside.

 

[Disney Irish]

Has anyone brought up one good reason why Ray is singing on the ride? Did Tiana bring a bunch of record players to the bayou (so they could have music on their way to find bands that play music) and are they hidden behind all of the foliage? Is it his ghost?

At this point does it really matter? Is there going to ever be any explanation that will satisfy you?

Ray's ghost is singing on the ride, maybe that is what we're hearing. But really it doesn't need an explanation, its just a reference.

 

[Brer Oswald]

At this point does it really matter?

Ray's ghost is singing on the ride, maybe that is what we're hearing. But really it doesn't need an explanation, its just a reference.

The only reason it matters is because it throws out the excuse to not include Facilier because the ride takes place post movie. They easily could have came up with an excuse (have the dip drop take you into the Other Side) but they didn't. The reality is that Disney is afraid of making anything scary these days. They've cut back on villains in their movies. They've redone rides like Snow White to make them more cheerful. They have no faith in their audience to handle even the smallest amount of tension.

 

[Disney Irish]

The only reason it matters is because it throws out the excuse to not include Facilier because the ride takes place post movie. They easily could have came up with an excuse (have the dip drop take you into the Other Side) but they didn't. The reality is that Disney is afraid of making anything scary these days. They've cut back on villains in their movies. They've redone rides like Snow White to make them more cheerful. They have no faith in their audience to handle even the smallest amount of tension.

Interesting, when Rise a recent example does have tension on it and even a villain. So I don't think they are "afraid", I think its based on the specifics of the project. In this case they decided they didn't want Facilier and that type of tension for this project. Do I think its a mistake, no. Do I think it would have made the project better, maybe. Does a flume ride need additional tension, such as adding Facilier, for its final lift hill drop besides the drop itself, no I don't think it does. I've worked flume rides in my youth, something many here can't claim, the drop has tension on its own that doesn't need anything added to it when you go up the lift hill.

 

[andre85]

Interesting, when Rise a recent example does have tension on it and even a villain. So I don't think they are "afraid", I think its based on the specifics of the project. In this case they decided they didn't want Facilier and that type of tension for this project. Do I think its a mistake, no. Do I think it would have made the project better, maybe. Does a flume ride need additional tension for its final lift hill drop besides the drop itself, no I don't think it does. I've worked flume rides in my youth, something many here can't claim, the drop has tension on its own that doesn't need anything added to it when you go up the lift hill.

But that's the problem: the ride's theme is undermining that natural tension. At best, its sending mixed messages with the happy and upbeat music and Mama Odie rooting you on. If it weren't for the lift hill, it wouldn't be clear that a drop was coming at all

 

[Disstevefan1]

How is it operating today? Any downtime?

 

[Disney Irish]

But that's the problem: the ride's theme is undermining that natural tension. At best, its sending mixed messages with the happy and upbeat music and Mama Odie rooting you on. If it weren't for the lift hill, it wouldn't be clear that a drop was coming at all

I personally don't see that as a problem however. As I said I worked a flume ride in my youth. We had music playing on various days as guests rode up the lift hill. So its not undermining it in my opinion.

If this was build brand new today without the history of Splash no one would really be complaining there was no tension on the lift hill. Its only because of what came before it is there anyone even thinking it needs additional tension.

 

[Jedi14]

How is it operating today? Any downtime?

No previews today.

 

[Brer Oswald]

Interesting, when Rise a recent example does have tension on it and even a villain. So I don't think they are "afraid", I think its based on the specifics of the project. In this case they decided they didn't want Facilier and that type of tension for this project. Do I think its a mistake, no. Do I think it would have made the project better, maybe. Does a flume ride need additional tension, such as adding Facilier, for its final lift hill drop besides the drop itself, no I don't think it does. I've worked flume rides in my youth, something many here can't claim, the drop has tension on its own that doesn't need anything added to it when you go up the lift hill.

I would say they generally make an exception for their live action properties like Star Wars and Marvel because they've positioned those franchises to be more teen/adult oriented. Never mind the fact that this ride system was designed to be more teed/adult oriented.

And yes, not having tension is indeed a mistake. The ride track was designed with this tension in mind. You are travelling through a dark cave up a steep incline for a minute. You can hear the individual clicks of the belt as you are slowly moving up to the drop. The happy dappy music and rave lights give you complete tonal whiplash. You can tell that this was a major miscalculation just by the overall audience reaction to it. It's the most common complaint.

If they wanted to design a carefree bayou boat ride devoid of tension, then they should have demolished the entire mountain and started fresh. The end product would have likely been much better.

 

[Disney Irish]

I would say they generally make an exception for their live action properties like Star Wars and Marvel because they've positioned those franchises to be more teen/adult oriented. Never mind the fact that this ride system was designed to be more teed/adult oriented.

And yes, not having tension is indeed a mistake. The ride track was designed with this tension in mind. You are travelling through a dark cave up a steep incline for a minute. You can hear the individual clicks of the belt as you are slowly moving up to the drop. The happy dappy music and rave lights give you complete tonal whiplash. You can tell that this was a major miscalculation just by the overall audience reaction to it. It's the most common complaint.

If they wanted to design a carefree bayou boat ride devoid of tension, then they should have demolished the entire mountain and started fresh. The end product would have likely been much better.

I disagree, in my experience it doesn't need it, but I respect your opinion.

 

[Brer Oswald]

Any implementation of Dr F would be an improvement. Can anyone confirm the rumor that they didn’t want to be disrespectful of Hoodoo beliefs? If so… sigh.

Unrelated (or is it?): Why was Dig a Little Deeper stripped of its Gospel arrangement?

This is because Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah in Splash Mountain had a primarily Gospel vocal arrangement, and they thought using the same style would be deemed too "problematic".

 

[Basketbuddy101]

Interesting, when Rise a recent example does have tension on it and even a villain. So I don't think they are "afraid", I think its based on the specifics of the project. In this case they decided they didn't want Facilier and that type of tension for this project. Do I think its a mistake, no. Do I think it would have made the project better, maybe. Does a flume ride need additional tension, such as adding Facilier, for its final lift hill drop besides the drop itself, no I don't think it does. I've worked flume rides in my youth, something many here can't claim, the drop has tension on its own that doesn't need anything added to it when you go up the lift hill.

It's not a coincidence that some of the best flume rides ever conceived in the vein of Splash Mountain and Jurassic Park: The Ride both utilize tension to enhance the drama and overall impact of the experience. It makes for a more satisfying conclusion, and it only reinforces why Splash works in all the ways Tiana doesn't. The ending celebration on Bayou falls flat because they're celebrating nothing of consequence. I'm sick of people gaslighting themselves into thinking Disney made the right calls with this re-theme. They didn't. It was never about giving Tiana the spotlight; it was about destroying everything that worked with her predecessor.

 

[Disney Irish]

It's not a coincidence that some of the best flume rides ever conceived in the vein of Splash Mountain and Jurassic Park: The Ride both ride utilize tension to enhance the drama and overall impact of the experience. It makes for a more satisfying conclusion, and it only reinforces why Splash works in all the ways Tiana doesn't. The ending celebration on Bayou falls flat because they're celebrating nothing of consequence. I'm sick of people gaslighting themselves into thinking Disney made the right calls with this re-theme. They didn't. It was never about giving Tiana the spotlight; it was about destroying everything that worked with her predecessor.

I'm sorry that you are disappointed by the outcome, and I respect your opinion. That however doesn't mean I'm gaslighting myself just because I happen to not agree with you. You know it possible to like what was done seperate from what was there previously. I'm able to divorce myself from the comparison because I take the individual experience on it own for what it is, not for what come before it. I know that is hard for many here, but I'm capable of doing that for better or worse. Its what allows me to enjoy changes without getting bogged down in the past.

 

[britain]

I'm all in favor of people looking on the bright side on this attraction. Heck, that's the point of a pleasurable day at theme parks. There's nothing wrong with people saying, "Hey, it's still fun!" or even, "I actually like it better than Splash!" There's also nothing wrong with people saying they are disappointed - not just that their ride was disappointing, but that they are disappointed that something they once enjoyed is now gone and not coming back.

As is typical with the internet, these sentiments get run through a hostility amplifier and turn into fighting words for either opinion.

I just hope we can be tolerant of all opinions. I'm never going to stop complaining that they got rid of my favorite spot in the whole park (the above-Pirates location of The Disney Gallery). Some people are never going to stop complaining about the loss of Splash Mt. And that's ok.

 

[mickEblu]

I'm all in favor of people looking on the bright side on this attraction. Heck, that's the point of a pleasurable day at theme parks. There's nothing wrong with people saying, "Hey, it's still fun!" or even, "I actually like it better than Splash!" There's also nothing wrong with people saying they are disappointed - not just that their ride was disappointing, but that they are disappointed that something they once enjoyed is now gone and not coming back.

As is typical with the internet, these sentiments get run through a hostility amplifier and turn into fighting words for either opinion.

I just hope we can be tolerant of all opinions. I'm never going to stop complaining that they got rid of my favorite spot in the whole park (the above-Pirates location of The Disney Gallery). Some people are never going to stop complaining about the loss of Splash Mt. And that's ok.

Agree mostly. What I have an issue with is interjecting oneself into the conversation, taking issue with a strong opinion backed up with detailed points and solid reasoning when all you have basically said is “I like it” or “it’s fine.” Take that stuff to Reddit or mind your own business. Also if I feel that someone is not speaking in good faith or is constantly giving Disney a pass then I personally will write off your opinion. Lastly some things aren’t an opinion at all. The fact that Ray is singing on a ride where he is dead makes no sense is not an opinion. It’s a fact. There is no rebuttal. If one does not understand that then there is no point of continuing a conversation on that topic.

It’s annoying because they created these self imposed constraints, didn’t include Ray on a ride that was already going to be missing a fan favorite character and then realized they needed to include the popular song from the movie that Ray sings. So they just said Oh well . At least Tiana’s hair is authentic.

 

[Misted Compass]

the drop has tension on its own that doesn't need anything added to it when you go up the lift hill.

If the physical sensation of the ride itself is good enough, then why theme anything?

 

[Disney Irish]

If the physical sensation of the ride itself is good enough, then why theme anything?

Did I say anywhere where theming wasn't required or even wanted? All I said was that the huge lift hill itself brings tension on its own. That doesn't mean the rest of the rides theming isn't required or wanted. Its not an all or nothing situation in my opinion.