Tiana's Bayou Adventure: Disneyland Watch & Discussion

[Rich T]

What shadow projection was missing? Before the drop, because DL had that as well….

I think he’s referring to the shadow projection of the fox and bear chasing the rabbit over a hilltop that came between the sprung trap and Brer Rabbit leaving home.

 

[Too Many Hats]

I believe the inciting incident is that Louis forgot to book a band for the party. Which leads to the need to find a band on short notice in the bayou.

And how are we supposed to know this? Through audio and visual cues while in the queue......and also some Disney Parks Blogs that 99% of guests didn't read.

Hold on, this is breaking news for me. Louis forgot to book the band? Okay, I mean, I guess that explains why Tiana is relegated to searching the bayou for critter musicians despite, you know, throwing a party in New Orleans. Fine. I'm okay with this MacGuffin, then.

So where is this communicated to guests in the queue?

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Agreed, it's a boring coaster. Almost entirely right turns! I grew up with MK's version and had a real "Are you kidding; that's it??" reaction to Disneyland's after my first ride.

Over time however I've realized Disneyland's is more of a sensory experience than a roller coaster (thanks to the dramatically better effects), and I've grown to appreciate it as an attraction more than MK's Space. I visited MK a couple years ago for the first time in over a decade, and, amazingly, had the same "That's it??" reaction to their version. The big drops are fun, but overall it's not as great as I remember.

Yeah, and see, I kind of liked the Star Wars overlay (even though I generally don't like overlays and didn't like the other overlays) because it just added something to the ride. Because you take all the effects away and it's kind of like, meh.

Plus now Cosmic Rewind exists, and it's like they took DL Space Mountain and injected it with some steroids.

But the two Space Mountains are two entirely different experiences. I still blame the lack of onboard audio from the 2009 WDW Space Mountain refurb on the cheap Eisner era.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Have only seen POVs of the non-DL versions but having Laughing Place play before the 2nd drop is an odd choice. That being said they're still paced better for Splash's story and work/worked as better rides.

The WDW version the Laughing Place scene was extended.

The animatronics were noticably better and the pacing (as you said) was better at WDW. The DL version had the recycled animatronics from America Sings. There were more of them...but they looked old.

I also personally prefer the log seating at WDW. I dislike the seating at the DL version, but that's a personal preference more than anything.

 

[Jedi14]

Hold on, this is breaking news for me. Louis forgot to book the band? Okay, I mean, I guess that explains why Tiana is relegated to searching the bayou for critter musicians despite, you know, throwing a party in New Orleans. Fine. I'm okay with this MacGuffin, then.

So where is this communicated to guests in the queue?

I don’t know what is in the Disneyland queue, but at Magic Kingdom, there’s a chalkboard showing everyone’s roles for setting up the party and Louis’s job was to book the band. There’s also a newspaper by Tiana’s desk saying all bands in the city are booked for Mardi Gras and that when asked about it Louis said he thought Naveen would handle it. I think there’s also audio on the radio of Tiana, Naveen, and Louis talking and deciding to go check the bayou.

 

[Too Many Hats]

I don’t know what is in the Disneyland queue, but at Magic Kingdom, there’s a chalkboard showing everyone’s roles for setting up the party and Louis’s job was to book the band. There’s also a newspaper by Tiana’s desk saying all bands in the city are booked for Mardi Gras and that when asked about it Louis said he thought Naveen would handle it. I think there’s also audio on the radio of Tiana, Naveen, and Louis talking and deciding to go check the bayou.

Thank you! I’ll make a point to pay attention to these details when I get a chance to ride.

 

[chadwpalm]

Probably a dumb question, but do people get/buy these ponchos within Disneyland? My teenage self would hate me, but at age 34 I don't think I can deal with wet clothes and would rather look like a dork in a poncho.

I think they are sold at the Emporium in DL.

 

[gerarar]

Probably a dumb question, but do people get/buy these ponchos within Disneyland? My teenage self would hate me, but at age 34 I don't think I can deal with wet clothes and would rather look like a dork in a poncho.

At WDW they are found hidden behind the counters in every physical store with a register, so when it stars raining they bring them out (and umbrellas) to sell to guests.

I would think the same holds true for DL.

 

[Bugsy]

Right as if the conclusion I’ve come to is based on a couple disagreements and not countless conversations and your 10 year plus posting history.

Am I on Page6/TMZ or a Disney fan site LOL. Some strong energy here between these two.

I miss Splash, but am glad I can still experience it in Tokyo! Its only an hour further flight from Hawaii than it is from LA, based on previous friends flights meeting me there (due to winds, not actual timed flights). Just go visit Splash where it still is if still upset, but celebrate the new at Disneyland and let others enjoy the new experience there, too.

 

[Animaniac93-98]

visited MK a couple years ago for the first time in over a decade, and, amazingly, had the same "That's it??" reaction to their version. The big drops are fun, but overall it's not as great as I remember.

WDW's Space Mountain is a shell of its former self. What was once arguably the park's signature ride, is now one of its most glaringly dated, and frustratingly so knowing how much better it could be.

 

[EagleScout610]

 

[Homemade Imagineering]

Tiana hit the I Feel Fantastic pose

 

[Homemade Imagineering]

Looking thru my camera roll, I came across this photo I took of Louis & noticed that for whatever reason his trumpet was missing. Looks like he’s got it now, can’t imagine why it wasn’t there on day one

 

[mickEblu]

I think Ray’s Berets looks fantastic. See, people as critical as myself can be pleased. And this is coming from someone who loved the Briar Patch store and those giant carrots coming down from the ceiling. When something is truly well done and up to old Disney/ WDI standards there is no denying it. But wait, why did they put so much effort into a tiny store that sells generic merchandise found everywhere else in the park? I thought they were playing down to the lowest common denominator and lower standards of the newer fans? Oh, I guess they only do that on the rides.

 

[SuddenStorm]

I think Ray’s Berets looks fantastic. See, people as critical as myself can be pleased. And this is coming from someone who loved the Briar Patch store and those giant carrots coming down from the ceiling. When something is truly well done and up to old Disney/ WDI standards there is no denying it. But wait, why did they put so much effort into a tiny store that sells generic merchandise found everywhere else in the park? I thought they were playing down to the lowest common denominator and lower standards of the newer fans? Oh, I guess they only do that on the rides.

"People that are fans of the product won't like it, but casual visitors who don't know better will" is the most ridiculous defense I've heard of anything at Disneyland. It's a lazy cop out, especially when we're talking about how much drivel we got from WDI talking about how authentic and important this ride is.

In the past Disneyland excelled because it's attractions appealed to enthusiasts and tourists. That's where the magic happens and a true classic is born.

Steven Spielberg was successful because his films were incredibly well made- film enthusiasts could appreciate his work and how they pushed the medium forward, and they were also incredibly popular summer films. Imagine if Jurassic Park came out and was crap, and people said "Oh well, casual teen dates will still like it". It would have faded into obscurity after a summer like the hundreds of mediocre films that get made each year.

And oftentimes, the attractions were well made and connected with riders. That's why all of us are on here now. It wasn't until after we caught the spark that we decided to start reading Disneyland history books and spend hours a week reading and posting on a Disneyland fan blog.
I was obsessed with Splash Mountain in like the fourth grade. I knew it was awesome- and it wasn't until I was a teenager and adult that I was learned why. It's what took Disneyland from a fun place to go with family to something I couldn't get enough and wanted to learn everything about for me.

TBA isn't going to bring new fans to Disneyland in any meaningful way. There might be a few here and there- but I think for most it's going to fade into the middling "Sure let's ride it cause it's hot", not something anyone is enthusiastic about.

 

[Bugsy]

I think Ray’s Berets looks fantastic. See, people as critical as myself can be pleased. And this is coming from someone who loved the Briar Patch store and those giant carrots coming down from the ceiling. When something is truly well done and up to old Disney/ WDI standards there is no denying it. But wait, why did they put so much effort into a tiny store that sells generic merchandise found everywhere else in the park? I thought they were playing down to the lowest common denominator and lower standards of the newer fans? Oh, I guess they only do that on the rides.

I'm sorry you don't seem very happy about a product at one Disney area- specifically LA Disney, and another that still exists at a Disney in Japan. I sometimes read the WDW posts, and there, I see people complain about Rivers of America leaving for Cars. Luckily, they can still travel to Disneyland in LA to see those rivers. And luckily, you can still travel to Tokyo to see Splash Mountain. Its very simple and relative. Please let it go and let others be happy. I think that's a Disney lesson in and of itself.

 

[mickEblu]

"People that are fans of the product won't like it, but casual visitors who don't know better will" is the most ridiculous defense I've heard of anything at Disneyland. It's a lazy cop out, especially when we're talking about how much drivel we got from WDI talking about how authentic and important this ride is.

In the past Disneyland excelled because it's attractions appealed to enthusiasts and tourists. That's where the magic happens and a true classic is born.

Steven Spielberg was successful because his films were incredibly well made- film enthusiasts could appreciate his work and how they pushed the medium forward, and they were also incredibly popular summer films. Imagine if Jurassic Park came out and was crap, and people said "Oh well, casual teen dates will still like it". It would have faded into obscurity after a summer like the hundreds of mediocre films that get made each year.

And oftentimes, the attractions were well made and connected with riders. That's why all of us are on here now. It wasn't until after we caught the spark that we decided to start reading Disneyland history books and spend hours a week reading and posting on a Disneyland fan blog.
I was obsessed with Splash Mountain in like the fourth grade. I knew it was awesome- and it wasn't until I was a teenager and adult that I was learned why. It's what took Disneyland from a fun place to go with family to something I couldn't get enough and wanted to learn everything about for me.

TBA isn't going to bring new fans to Disneyland in any meaningful way. There might be a few here and there- but I think for most it's going to fade into the middling "Sure let's ride it cause it's hot", not something anyone is enthusiastic about.

Well said. Yeah, I think it’s a pretty pathetic excuse myself. Also doesn’t make any sense. Say what you want about Galaxies Edge but they definitely weren’t building it for the casual visitors or for fans with lower standards. And if anyone says this is a newer phenomenon (even though GE only opened 5 years ago) well then I guess we shouldn’t expect more than a C ticket boat ride for Avatar. And if not and there are all sorts of stipulations of why *in this case* that’s not true then I guess that blanket statement just wasn’t very accurate or strong.

The TBA team sucked
The leadership on THIS project sucked
Priorities were wrong

Cmon people, call it what it is and stop making dumb excuses

 

[Basketbuddy101]

"People that are fans of the product won't like it, but casual visitors who don't know better will" is the most ridiculous defense I've heard of anything at Disneyland. It's a lazy cop out, especially when we're talking about how much drivel we got from WDI talking about how authentic and important this ride is.

In the past Disneyland excelled because it's attractions appealed to enthusiasts and tourists. That's where the magic happens and a true classic is born.

Steven Spielberg was successful because his films were incredibly well made- film enthusiasts could appreciate his work and how they pushed the medium forward, and they were also incredibly popular summer films. Imagine if Jurassic Park came out and was crap, and people said "Oh well, casual teen dates will still like it". It would have faded into obscurity after a summer like the hundreds of mediocre films that get made each year.

And oftentimes, the attractions were well made and connected with riders. That's why all of us are on here now. It wasn't until after we caught the spark that we decided to start reading Disneyland history books and spend hours a week reading and posting on a Disneyland fan blog.
I was obsessed with Splash Mountain in like the fourth grade. I knew it was awesome- and it wasn't until I was a teenager and adult that I was learned why. It's what took Disneyland from a fun place to go with family to something I couldn't get enough and wanted to learn everything about for me.

TBA isn't going to bring new fans to Disneyland in any meaningful way. There might be a few here and there- but I think for most it's going to fade into the middling "Sure let's ride it cause it's hot", not something anyone is enthusiastic about.

This is one of my favorite posts I've ever seen in this forum, and it's hard to agree any more with it.

 

[Brer Oswald]

Probably obvious but it occurred to me recently that the decision to go with nighttime bayou scenes with spotlights on the bands was cost cutting decision. Set dressing doesn't matter as much when everything is dark, you throw a spotlight on the little clutter of figures and throw some projections on the wall. I have no idea what the budget was for this retheme. I've seen 150 million thrown around. If thats true, they also suck with money. Structure was there, ride system, ride vehicles etc. Im guessing they spent a huger chunk of the budget on the finale and some high tech AA's that so far don't even work and aren't even implemented to their full potential.

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.

 

[Basketbuddy101]

I'm sorry you don't seem very happy about a product at one Disney area- specifically LA Disney, and another that still exists at a Disney in Japan. I sometimes read the WDW posts, and there, I see people complain about Rivers of America leaving for Cars. Luckily, they can still travel to Disneyland in LA to see those rivers. And luckily, you can still travel to Tokyo to see Splash Mountain. Its very simple and relative. Please let it go and let others be happy. I think that's a Disney lesson in and of itself.

You realize Disney is actively trying to strongarm OLC into closing their Splash, right? So what about their happiness? Is happiness something that only people who agree with you are entitled to?