Did you watch the Splash ridethrough w/Imagineer commentary that
@EagleScout610 posted above?
I think it's so interesting to hear what factored into the decisions they made along the way--the limitations of space, the cost management, and the storytelling intent. I noticed he mentions:
- Using dark and "dead" space to create story beats
- Minimally-themed areas to reduce costs
- Visual tricks to draw the guests' eye toward certain scenes (and away from other things)
- Flat scenes due to tight spaces
- Lighting
I believe the Imagineers put just as much thought into TBA as they did into the WDW version of Splash. I know some are not satisfied with the results, but I find it interesting to hear their rationale for every element in the attraction.
Did you see
@Bill Cipher 's lovely analysis of the music/jazz theme of TBA?
I think the use of the music is a product of their research and visits to NOLA.
I also see that inspiration in the foliage, the color palette, and the food references, but in my opinion, they could have gotten that inspiration by visiting the Port Orleans Riverside and French Quarter resorts. I think those capture a Disneyfied Bayou/New Orleans really well.