Disneyland to open Tiana's Bayou Adventure, based on 'The Princess and the Frog'
ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) -- Disneyland is gearing up to open its newest attraction, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which is based on the 2009 animated film "The Princess and the Frog."
The ride officially opens to the public on Friday in the park's Critter Country. Riders are cautioned they should expect to get wet on the ride.
Renee Barrios Jr., project controls manager, says the ride picks up after the events of the movie.
"Tiana is throwing a soiree, a celebration, and she needs... someone's forgot the ingredient of music so we need to go find some musicians in the bayou," he said.
The ride was originally called Splash Mountain, based on the 1946 movie "Song of the South." Critics called for the ride to change because of the controversy surrounding racial undertones in the movie.
First look: Tiana's Bayou Adventure
The renovated ride lasts about 10 minutes once you're on it, and includes two drops, one of them 50 feet. Expect to hear music throughout the ride and see new and old characters from the film.
There will be a virtual queue for the first few opening days of the ride, which you can join on the Disneyland app.
A party was held Wednesday ahead of the opening. Among those on hand for the celebration were stars from that film, including Jenifer Lewis and Anika Noni Rose, who also provided audio for the attraction.
"It's historic," Lewis said. "I mean it's the first African-American themed ride in the parks and we're proud of this. We love that it's set in New Orleans."
"For 15 years to have passed and to have this renaissance for Tiana and 'The Princess and the Frog' is just phenomenal," Rose said.
Also starting Friday is the Disneyland Resort's holiday celebration. You can experience the magic of the holidays at Disneyland and California Adventure Park.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of this ABC station.
