Tianas Bayou Adventure - Disney Releases POV Ride Through

[KJeff90]

It's so interesting to see what everyone seems to find "wrong" with this attraction. Buckle up Pull down that lap bar, because this is gonna be a long ride of a post.

- LACK OF ANIMATRONICS. As someone who was a big fan of Splash Mountain at Disneyland before there was even a sparkle in the eyes of WDI for Tiana's Bayou Adventure, I'm just glad that we animatronics that work.
- THE STORY PRESENTED MAY SEEM CONVOLUTED, AND NOT MAKE SENSE. That may be the case as we see it now. But I think with the expected multi-hour waits anticipated for the attraction, did we not forget the chance that WDI might have put a lot of the story into the queue/pre-show?
- LACK OF DR. FACILIER. Dr. Facilier fans. God forbid Princess and the Frog fans share the same canonical accuracy energy as Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge fans. People travel all the way to the edge of a galaxy and remember every character that hasn't been missed by Storm Trooper crossfire spanning a franchise of movies, series, comics, etc. Tiana only had one movie and we already forgot that Facilier went back to the other side. Also, do we really lack the sense of nuance that we need to have the "Are You Ready?" lyrics from the Friends on the Other Side song? I feel it'd be too on the nose.
- TIANA'S NEW OUTFIT. Realistically, I mean this is just me. But would you wear a ballgown trying to find something through a bayou? In general, the woman owns a business that's food-oriented. Constantly wearing that big of a dress in a restaurant-setting is the field day OSHA and any Department of Health worth its weight in Beignets would love to have, and eventually shut that business down
- LACK OF "TENSION" MAKING FOR A POOR STORY. Sure, the story is lacking attempted murder/kidnapping from some malicious critters. But when it comes down to it, the greatest feeling of tension is when we're hangry. Lack of hanger management could lead to the above said crimes. Finding this spice is really what saves the day.
People want there to be a sense of danger, a villain, a potential victim. This is a fun story that doesn't really need one, maybe? I think it's hilarious that guests are wondering why Tiana never turns into a frog... see my note about Dr. Facilier... it's set after the movie.
I think what people are missing is the tone change in the Laughing Place song from playful to ominous, perhaps that's the source of "tension" that people are missing. That particular part of the attraction has gone for a more playful/upbeat transition to the lift/drop. Why follow the same emotional timeline as a previous attraction in the same space? If anything, I think a tone and pacing chase is a good thing. It definitely is what helped to lead to the successful Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout's success in California from what was once the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
- THE MUSIC WAS NOTHING SPECIAL. This movie is set in one of the most unique cultural epicenters of the world, with a rich history. The music used from the original movie is upbeat and memorable; catchy if you will. They did it right by sourcing music from people that grew up in the culture and background that they try to portray in this attraction, and brought realism and authenticity to this otherwise animated world.
- THE FINALE SEEMS SO EMPTY. It's festive, it's fun, there's so much to see. It's giving a monster truck rally vibes, bring the kids! There's literally a mansion, with a whole Crystal Palace character buffet breakfast going on in the structure next to it, and a balcony with rambunctious Lottie and Tiana's sweet mother. If I remember well, Splash just had the steamboat with animatronics that had the worst chiropractic neck adjustments ever. Also, it felt like it was 60% sunset.

Again, my views come from someone who was a big fans of Splash Mountain before Tina's Bayou Adventure was even a spark in the eyes of WDI. These views may seem ridiculous, outright silly and scattered at times, but so do all these people complaining about how an entertainment company decided to spend their money on to tell a unique story that is based on what could have happened after their own story. There's probably tons yet to be revealed; I anticipate that the story will be set better in the queue.

These backseat Imagineers have such aggressive views after only seeing a less than 10-minute clip. I get it; nostalgia and things were great at the time with Splash Mountain. Has anyone thought about what legacy this new attraction could bring to the younglings of today? I think there's more context that will be added as we get more details about the queue and maybe actually being in the space from first-hand experience.

 

[DWillowBay]

Just like the change from Maelstrom to Frozen....lots of dead stretches of nothing. Dr. Facilier and the "are you ready" would have been great as you approached the falls. No nod to him at all. No story. ...and how did I get to be "Alice" with all the giant mushrooms / large bottles underground???? I'll wait to ride before finalizing an opinion, but based on this video....it missed the mark.

 

[Nimbus]

It's so interesting to see what everyone seems to find "wrong" with this attraction. Buckle up Pull down that lap bar, because this is gonna be a long ride of a post.
.

I wish there was a love button. There’s been so much hate for this ride from go. When I watched that video this morning I was legitimately impressed, so to see all the hate for an objectively good attraction is just very sad. And every critique is—as you demonstrated—sooooo nitpicky. Why isn’t she wearing a gown! And you just know that if she was they’d be screaming, why is she wearing a gown!

It’s like they’ve got this anger as they grieve the loss of Splash—which is understandable—but like at some point you gotta move on to acceptance, because it’s getting to the point where it’s just getting super irrational. And the criticisms are equally nonsensical given all the faults Splash had.

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

THE MUSIC WAS NOTHING SPECIAL. This movie is set in one of the most unique cultural epicenters of the world, with a rich history. The music used from the original movie is upbeat and memorable; catchy if you will. They did it right by sourcing music from people that grew up in the culture and background that they try to portray in this attraction, and brought realism and authenticity to this otherwise animated world.

YES to everything you’ve said but so much yes to this, especially. I can’t believe people are upset with this music like Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah is the pinnacle of music

People want originality but then get mad when there’s new and original music. And it’s clear this was an important, well thought-out part of imagineering. Truly there’s no pleasing anyone.

 

[Smugpugmug]

Far from alone in that opinion. I will admit that I would have been pretty happy with ride-through retelling of the movie.

The decision to tell a new story set after the movie means we have less frogs in a princess and the frog based movie than we had in the old ride, lol.

And it also means I have to wrap my head around this “Intiana Jones” outfit going on which has no connection at all to the character I know from the movie. .


Someone earlier mentioned the opportunity they could have to do a Halloween overlay and I, for one, would LOVE that. Don’t know if Disney would do that… but if they did….

Again - I don’t HATE the ride. I just think they didn’t exactly flex their creative genius or tech chops on the reskin. It’s not terrible. I’ll ride it. I just wish it was…. more.

I don't hate it either but it's so interesting to see any criticism be labeled as hate. I mean, I was even on this forum ragging on the people who were commenting blatant hate for this ride.

The outfit change is whatever for me. It doesn't bother me. I just didn't get a great first impression from this ride through. It definitely comes across as if the budget went mostly into that final scene.

Also didn't mention it before but the use of screens throughout is just..bleh.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

Apparently the video has more dislikes then likes right now. Ouch

 

[lynch34]

I wish there was a love button. There’s been so much hate for this ride from go. When I watched that video this morning I was legitimately impressed, so to see all the hate for an objectively good attraction is just very sad. And every critique is—as you demonstrated—sooooo nitpicky. Why isn’t she wearing a gown! And you just know that if she was they’d be screaming, why is she wearing a gown!

It’s like they’ve got this anger as they grieve the loss of Splash—which is understandable—but like at some point you gotta move on to acceptance, because it’s getting to the point where it’s just getting super irrational. And the criticisms are equally nonsensical given all the faults Splash had.

Bottom line is a day at Magic Kingdom is incredibly expensive. For the last 16-17 months, the park has not had a major attraction. For someone who goes as much as me, it’s a pain. It’s unfortunate. For a family that can only afford to go once (and there’s a lot of those), you have to be able to rationale the downtime and less eventful day as “it’s ok, it’s for the betterment of the park.” Disney is charging insane prices and to the average American, a day in Magic Kingdom is not doable. Disney took that time and did a very moderate (less than moderate) upgrade. It is totally rational to now think a few things.

1 - you should have just left Splash as it was. People visiting would then have gotten more for their money for 17 months. Disney could have spent the money on something new.

2 - Disney really killed it with Guardians but this was a fail. They shouldn’t accept mediocrity. They clearly have.

 

[lynch34]

Apparently the video has more dislikes then likes right now. Ouch

Broadcast the likes on the screen on the ride. No clue why they thought those screens would be good. That’s lazy.

 

[scrappinginontario]

Apparently the video has more dislikes then likes right now. Ouch

Thinking out loud and only my opinion…

I’m excited to see this but waiting to experience it in person. Possibly more who are looking forward to this change are avoiding the video in favour of seeing in person?

I’ll hold off my thoughts until I experience it.

Will also be interested to see what happens once guests view it in person as opposed to through a screen. While POV videos have their place, I’ve never found them to give me anything close to what I experience in person.

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

1 - you should have just left Splash as it was. People visiting would then have gotten more for their money for 17 months. Disney could have spent the money on something new.

2 - Disney really killed it with Guardians but this was a fail. They shouldn’t accept mediocrity. They clearly have.

I actually disagree with both your points. As others have mentioned this ride needed a major refurbishment regardless of retheming or not. Not only was it potentially offensive, it was incredibly outdated. It would have had to go down for 6mo+ regardless, for proper updates. The ride never pulled huge crowds except in the heat of the summer, a water-ride being the specific reason not necessarily because SM is so great. So really, the loss of SM for 17mos wasn’t that big of a deal. Should they never close a ride to redo or refurb, even while telling people years in advance that it will be down, because some might miss out on a ride? Haunted Mansion in DL is going to be out of commission for 9+ months for necessary but not drastic changes. It’s going to come back as pretty much the same ride (on top of SM being redone!). No one is upset that that’s happening.

And 2, cosmic rewind is for sure my in my top 3 favorite rides in WDW and yet I think many would agree as far as a Disney themed ride, it is incredibly lazy. The ride vehicle and system is incredible but it has a ridiculously boring and cheap feeling queue, they canceled the few animatronics that were supposed to happen to make the ride more Disney and animated and instead put a ton of pre-recorded videos up, but the few screens in this ride are too much? It also doesn’t make much sense in EPCOT. Vekoma made a super smooth and thrilling roller coaster and Disney slapped a bit of IP and music on it. I wouldn’t call that a specific win for Disney, but that starts playing with semantics. I only bring that up because calling this project a failure is so removed from reality. Did it not live up to your specific expectations? Probably, not that anyone even knows what it’s actually like in person but yes, let’s call this ride a failure already.

As far as Disney imagineering is concerned this is no where near a failure. I personally wouldn’t even call it close to mediocre, but I can concede you your threshold for mediocrity might be different than mine. For me, Disney has done tons of mediocre stuff, pretty much all of Toy Story Land could be considered mediocre. I see this project as more thoughtful and detailed than that whole land. This ride just isn’t for you, it doesn’t pull your heartstrings or make you excited, or you just don’t connect with it. That’s fair, but say that instead of abjectly calling it a failure before we’ve even had a chance to actually experience it.

 

[UpstateMick]

It's just bad...and again, the negative (and truthful) backlash is what Disney deserves...the apologists can say whatever they want in these boards and in these posts, but, this is a GIGANTIC downgrade! I have been a fan of Disney for many, many years...have over 40 WDW trips under my belt during the past 30 years...I am still an annual pass holder and have two summer trips planned...but when my AP runs out next spring, it's time to move on! I'm so glad my daughter got 10 solid years from 5 to 15 years old (2009 - 2019). A great time for her to grow up in the park! To take a ride as iconic as Splash and turn it into this...man, SO glad I didn't buy into DVC 10 years ago, lol! RIP my 'ole "Laughing Place!"

 

[brightlined]

Bottom line is a day at Magic Kingdom is incredibly expensive. For the last 16-17 months, the park has not had a major attraction. For someone who goes as much as me, it’s a pain. It’s unfortunate. For a family that can only afford to go once (and there’s a lot of those), you have to be able to rationale the downtime and less eventful day as “it’s ok, it’s for the betterment of the park.” Disney is charging insane prices and to the average American, a day in Magic Kingdom is not doable. Disney took that time and did a very moderate (less than moderate) upgrade. It is totally rational to now think a few things.

1 - you should have just left Splash as it was. People visiting would then have gotten more for their money for 17 months. Disney could have spent the money on something new.

2 - Disney really killed it with Guardians but this was a fail. They shouldn’t accept mediocrity. They clearly have.

They closed Splash and then opened TRON. (Honestly, that was the "something new" they spent money on.)

And Splash was typically closed in Jan/Feb for rehab, anyway. They were only really down a major attraction for maybe a couple of months tops.

And, while I don't have data to support this, I would venture that Splash wasn't in the average guest's top five priorities in the park. Missing out on a TRON VQ would've been a much bigger burn to a guest than having Splash be closed.

 

[pens4821]

As someone who knows nothing of Tiana and loved splash (didnt know song of the south either), I like what they did. Love the updates and the colors. Looks like a fun ride.

I still wish they kept splash for nostalgia and will most certainly miss the song (zip a dee dooh dah). However, I’m more ok with this change after seeing it than I thought I would be.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

The retheme of this ride aside, I have no idea how everyone can't agree on the fact that Disney is slower and lazier creatively than ever before when it comes to WDW. For the amount of money they charge everyone especially in these days of nickel and diming they should be giving the park goers more, better, and doing it all faster. Also Tiana should've and could've had her won attraction a long time ago instead of giving her the "honor" of a re-theme. That last part is just MO.

 

[Minnie1222]

Bottom line is a day at Magic Kingdom is incredibly expensive. For the last 16-17 months, the park has not had a major attraction.

Are Space Mountain, Mine Train, Haunted Mansion, Pirates, Thunder Mountain, Jungle Cruise, Peter Pan, etc...not major attractions?

What about Tron that just opened on 04/2023? The structure alone is architectural art.

 

[TXDisneyFan1]

Huh?

View attachment 864874

What's so hard to understand about what they posted? It's a well explained answer to the question of "What is the story of Splash Mountain?"

 

[aammtt20]

I'll reserve any real opinions until I ride it, but my initial reactions would be...

The hate for it is definitely way overblown, but I understand where it is coming from. This attraction needed to completely knock it out of the park if they were going to replace a beloved attraction like Splash and they didn't do that for many. As a fan of Princess and the Frog, I was expecting at least one or two big WOW moments on the ride, but they never seemed to materialize. It doesn't seem to be bad, just a bit "meh" and maybe my expectations were too high. Still eager for a first ride-thru, but tempering my expectations based on what they've showed us.

 

[Karin1984]

I do think it's a downgrade (I have no nostalgia for the original ride) due to the lack of animatronics in certain scenes / replaced by screens with fireflies, and the lack of any type of story. I think with the elements of Princess and the Frog and the characters, they could have done something better with this. Storytelling used to be Disney's strength, this ride shows it's not anymore.

I do not think the ride is bad. More like that it's not as good as it was.

THE STORY PRESENTED MAY SEEM CONVOLUTED, AND NOT MAKE SENSE. That may be the case as we see it now. But I think with the expected multi-hour waits anticipated for the attraction, did we not forget the chance that WDI might have put a lot of the story into the queue/pre-show

No, to me, that shouldn't be the case. A good ride should be able to stand on it's own without part of the story being told in the queue.
Because if due to whatever reason you have to/get to skip the queue, think DAS, VIP tours, rider swap, single rider, you miss this.

I compare this with going to the theater and seeing a show or play that makes no sense. And it only does make sense when you read the program. You should be able to understand what's going on without getting a lecture in advance.

A queue can enhance the ride and be part of the story, but it shouldn't be the explanation of what is going on.

 

[tom1944]

If my 5-year-old granddaughter can ride it and has a big smile at the end I will love it.

 

[croschek05]

Disagree. If you look at the comments on other social media platforms surrounding the attraction, most of them mention that they dislike Dr. Facilier being missing from the attraction. Also didn't say people would skip it. I just find that the ride suffers without him.

Disney dropped the ball. Mind boggling how you can leave Dr Facilier out. I'll definitely ride it but won't be running to it like I did with Splash Mountain. Smh. So disappointing!