Walt Disney Imagineering released a full point-of-view ride-through video of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure before its grand opening at Walt Disney World this summer and Disneyland later this year. However, the preview didn’t receive a universally positive reception.
The new ride expands on the story from the 2009 animated film “Princess and the Frog.” It follows Tiana and Louis as they search for a missing ingredient for a unique Mardi Gras celebration. In the end, guests discover they are the missing ingredient, or “special spice,” Tiana needed.
It’s rare for Walt Disney Imagineers, a division known for its secrecy, to release such a detailed preview of a new attraction. When Disney uploaded the video, many eagerly watched it on YouTube, but reactions were mixed.
At the time of writing, the video had nearly 500,000 views, with 9,200 likes and 24,000 dislikes. The comments section was filled with negative feedback, with many finding the ride “boring and visually uninteresting.” Critics pointed out the lack of camera movement, which failed to highlight the audio-animatronic figures, and questioned the absence of popular characters like Dr. Facilier and Firefly Ray.
Some commenters expressed a desire for Disney to revert the ride back to Splash Mountain. The re-theme to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure came after fans urged Disney to change the attraction amid a nationwide racial reckoning. Splash Mountain had faced criticism for featuring characters and music from the 1946 film “Song of the South,” which has been condemned for its racial stereotypes and romanticized portrayal of the post-Civil War South.
Despite the backlash, the ride remained a favorite among fans due to its catchy tunes, stunning park views, and unique structure.
Even with the negative feedback, some social media users are still excited about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening at Disney World later this month and at Disneyland later this year.
