Disney has just released an official POV video ofTiana’s Bayou Adventure, the newly rethemed attraction based onThe Princess and the Frog,giving fans an in-depth look at the upcoming attraction before its grand opening. This follows a week full of previews and updates, including the latest episode ofWe Call It Imagineering, which gave fans a glimpse inside the attraction.Additionally, the construction walls around the salt mine structure have been removed, revealing new thematic elements.
Adding to the excitement, a new original song for the attraction, written by Grammy award-winning musician PJ Morton, has arrived on streaming platforms.The story ofTiana’s Bayou Adventurewill invite guests to Tiana’s Foods, where Tiana is hosting a community party. A mix-up with the band leads to an adventure through the bayou in search of critter virtuosos, promising a musical trip that’s sure to be a recipe for a good time. The attraction officially opens on June 28th at the Magic Kingdom.
Why Splash Mountain Was Controversial
Splash Mountain, the predecessor toTiana’s Bayou Adventure, has a storied history in Disney theme parks. The log-flume ride, which first opened in Disneyland in 1989, was inspired by the animated sequences fromDisney’s 1946 filmSong of the South. The attraction featured animatronics and songs from the movie, taking guests on a lively journey through scenes populated by Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox, and Br’er Bear, culminating in a thrilling drop into the briar patch.
The ride’s popularity led to versions being built at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Tokyo Disneyland. However, due to ongoing controversy surroundingSong of the Southand its racial insensitivity,Disney announced in June 2020 that Splash Mountain would be reimaginedwith a theme based onThe Princess and the Frog, a beloved Disney film featuring the company’s first Black princess, Tiana.
Song of the South, the film on which Splash Mountain was based,has long been criticized for its portrayal of African Americans and its romanticized view of the post-Civil War South. The film’s depiction of plantation life and its use of racial stereotypes have made it a point of contention. As a result, Disney has largely kept the film out of circulation since the 1980s. The reimagining of Splash Mountain toTiana’s Bayou Adventureis part of Disney’s broader effort to create a more inclusive and respectful experience for all guests.
Stay tuned to Collider for more updates on the Disney theme parks. Check out the video above.
