June 11th 2024.
Get ready to embark on a magical adventure like no other as Walt Disney World in Florida and Disneyland in California unveil their highly anticipated new attraction, Tiana's Bayou Adventure, on June 28. This innovative ride takes the place of the former Splash Mountain, which was based on a movie that contained racist undertones. Tiana, Disney's first Black princess, will now take center stage in this enchanting experience. The team at ABC News reported that Tiana's Bayou Adventure seamlessly blends the beloved log-flume ride experience of Splash Mountain with an updated storyline from the 2009 animated film "The Princess and the Frog." Guests can expect to be fully immersed in the vibrant and lively atmosphere of 1920s New Orleans, surrounded by captivating music, breathtaking scenery, and lifelike animatronic characters inspired by the film. By refurbishing the existing ride structure, Disney has successfully severed any connection to the controversial "Song of the South," while still preserving the essence of the beloved attraction.
The Imagineers, the brilliant minds behind Disney's rides, are dedicated to ensuring that their attractions resonate with diverse audiences. Senior Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering's creative development team, Carmen Smith, emphasized this commitment, stating "We never want to perpetuate stereotypes or misconceptions. Our intention is always to tell great stories." Executive Creative Producer Charita Carter, who oversaw the development of Tiana's Bayou Adventure, also echoed this sentiment and recognized that society is constantly evolving and that their storytelling must reflect that. "We focus our stories differently depending on what our society needs," she explained.
As previously reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Disney first announced their plans to reimagine Splash Mountain as Tiana's Bayou Adventure in 2020 after facing widespread criticism and a petition signed by over 20,000 individuals. The petition called for Disney to address the ride's outdated and offensive themes. The team behind Tiana's Bayou Adventure conducted extensive research trips to New Orleans to ensure an authentic representation of the city's essence.
Disney Parks invites guests to "join Princess Tiana and her friend, the jazz-loving alligator Louis, on their journey through a shimmering bayou as they prepare for a spirited celebration during Mardi Gras season." The full point-of-view of the ride can be seen on the Disney Parks YouTube channel. And for more on Disney's commitment to diversity and inclusion, check out BLACK ENTERPRISE's coverage of Black Disney employees confronting CEO Bob Iger about "unfair treatment" of Kim Godwin.
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