June 25th 2024.
In anticipation of the upcoming Juneteenth celebrations, Disney World has a special surprise for its visitors - the grand unveiling of Tiana's Bayou Adventure, one of the most diverse and magical attractions yet. This attraction not only promises an unforgettable experience, but also highlights the incredible talents of Black individuals who were involved in bringing this concept to life.
To give the media an exclusive sneak peek, the amusement park company hosted a star-studded event that celebrated the vibrant culture of New Orleans and the integral collaborators who played a crucial role in bringing this adventure to fruition. Among the esteemed guests were Stella Chase, daughter of the renowned chef Leah Chase, along with her grandson and granddaughter, jazz musicians Terence Blanchard and PJ Morton, talk show host Tamron Hall, the voice of Princess Tiana - Anika Noni Rose, and the iconic Mama Odie herself - Jenifer Lewis.
It was evident that Lewis was thrilled about the existence of this ride, as she shared her excitement with the crowd, "I'm ecstatic! This is a representation of us, a celebration of our contributions to this country. And it's about time we are represented everywhere, including here at Disney World."
Leading the way was Sivonne Davis, the vice president of marketing strategy for Walt Disney World Resort. Davis spoke about the importance of inclusion and representation and how it was her critical responsibility to ensure that everyone, especially individuals like herself, felt seen and inspired by the possibilities. She also mentioned how this project was a labor of love for both Louisiana and the cast members who worked on it, and it was a testament to the commitment and passion that went into making it a reality.
Blanchard, who worked on the music for the ride, was equally excited to experience this Disney moment with his children and grandchildren. He expressed his joy, "Disney is all about family. It's such a special moment for me to be here with my son and grandson, just enjoying ourselves. What could be better than that?" He also added that the music for the ride was entirely New Orleans-based, featuring local musicians and brass bands, with the legendary Leah Chase lending her voice to the soundtrack.
The highlight of Tiana's Bayou Adventure is the walkthrough of Princess Tiana's Palace, which is inspired by the iconic New Orleans restaurant, Dooky Chase. The walls are adorned with beautiful portraits, and the rooms are filled with memorabilia, with lively jazz music playing in the background and the delicious aroma of beignets in the air. After taking a stroll down memory lane, visitors hop on a log boat and embark on a thrilling ride through a lagoon that mimics a New Orleans swamp. With every twist and turn, riders are greeted with splashing water and vibrant animatronic characters, making for an immersive and exciting experience. And the cherry on top is the final 52.5-foot drop that will leave visitors on the edge of their seats.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure officially opens at Disney's Magical Kingdom on Thursday, June 28th, just in time for the Juneteenth festivities. So be sure to mark your calendars and join Princess Tiana on this one-of-a-kind adventure that celebrates the rich history and culture of New Orleans.
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