Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Overview at Disneyland
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland
I can’t remember the last time I rode Splash Mountain at Disneyland. I know what you’re thinking—how can a diehard Disneyland fan forget? Let me explain. Splash Mountain closed on May 30, 2023. Even though I visited Disneyland last year, we skipped it. My kids don’t like rides with big drops, and let’s face it, the 50-foot drop was hard to miss as you walked past the line. Plus, we’re not really a water-ride family.
For years, my son couldn’t handle getting wet, and if he did, we’d need to change his clothes immediately. Combine that with the long lines, and Splash Mountain was always a HARD PASS. I do remember parts of the ride—the singing characters—but what sticks out most are the long waits and the fact that you always ended up wet.
When I heard Splash Mountain was being re-themed to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, based on The Princess and the Frog, I was excited to see something new in that area of the park. Structurally, the ride hasn’t changed—you’re still in a log flume, and the drops are the same—but with the new theming, I was excited to check it out. I’d already seen some spoilers from the Walt Disney World version and the Magic Key preview, so I was ready!
The Opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland officially opened on November 15, coinciding with the start of the Disneyland holiday season. My main reason for visiting was to kick off the holiday festivities, but I couldn’t miss Disneyland’s newest ride.
Right now, the ride only offers a virtual queue, which opens at 7 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m. Since I planned to be at the gates early, I tried for the 7 a.m. virtual queue—but was out of luck as spots filled up fast in just three seconds! The ride is also offered via Lightning Lane Multi Pass, and thankfully, that’s how I secured my spot.
What to Expect on the Ride
Much like Splash Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a log-flume ride with five seats per log. The ride lasts about nine minutes and features both indoor and outdoor sections as you float down the bayou. I came prepared with a rain jacket, poncho, and plastic bags over my shoes after seeing how wet people got during the ride’s Magic Key previews.
The ride includes several smaller drops before the iconic 50-foot drop at the end, which is fast and fun. The storyline was a little hard to follow—but to be fair, I was busy taking pictures, recording video, and paying attention to how much water was splashing into the log flume. However, the ride is full of music, bright colors, flashing lights, and all the beloved characters from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog.
Sensory Considerations
From a sensory perspective, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland is a high-sensory experience. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Music: The ride features continuous music, but it’s not overly loud.
Lighting: Expect moments of darkness, bright lights, and some flashing effects. There’s also a beautiful LED section with subtle lighting effects.
Movement: The log bumps and jolts as it navigates corners, which can feel a bit rough.
Smells: You’ll notice distinct smells throughout, especially near the end, with the smell of beignets.
Water: You will get wet! Water splashes from every angle, and while sitting in the back may reduce how wet you get, there’s no escaping it entirely.
How to Prepare for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
If you or your kids have sensory sensitivities, feel free to reach out to me with any questions. You can also consider watching ride videos on YouTube to decide if it’s a good fit. Here are my top tips for preparing:
Dress for the weather: In colder months, wear quick-drying pants and bring layers. Flip-flops or Crocs are a good choice, but I found plastic bags over my tennis shoes work surprisingly well!
Pack rain gear: Bring a poncho and a rain jacket—in the winter, you might end up using it for the rain anyway.
Bring extra clothes: Rent a locker on Main Street to store a dry change of clothes.
Ride early: Try to get on the ride in the morning so you can change clothes and enjoy the rest of your day comfortably.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I enjoyed Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Maybe it was the excitement of being there on opening day, or perhaps it was the buzz of experiencing something brand-new at Disneyland. While I probably won’t ride it every visit (especially in colder weather), I’m glad I gave it a try.
This ride might not be for everyone, but I hope this overview helps you decide whether it’s a must-do for your next Disneyland trip.
