HONEST REVIEW of Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disney World - Disney News

With Tiana's Bayou Adventure opening on June 28th at Walt Disney World, join me for a preview of the attraction and my first impressions and IN-PERSON HONEST REVIEW after riding it at Magic Kingdom.
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[@ftt7429]

It seems so obvious that the story needs a villain or at least some drama. It’s hard to believe nobody at Disney looked at the “story” and said hmm, needs a little something.

[@clevm002]

They don't seem to understand this at all .. name the last great movie villain from Disney, that wasn't a twist or a fake out?.. this 'villains land' if it happens better gain some new good ones. 👀

[@brennanspark]

Disney has really lost its story telling and magic.

[@AdventureswithB100]

I Think they tried making it more kid friendly tho!

[@clevm002]

@@AdventureswithB100 ... The movie is kid friendly, and you have to be over 1 metre to ride anyway. Pirates of the Caribbean is a family kid friendly ride and that has some darker themes.

[@AdventureswithB100]

@@clevm002 what I meant was more kid friendly then splash mountain bc the rabbit gets stuck by the villain as much of a villain tianas bayou needs it I still think tianas bayou is a win

[@bunniesbunniesbunnie]

I still can't believe you have a lift hill with no build up. A terrifying lift hill. You've got Friends on the Other Side right there. That terrifying drum bum bum bum as you march up that hill, hearing "ARE YOU READY", Facilier screaming as you fall with him and Mama Odie saves your boat. It's so obvious. So obvious. And they didn't do it. Breaks my brain.

[@Primogen18]

Im hoping they can make tweaks, at least for DL and then implement them in wdw, but that is the perfect song for the lift and was literally the first thing i thought about hearing the idea at the beginning

[@Hard_Boiled_Entertainment]

Remember the concept art had a cool willow tree with the boat in it, on top of the mountain? Honestly, no tree on top underlines the "something is missing" issue. They seriously need to end this "sudden budget cuts" attitude. Give us the beautiful things you PROMISED, Disney.

[@haventesla8648]

I think they dropped that because it was too heavy to be borne by the existing structural supports, rather than budget cuts.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@haventesla8648 Yeah, you can’t use “budget cuts” as a criticism all the time.

[@Hard_Boiled_Entertainment]

There's just one problem, guys: There was a tree up there before.

[@haventesla8648]

@@Hard_Boiled_Entertainment A husk of a tree, not one supporting the weight of a boat!

[@Hard_Boiled_Entertainment]

@haventesla8648 I'll put it this way: There's gotta be SOMETHING cool up on top. Otherwise it looks like a downgrade.

[@jimmyturner4045]

This is like a Direct to DVD sequel version of a Disney Ride.

[@AverageJoe483]

😂

[@cagunder]

Not even that

[@benmalsky9834]

No it doesn’t

[@ipdvb4853]

Cackling. Absolutely.

[@Misscouchpotato-]

More like 3 episodes of a show never released turned into a direct to DVD movie.

[@cookimaus1]

I know dr facilier is dead, but that shouldn’t have stopped them from including him. Even the voodoo stuff could be worked around like with mama odie. Instead of shrinking, have the “friends” drag you to the other side and have mama odie get you back. Or just do a book report. Theres no danger, no tension. Thats my main complaint. Its too afraid to just be a retelling, or be scary.

[@nicholasmarshall9128]

I know on Disney Cruise Line for the mystery game on the Disney Fantasy and Dream, Dr. Facillier doesn't come back because he's dead (hes even a suspect in the game but you conclude hes dead). I guess Disney doesn't want to pay David Keith to come back?

[@rustybarrel516]

@@nicholasmarshall9128 They probably don’t want to pay Keith David either. 😉

[@rustybarrel516]

What’s to stop Dr. F from making a deal with the spirits to come back and try to capture some other souls? That would have been a helluva ride.

[@kentslocum]

Disney doesn't have a successful track record with tying attractions to specific timelines. Rise of the Resistance should have been themed to the Original Trilogy, as it was originally intended and designed. But Galaxy's Edge should have have characters from multiple movies and eras.

[@ipdvb4853]

I think the voodoo stuff was off the table from the start, as Disney got some heat for how it was depicted in the movie (it perpetuates stereotypes about African religion). Since Disney's decision to remove Splash was partly motivated by an awareness of inherent racism, there was no way they would've included stuff like that. But yes, that shouldn't have stopped them. There's plenty of other things they could've done to make this bayou feel like a wild, magical place.

[@clarktooncrossing3975]

Y'know, you make a great point about how this should've been its own ride. I'm legit having a hard time judging this ride on its own merits cuz Splash Mountain is still fresh in my mind. And that's coming from someone who ever rode it ONCE!

[@user-ue4mm2je6q]

Which is why splash mountain was good and this is meh.

[@NathanSpies]

This feels like it should’ve been in fantasyland, not in Frontierland

[@TimmyME]

or not at all

[@YankeeMav]

@@TimmyMEagreed. Look to fantasy springs in Tokyo for what should actually be in Fantasy- or Frontierlands.

[@kevinbhieey9188]

It won't be for long. New Orleans is expanding. Then what will the complaint be?

[@YankeeMav]

@@kevinbhieey9188 what? New Orleans was rebuilding for the 5 epic years I lived there. Including when PATF came out, and when I loved seeing the movie. This isn’t about hating…Disney is the one who hysterically hated by cancelling Splash. It does no good to paper over that.

[@outatime8560]

@@kevinbhieey9188getting rid of Frontierland for New Orleans will cause even more backlash especially when Disney plans on expanding the park behind big thunder mountain which would have been the perfect place to build a brand new New Orleans land with a brand new Tiana ride. Disney messed up big time & now the theming in the park is going to be ruined

[@slob5041]

The real problem is that they need to stop replacing rides! Build some new ones once in a while

[@glenpreece]

Tron Cosmic Rewind Rise of the Resistance Smuggler's Run Slinky Dog Dash Alien swirling saucers Flight of Passage Navi river journey All new rides they've built in less than 10 years

[@AaronDangerBell]

@@glenpreecebased

[@notlegitkoolaid4911]

@@glenpreece Cosmic rewind replaced ellen and the capacity is worse. But CW is a great ride. Rise and smugglers replaced the backlot tour, stunt show, and honey i shrunk the kids. Navi river journey i think its a bad attraction but they obviously didnt have enough money after flight and building the land so i understand. FOP is a great ride. Toy story land is aight But he was mainly talking about them making new attractions without replacing rides and keeping capacity the same

[@Taydar]

​@notlegitkoolaid4911 OK where do you build them, what land?

[@notlegitkoolaid4911]

@@Taydar they have tons of land in lake buena vista. If theres no land in the parks which is just false. build a new park. Think before you speak

[@TrainerCTZ]

Your idea of incorporating the Mad Doctor to shrink you down and Mama Odie to reverse it is a great idea. Lack of imagination at Disney is astonishing. What a great reason for the final drop because you get converted to original size, therefore sending me Plumbing down the slope with Force. I wish they would have consulted with you

[@jgplmp1984]

I have to admit, in the absence of a villain shrinking you, the only explanation is that those are magic mushrooms and you tasted 'em. 😉

[@JeseeWalker]

This was the best take from the video. Great missed idea.

[@billschnell5667]

No story. No magic. A wandering collection of scenes that don’t engage. A total reflection of everything wrong with modern day Disney.

[@benmalsky9834]

Completely disagree

[@benmalsky9834]

I am offended you would say that. They are still great and will always be great!

[@the_traveling_texan]

You rode it?

[@billschnell5667]

@@benmalsky9834 I’m not a sycophant and hold Disney to high standards. Really? You’re offended? 😅

[@benmalsky9834]

@@billschnell5667 I’m very defensive, and hate it when people say negative things about the things I love.

[@joystiko]

I just liked the original aesthetic of Splash Mountain, the Terrapin Station style country animals combined with the eerie feeling leading up to the drop is just peak

[@BryDisney]

All of this can be fixed with a villian, he could take us to the underworld where he's still trapped and then mama oddie saves us idk. Anything.

[@realthrills5448]

That would make the 2nd half before the drop with the lower ceiling make a lot of sense

[@e.l.norton]

Disney geeks way over-think this. It can't be fixed. You can't take out dozens and dozens of animatronics and a ride packed with scenes and scenery, and replace it with dead space and a handful of figures. The way to fix this is never to have done it to begin with. But, it's great watching this burn.

[@realthrills5448]

@@e.l.norton Everyone knew it was going to be bad. You don’t think mountain and bayou at the same time. I don’t understand how this happened truly.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@e.l.norton There is no “fixing” that needs to be done, it’s perfect the way it is in my opinion.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@realthrills5448 In my opinion, it’s not bad. The more people who agree with me, the better.

[@CaliforniaDreamin.]

I think this is a prime of example of shoe horning something in that doesn’t fit. The structure was not built for this type of dark ride. This is a thrilling attraction geared towards teens and adults.

[@A_A610]

It's a C ticket dark ride that forgets it's supposed to be an E ticket thrill ride.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@A_A610 It’s good. Let’s leave it at that. It’s not as bad as your making it out to be.

[@A_A610]

@@benmalsky9834 I'm not gonna trust the assessment of a kid who admits they have no standards.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@A_A610 I’m not a kid!

[@benmalsky9834]

@@A_A610 I’m 25 years old

[@Disneyfan4life]

Nice review, however, if the message has to be "Give it a chance" the ride is a failure. I've ridden it and unfortunately it will always be compared to Splash. Splash was superior in my book. Tiana should have been given her own attraction.

[@DSNYNewscast]

I feel that the problem with retheming existing rides is always “you have to give it a chance” as people will always have fond memories of what was there before.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@DSNYNewscast I ALWAYS give new rides a chance.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@DSNYNewscast Jack, because I don’t go to the parks in person anymore, EVERY new ride I have a positive opinion about. They all look really cool to me in videos and photos.

[@leewebb7]

​@DSNYNewscast which is why Disney should leave classic Disney alone....princess and the frog should have had it's own ride

[@benmalsky9834]

@@leewebb7 I don’t mind if they want to replace a classic attraction or not, I’m totally fine with whatever they do.

[@katef96]

As a diehard Splash fan, I acknowledge that there are nice aspects about TBA, but I REALLY just wish it were its own thing and not a replacement for my fave and I think most Splash fans feel the same.

[@buzzbine865]

Yes ...Never change a winning team !

[@meganruchwatercolors7186]

Yes! Agree!!!

[@Fantozz2]

I think the imagineers simultaneously overcomplicated the storyline and did not think it through enough. Theme park rides don’t really need plots but if you give them one it should make sense and be easily accessible (not just through details in the queue). I also wish this ride had a villain

[@pennylooope]

I think the least that they could’ve done is have dig a little deeper play while you are going up the lift hill. Even if they didn’t want any antagonists. I think it could’ve been fun also if they included the frog hunters as a substitute for dr facilier. that would’ve made the ride really similar plot wise to splash, and the frog hunters could’ve been at the top of the hill.

[@zajabaker]

That song does play when you're going up the hill

[@karens8633]

“Don’t let this be the “Chick a pin Hill” to die on! 😂

[@lisareckmeyer9745]

Yes that was a brilliant turn of phrase! 😂

[@DesertWillow18]

You’re right. I’ve been saying something similar. The decor is lovely, the animatronics are awesome, but they really needed to keep the element of danger before the big splash. They missed an opportunity to make this ride amazing. Right now it’s nice, and pretty, but it could have been WOW. Simply adding the voodoo man in shadow form coming from the underworld to try and ruin the party and have his shadow come out on the walls while you’re going up the launch before you drop would have added a big difference to the ride. We’re all still going to ride it, and enjoy how pretty it is, but the ride has been stripped of its magical element. I think that’s the most important part of the rides in Disney. That they each have a magical element. Even the old rides are still loved like it’s a small world and haunted mansion because of the magical element and magical feeling you get when you enjoy those rides. That’s what Tiana’s new ride is missing.

[@fredlopez5213]

The biggest disappointment is the big drop now feels like an afterthought rather than the main event. I also don't like how lifeless the bayou feels with the only animals present being clumped together in the same spot.

[@benmalsky9834]

“Afterthought”, dude, it’s park of the ride’s structure.

[@benmalsky9834]

They DO have life in my opinion.

[@A_A610]

@@benmalsky9834 Part of the structure, _NOT_ the story.

[@993mike]

The honest truth is that after 5 years of money losing movies and streaming shows, Disney needed to re-do the ride on a budget, so compromises had to be made.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@993mike What was the budget?

[@memoriesfilms245]

It's an uphill battle from the get go. Replacing zippy doo dah alone is a monumental task.

[@charlieviglas9152]

Loved the idea. Hated the execution. This ride needs suspense and it has NONE. Really saddened by this addition.

[@HighTide_808]

You rode it already?

[@the_traveling_texan]

@@HighTide_808 of course he didn’t just complaining to complain

[@AverageJoe483]

@@the_traveling_texanthere is clearly no villain . So suspense is essentially gone because in splash mountain you were being chased . Here you aren’t . It’s a relaxing ride .

[@benmalsky9834]

@@AverageJoe483So, what’s wrong with it being a relaxing ride?

[@AverageJoe483]

@@benmalsky9834 nothing …. But this was formally a beloved thrill ride. Also the OP said “this needs suspense “. Read the first post and it explains my context

[@BryDisney]

Disneyland is still working on theirs... will they change it? We shall see. I think they should have something to set apart from the two coasts.

[@ipdvb4853]

Really appreciate this review. I agree with a lot of it but I will say this general dynamic of excusing Imagineers on core issues like story with "it is what it is", "people who haven"t seen the original will like it", "it's a decent attempt", "the uncritical guest will think it's enjoyable"... arguments is a subtle, sad devaluing of what made Imagineering so unique and strong. I see it as entirely possible that Imagineers were forced, due to executive pushes and budget constraints, to deliver a half-baked end product and I think it's important to be curious about that and ask for more creativity instead of just settling for what we get even if it's below the standard Disney brags it upholds. Just my thoughts.

[@benmalsky9834]

My thoughts, it IS very good and just like all the other high quality Disney rides.

[@markt6199]

Thanks Jack! My only 2 hesitations are (1) Where is the Story Telling? (2) The song is Far from catchy.

[@Polluticorn100]

Zip a Dee do da is SO iconic, and Special Spice is FAR FAR from memorable.

[@justinbaker2883]

That western river expedition idea is brilliant

[@Dolcevita_bakes]

No

[@brianscotpatterson2101]

Disney took a ride that was not racist and turned it into a stereotype of black culture and set it in a racist setting where slaves worked (a Louisiana salt dome called Avery Island).

[@rgroppi1305]

Bring back the rabbit 🐇

[@Webslingertoo]

Princess and the frog deserved better.

[@benmalsky9834]

It’s good

[@MsDisneylandlover]

​@@benmalsky9834thank you ❤

[@GunGlutton]

The ride was made for one reason. Of course it’s not gonna be good

[@benmalsky9834]

@@GunGlutton It IS good!

[@GunGlutton]

@@benmalsky9834 so was the old ride, so why did they replace it?

[@joemazz958]

Jack, I always appreciate your comments and opinions, but I have to disagree with you on this one. After watching povs of the attractions at the new Fantasy Springs- Frozen, Rapunzel, Peter Pan...those attractions absolutely shined. They were amazing. Tiana's Adventure doesn't come close to the "magic" of those attractions. This ride is very mediocre at best. Because OLC is willing to spend the money to do a job correctly, something Walt Disney understood, "Whatever you do, do it so well, that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again, and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do." I'm not saying it wasn't time for Splash to go. What I am saying is this was not the way to replace a beloved and legendary theme park attraction.

[@williamfitzhugh8332]

Problem is American parks have always been an after thought (both WDW and DL). People in America are interested in the nostalgia of Disney and the things they did from they’re childhood so Disney doesn’t feel like it has to take a risk or push the envelope like the OLC is doing. They’re building something brand new while WDW/DL has the fans that will come back regardless.

[@soccertl]

I have seen a few pov videos on the ride. It doesn't seem as bad as some say or as great as others say. My personal opinion, it lacks a cohesive story line and the ride at night has too many dark places where you see nothing. I wish they would have made Tom Sawyer island into a Tiana bayou with a ride and restaurant.

[@a_cowwithlegs]

I’m not really mad at the theme being replaced, but I think they should have done 1. Retell the movie (it’s a great movie it’s very easy to do) 2. Renovate splash mountain with all the modern technology

[@bigiron5501]

Fans settling for lazy IP-driven "____'s Adventure!" is why Disney is so reluctant to risk in the first place, there was absolutely 0 chance of Western River Expedition

[@mr.x6313]

“Settling for”? We have absolutely no control over what projects Imagineering green lights. I have absolute confidence that if Disney were to create new IPs for new rides, people would still line up to ride them, if they are high quality. This ride is not up to Disney’s standards of quality.

[@politiekhistorie]

​@@mr.x6313there was a lot of unfounded hype for this ride. A lot of fans defended Disney.

[@mr.x6313]

@@politiekhistorie Like Jack said, if they had made a new attraction based on PatF, there would be no fuss. But no, they had to go and ruin an all-around favorite.

[@TimothyStaton-io9uv]

Chick-a-pin hill to die on?!!! Haha. You had me dying bro 🤣🤣🤣😂😂😂

[@imsleepingbeauty]

We lost Splash Mountain for this?? They could have done better.

[@benmalsky9834]

In my opinion, they did just fine.

[@imsleepingbeauty]

@benmalsky9834 Good for you! That's your opinion. Many others do not agree, tho.

[@100madmic]

@@benmalsky9834 I tried to give it shot but i did get to ride splash moutain in love it. I just don't see me ride the new ride even though I was like sure I will give it chance at least once but watching the video just seem boring. I kept almost falling asleep watching the ride.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@100madmic I can’t imagine falling asleep in any situation like that, I’m always stimulated by something.

[@SkywarpZX]

For the Disney official POV rides, they need to invest in some 360 degree cameras and release a VR edition.

[@OnlyOneKenobi]

Much as I'd love to embrace this new ride ... and despite incredible music, animatronics and effects.... it seems a fraction of what it once was. Frankly, they're idiotic for rebranding it! Awful situation. 😏👌

[@OnlyOneKenobi]

@CedarPointfan630 what an idiotic comment! 😂 I never said I hated it. And this is the place where people come to express their opinion. 😂 jog on.

[@AppleGaming4Real]

@@OnlyOneKenobi The ride needed a rebranding

[@OnlyOneKenobi]

@AppleGaming4Real please... 🙏 🙂 tell us all why...... go! 👍

[@jillnimphius9521]

The last song sounds just like "S'Winter" from Phineas and Ferb!

[@hanasong8296]

as someone who has never ridden splash mountain, and only going by POVs of both rides side by side, SM has a better feel overall in terms of a story in my opinion. I just really dont understand why they refused to include an antagonist in Tianas. Also she says we fine the critters right at the start but we need more. like okay? why? the whole thing feels like a tech demo for new animatronics versus a complete story/experience that SM gave

[@leewhite82]

Splash was charming and its songs were memorable. Tiana's Bayou, although the set design looks better and the lighting is a big improvement, it's not charming, not memorable, and you wouldn't ride this twice. A Moana log flume ride would have been much more exciting.

[@benmalsky9834]

In my opinion, it IS just as charming and memorable as Splash was. That hasn’t changed.

[@benmalsky9834]

I would definitely ride this twice if I was there.

[@jennycraigadventures3314]

I’d ride it twice for sure.

[@mr.x6313]

@@benmalsky9834WRONG

[@benmalsky9834]

@@mr.x6313 RIGHT!

[@kurtthompson1289]

Oh, and one more thing: you mention Tiana's uses the latest gen animatronics, as though that's a plus. So using that logic does anyone want to see all the puppets in It's a Small World replaced with the latest generation animatronics and digital displays? Maybe someday they could even reduce it to a virtual boat ride and the kids can wear VR goggles. Just because it can be done doesn't always mean it should be.

[@briankunnari]

So many thoughts. Deleting a villain because it's meant for little girls makes no sense. Look at the Disneyland Fantasyland rides. They all have the villain. Including the Little Mermaid attraction. And little girls love them all and I know this because I have two daughters. But my main issue of this new attraction is simply the storyline. The 'sequel' storyline vs the film storyline was where the mistake was made. The film is beautiful, has so much heart, great songs, a great villain, a great moral of needing to "find what you need, not what you want" and it would have everyone saying this was an UPGRADE. But the silly Tiana Foods concept, "gotta find a band" and then do in two seconds, get shrunken to a frog for no reason then back, it all falls so incredibly flat. Tiana apparently now owns a house in a Salt Mine at the end? The characters constantly telling you what's going on..... I just don't know how we can say this is great. And if this is where Disney is heading, we are in trouble. Because the story is a mess and boring. Princess and the Frog is one of my family's favorite Disney films, ever. It deserved so much better. And so did Splash Mountain.

[@Bobby10241]

Congratulations on your television debut on how Disney built America

[@jamiecrossley3043]

I think this video was spot on. I’ve watched a bunch of videos on this topic and most people are too critical of the new makeover At the end of the day, this ride needed to be fixed up I’m glad Disney is taking the time to put thought and energy into old rides and I’d rather see this than a broken down splash mountain. Yes it’s not the same ride, but they never are the first time and as a child it will live forever in my memories, and I hope to make new memories with this ride. Thank you for the honest opinion.

[@outatime8560]

Or they could have just fixed splash

[@hyperorbit]

If the message out there is "Give it a chance" for any attraction, it's an utter failure.

[@benmalsky9834]

That’s not true. Only a toxic fan would say that.

[@benmalsky9834]

All that means is “make your own opinion”, it does not mean “automatic failure”

[@arielperez3613]

Exactly because when the pov for rise of the resistance came out, no one needed to have ridden it to know it looked great

[@benmalsky9834]

@@arielperez3613 This ride will be popular with guests, I can feel it.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@arielperez3613 Will you please stop calling this ride a “failure”?

[@texasskip3key398]

One of the big issues is Splash was beloved and had the highest wait time in the most visited theme park in the world- making it arguable the best ride in the world. Yes it had issues, but it had not outlived its life yet.... and we all know that Disney has MANY other rides, buildings, areas that are of size and either sitting empty (Wonders of Life Pavillion) or are completely an embarrassment of old defunctness (Imagination Pavillion)- Tiana deserves her own new story, own new ride and this was just a knee jerk BAD decision.

[@benmalsky9834]

I’m personally okay with whatever Disney decides to do, since I don’t go to the parks anymore. I choose not to be critical since all I can do is be an outsider observer.

[@daytripper9253]

I agree. The same things they do with their movies now, just take an old movie and remake it! That hasn’t worked out so good for them.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@daytripper9253 Some of the remakes in my opinion are actually good.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@daytripper9253 That sort of attitude is not something I share.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@daytripper9253 It HAS worked out good for them. While you people online keep criticizing and complain about them, moviegoers such as myself don’t mind them.

[@admiralpain723]

Splash mountain should have been left alone. Like you said just build another ride with Tiana and it would be loved since it wouldn’t be replacing a classic.

[@MrSmallWorld]

I can’t believe they removed the play area. Like you said, the littles don’t meet the height requirement. I would have loved to see that rethemed with all of the new characters from the ride.

[@RetroFett]

Seems like they could STILL ADD Dr. Facilier to the ride at the drop to the (old) Laughing Place... just need to replace the Momma Odie screen video with Facileer saying something like: "There you are! Thought you could enter MY bayou without paying the price?! Tiana is gonna' learn not to test the other side..." Then he shrinks you down, only to have Momma Odie save you at the lift hill.

[@pedrobustamante7326]

It basically felt just like the movie's post credits scene

[@robertholtz]

Call me nostalgic (and I am) but I hate it whenever we lose part of our past in the name of progress, especially when it comes to Disneyland and Walt Disney World. In the case of Splash Mountain, for old guys like me (and gals) who have lived long enough to remember, one of the things that was special about Splash Mountain was that Disney had restored and resurrected the animatronics from another Disney fan favorite attraction, America Sings. As a child, America Sings was a must-see attraction that everyone loved. When Splash Mountain opened, it was glorious seeing those character reborn living on in this new context. As we lose Splash Mountain, we aren't just losing Br'er Rabbit but also all the old Easter eggs from America Sings. To me, it is a double-loss of heritage. I'm not against Tiana having her own ride. I saw and enjoy the film. But it needed its own unique ride.Splash Mountain took guests through a range of moods and emotions required of a thrill ride. To make this story hit all those chords would not have been an impossible task had they had more confidence with the source material. Dr. Facilier should've been part of the attraction to provide the tension needed. The drop could've been an escape from his grasps. And where is Raymond, the Cajun firefly? He was the narrator and the glue for the film, in my opinion what gave it all its heart. In summary, this was a double loss for me, of not one but two great attractions, and going beyond that, this was not a successful retelling of The Princess and the Frog either. It is a waterlogged over-extended reprise of the closing scene of that film where there is no real journey for the audience to engage in. Thanks, Jack, for your honest review. Most appreciated.

[@thejukeboxbrandon]

The Disney Jr version of princess and the frog replacing what was arguably the best water ride in the world? Totally not a bust guys people will love it!

[@Jp_games30]

nothing can replace the soundtrack of Splash Mountain, its what blended everything together. Tianas Bayou soundtrack drags on the lift hill with Almost there which is like another wait, then some jazz. Then you go down the bayou were you assume you gather animal friends . Then the original score in the end, thats no were to be heard in the story.

[@melissarodriguez3544]

I can only hope someone from Disney imagineering watches this and takes those notes into the Disneyland launch of this re theme.

[@GirthQuake416]

Everything inside the attraction is already done at Disneyland tho

[@dillonjohnson5530]

Inside Out 2 releases next week and Richard M. Sherman passed away at 95 years old; he was born on the same year as Mickey Mouse!

[@dillonjohnson5530]

Ray is one of the characters to approach death early after Mufasa and Sitka, same for Tadashi, King Agnarr and Queen Iduna. Those Disney character deaths inspired me to allow the parks to have a cemetery for them all, including James; Tiana's father, Athena; Ariel's mother, Moana's grandmother, Cinderella's parents, Mowgli's biological father, Akela, the leader of the Indian wolves who raised Mowgli, Belle's mother and the Beast's parents, Rod "Torque" Redline the American spy car, Doc Hudson, Ellie Fredricksen, Coral; Marlin's wife, Auguste Gusteau, the ancestors of the Rivera family, Ian and Barley Lightfoot's father, and Alisha Hawthorne.

[@marcosgallegos6242]

"Solid Attempt" - All that needs to be said from ya....not a "Successful Update"

[@EveryMomentWithNikki]

Splash > Tiana. Such a let down

[@benmalsky9834]

Both are good

[@SerahButterfly]

I have not ridden the ride yet and really wanted to keep an open mind as Splash Mountain was my favourite ride ever built, however I am just very disappointed, I was trying to remain cautiously optimistic but was worried the moment I heard they were removing all hydraulic animatronics since splash mountain is a really long ride with animatronics everywhere you look. Building all new animatronics made me worried there would be too much dead space and after seeing POVs I feel justified with that worry. I didn't want to just go off regular POV either, I even watched a 360 video in a VR headset so I could fully look around to make sure I wasnt missing anything that would be off camera but my issue really is that before everywhere you looked something was going on, you wouldn't see everything in one ride. Tianas on the other hand is super atmospheric with alot of downtime with no real scenes going on, you are just peacefully floating through the bayou, which is beautiful in its own way but when you're replacing one of the best ride stories ever with a heavily atmospheric nature experience with far less animatronics, it's going to upset people. If this wasn't replacing Splash Mountain it's a great atmospheric boat ride with some show scenes. The soundtrack is also not as engaging which leads to the dead space feeling a lot more noticeable compared to Splash Mountain where the song was effectively singing the story. I'm sure I'll like it but replacing an animatronic heavy story ride with an atmospheric ride was not the right choice.

[@TheRandomView]

Walt Disney himself wanted the park to always be evolving and changing. He'd be thrilled with this wonderful attraction.

[@sacrosby]

I respectfully disagree with that. He would be saddened at the lack of creativity at Disney these days

[@benmalsky9834]

@@sacrosby There IS still creativity, you’re just bitter.

[@sacrosby]

@@benmalsky9834 not bitter, just honest. We all wanted this attraction to be good and it's lacking, and I'm hardly the only one who thinks so. Why do you care if some folks don't like it? Let ppl have their own opinions.

[@TheRandomView]

@@sacrosby You say "Let people have their own opinions". Well then don't criticize me for mine in the first place. lol

[@A_A610]

@@TheRandomView People are for sure allowed their own opinions, but some of the pixie dusters seem really keen on asserting their own facts and/or completely shutting down objective discussion. "The animatronics are nice and there are moments of good atmosphere" Totally fair take, there are for sure parts that work well. "Literally everything about this is perfect and you're in the Klan if you say otherwise" No, there are still valid criticisms to be made, politics muddying the waters doesn't change that.

[@jp3raptor]

It's a major downgrade. the lack of plot is unacceptable. my 10 year old came up with a better plot to add in princes and the frog with the shadowman

[@benmalsky9834]

No, it’s a major UPGRADE imo.

[@dougmartin7129]

@@benmalsky9834 are you one of the people who designed this tragedy?

[@benmalsky9834]

@@dougmartin7129 No I’m not. And it’s not a “tragedy” at all

[@benmalsky9834]

@@dougmartin7129 Why would you say that, are you that bitter?

[@Renee5322]

@@dougmartin7129 I think he's related to Bob Iger or something, he's in LITERALLY every negative comment lol

[@jordancasillan5965]

I had to leave another comment the only thing they can do to improve the ride is when tiana makes us go down as frogs they can fix it to where we are supposed to go another way to the party but dr facilier shadow or dead form (to keep consistent) makes us take the wrong turn to down below with his friends on the other side. So we go through that scene where it plays are you ready with mask and all that around us and the last second you can see mama otte (keep her in her original place) say dont worry i got you all now rush down to the party. So we make it to the party and u can hear tiana say im glad you guys are safe welcomes to the party and we turn and its the final scene. Its such a easy fix just has to fix one scene.

[@janmartenlocher]

Good idea! Especially considering the structural problem, that we would need Facilier for the tension at the climb, but there is NOT MUCH time for a "story " resolution except for this very tiny "window at the left" just before the fall ( where Brer Rabbit was roasting over the fire with Brer' Foxes shadow) and M. Odie stepping in..-> Since the show boat scene afterward would already be too LATE, to have us rescued from Facilier by M.Odie, alltogether...And is serving as a big relief moment, at the end. You showed a GOOD solution for that! ideally M Odie and Fa.c should be fighting over us at the top, than the drop, another M Odie Scene explaining us what happened, and then finally the BIG MARDI reveal scene at the end, with Tiana's Palace somewhere in the backround ...That would have meant, at least one adittional "scene", but this would not be matching the ride layout, however! Tricky thing retheming a ride, without changing overall track layout!

[@jordancasillan5965]

@@janmartenlocher yeh! I agree with these little things its possible to fix without spending so much money.... well idk what to do with the giant frogs but besides that still very good! I just hope they add him for Halloween or something that be so cool

[@dillonjohnson5530]

There can even be modern-rendered images of Tiana and Naveen dancing.

[@cmspusa]

I was very "close" with Brer Bear back in the day and this location is very near and dear to my heart. As Walt once said "As long as there's imagination left in the world, Disneyland will never be complete." I believe this also goes for WDW. I do understand it was time to bring in a new attraction, but that attraction needs to be better than the one before. I knew every inch of Splash and it was all filled with excitement around every corner. I watched quite a few POV's prior to this one and all have confirmed there are a few characters placed here and there with a lot of dark areas. To me that seems like they really didn't have anything to fill an area with and kind of shows their thinking is if you make it dark and put in one or two thing to focus on nobody will notice the empty space, but sorry I did. Where the laughing place was, ummmm yea it seems like a wasted space with just CGI Pixar videos of a hand drawn animation film. Splashes ending was bigger and brighter with the showboat, I understand this is a totally different movie but if that is all they could come up with then it is kind of sad. Some new information I have encountered before this video is WDW's POV has several cuts in it and it was explained of a few reasons. #1 so far out of the time during its preview the ride has only full operated straight for 3 hours meaning a cut could be because the ride broke down. #2 the first cut you will see is going up the second lift, Tiana does not say anything or move really until a censor is triggered. She will just stand there with some very gentle hand swaying and that is it. It also happens with her before the second drop. #3 due to possibly breakdowns or what not boats are backing up a lot. Mostly every POV I have seen boats are backed up two to three deep. When you compare it side by side to Splash, Splash wins hands down. I really hope it wins over the hearts of the Splash lovers and is successful, but as of right now it has not won mine. I am speechless that Bruce Vaughn let this happen even after Bob Iger stated it was boring, but anyways thanks for the two dancing Okras.

[@CG-gf7ce]

They should have left Splash Mountain alone and done something better for Tiana than this storyline. Not a good move by Disney…

[@MsDisneylandlover]

It's Tiana ❤

[@farnsworth111]

Great review Jack, over all the years of riding Splash Mountain it never had much nostalgia for us, until I ride it I can't give my opinion but it looks like a great refurb for me.

[@dillonjohnson5530]

I would definitely enjoy Tiana's Bayou Adventure. Makes a twist of several events from the 2009 film. There could be a new show taking place after the film coming soon and I will promote Disney to turn all the bonus Princess and the Frog stories real if Disney Storyline Studios were born.

[@dillonjohnson5530]

Moana 2 will bond with Moana as a complete collection bundle after it releases and Auli'i Cravalho who voiced Moana also voiced Hailey Banks.

[@kentslocum]

I dunno, dude. I've only ever been on Splash Mountain at Disneyland, California, once--so I don't really have any nostalgia for it. The Walt Disney World version of Tiana's sure looks objectively worse than the version it replaced. So much dead space and lack of cohesion. The Disneyland version will likely be less of a downgrade, since it is a more compact attraction and integrated into New Orleans Square.

[@michaeldidio6180]

Hit the nail on the head... If this was a brand new attraction, people would be raving. Looks like they did a great job. After watching side-by-side, it is a much improved ride. All good things must come to an end, and this a great new beginning to replace a great ride.

[@dillonjohnson5530]

Happy 90th birthday to Donald Duck!

[@Alex_Fuerst_DP]

Always appreciate your thoughtful perspective Jack. Recognizing the nostalgia bias and appreciating the good things that are new while offering some criticism on what would have made this a more effective attraction for Disney parks lovers. Well done. Keep it up!

[@kennyc201]

“Modern imagineering illusionary technique” Let’s slap screens where the amazing animatronics were placed

[@benmalsky9834]

Whether it’s screens or animatronics, I’ll tolerate anything.

[@jaybruminator]

Is it boring as iger said it was?

[@darrenbelak4853]

Is this rumor true? Can someone verify it?

[@benmalsky9834]

No, it’s great.

[@GirthQuake416]

It’s a snooze fest

[@benmalsky9834]

@@GirthQuake416 You’re wrong

[@GirthQuake416]

@@benmalsky9834get a fkn job …your precious Disney is about to be taken over by Universal here soon

[@pizzabandit1518]

It's going to fit much better theming wise in Disneyland. There it's attached to New Orleans Square and the bayou theme is a natural extension. Unfortunately it also means Critter Country will shrink into a tiny Winnie the Pooh ride. Ultimately this retheme captures the "good enough" creative spirit of Disney parks of late. There's missed potential, but the bones of a great ride are still there. And ultimately I'm glad it's back, no matter what form it takes, because the parks are better with it open. So... slightly disappointed, but not angry (like a Journey into Imagination level screw up would conjure).

[@followthebradleysfun]

Jack...very MUCH agree with your analysis! Great video and great to meet you and your lovely family the other night!

[@824nd]

I agree with mostly everything you said. I do disagree with the end. I think people have every right to be upset at this. At the end of the day this is Disney. A company with endless money who nickel and dimes people for everything. I don’t think it’s acceptable to say this was a good attempt. They have all the resources in the world to know this was terrible. They didn’t care. And then to make such a big deal about splash mountain being outdated and this being the first attraction with an African American character is a complete disgrace. Disney doesn’t care and they know they can do the bare minimum and people will still give them everything

[@benmalsky9834]

Take all this back. They DO care and this IS a good ride!

[@benmalsky9834]

This IS a good attempt in my opinion.

[@100madmic]

@@benmalsky9834 eh they only care about money I can't even afford Disney because the keep skyrocketing prices but then a lot of their rides are closed when you go. I am glad I got to ride splash mountain before prices went up more but a lot of roller-coaster where closed when I went. some people really only ride the new splash moutain because it hot just hopefully the plastic can make it through the heat.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@100madmic They don’t completely care about the money.

[@benmalsky9834]

@@100madmic I don’t believe in this narrative about “only caring about the money”, that’s just a sign of being bitter and having no innocence.

[@waxelso]

Sorry there is no adventure on the ride. It's superstar limo with a splash hill at the end. If they had added a villain I'd agree with your review.

[@15minutemechanic]

I will for sure ride it this summer, but it's hard to have an open mind for a ride that never should have been re-imagined. I get it if it's a ride lacks riders but SM was one of the most ridden on and recognizable rides on the planet earth. With that said, the re-imagining of SM, on many levels, would've made more sense if was Moana themed.

[@wraithkelso]

So I don’t disagree with you that Tiana should have gotten her own ride at WDW (in Fantasyland) and used Western River for the WDW Splash Mt. but I’m curious if you would say the same thing for Disneyland? Because at this point I’m fairly certain that they chose the theme based on the Disneyland ride location and the show elements also seem tailored more to the track layout of Disneyland’s ride. Plus the location at DL, Western River would have been very out of place.

[@jdpugman634]

If I had a dollar for every time Disney relied on projector mapping effects I would have a nice stack of cash.

[@benmalsky9834]

What’s wrong with projection mapping? I like it.

[@TimmyME]

The screens are VERY offputting...

[@Forceman4077]

Well since WDI is all gig based now, and there is barely any tribal knowledge left, none of them remember the screw up with Little Mermaid. Of it having crap CGI animation that, that they were forced into replacing with hand drawn 2D animation.

[@kyleready]

Great review. Thanks for sharing, Jack!

[@CollectorCharlie]

Per usual. You keep it real. You are hands down my favorite Disney Parks Content Creator!

[@DrewtheDisneyDude]

😄

[@Primogen16]

The retheming of Splash to Tiana works great fro where it's located in Disneyland, adjacent to New Orleans Square, but for WDW's sake, I would rather it have been rethemed to Pocahontas. "Just Around The River Bend" would have been great for the soundtrack for the first portion of the ride, "Savages" for the suspense portion, and "Colors of the Wind" for the finale. In any case, Tiana's is a bit too Cheapek. It needs a few more animatronic characters to fill in some of those dark stretches that are now there -- they didn't even need to be A-1000s. Just small scenes to give the individual band members some personality. And with a Tiana theme, the tension portion should have been Dr. Facilier and "Friends on the Other Side" rather than Mama Odie turning us into frogs.

[@thespaceentnetwork]

This was the best and honest take on this ride I've seen. Keep up the good work, Jack!👍🏽

[@Incomudro1963]

My biggest issue is what you said: The lack of an obstacle - in the form of Facilier - and the escape from him which could have been done after the drop. The elements are RIGHT THERE in the film, yet they deliberately chose not to use them.

[@ArmandCruz-kq5ns]

Best perspective I have heard about the ride. 100% with you on the old retheme idea. Great job!

[@robbie1977ful]

The first alligator on the first scene is already broken his mouth doesn’t move while the next scene it does. What are we doing? Disney is better than this.

[@AverageJoe483]

They WERE better than this . This is the new standard sadly .

[@Disneyfan4life]

There is a broken figure already in the finale scene as well.

[@aramirez841]

I personally don't think it is broken. It more of a they need to work out all the buggy parts of the coding/system/computer stuff. There is so much programming that goes into all this all at once, that bugs can happen.

[@A_A610]

It's in soft opening, so it's gonna have some final kinks getting ironed out and fine tuned...but no amount of fine tuning will fix what everyone seems to agree on: the story is sorely lacking for an E ticket.

[@ragnargreystoke3271]

Thanks for the review Jack. Appreciate your thoughts. Your last point made an impression. My 11 and 9 year old grandkids are going to love it! That’s what is most important to me.

[@rickpollen4984]

I really liked Splash Mountain, but from what I've seen from clips of Tiana's, I feel Tiana's looks like a really solid attraction! Definitely want to ride Tiana's someday!

[@James_Ford4815]

Look how they massacred my Splash

[@benmalsky9834]

Overdramatic much?

[@tadm123]

@@benmalsky9834 no

[@jordancasillan5965]

If they add what you said in the video during the final lift hill and add the suspense and the music it would be so amazingly.

[@user-ue4mm2je6q]

“go into it with an open mind cause this is what we’re stuck with.” Translation, the ride is a 5/10 when compared to splash mountain, with most of those points coming from the preexisting ride layout.

[@orion7763]

I agree that bringing in Western River Expedition would have been great, however, Western River Expedition would have been a tough fit for Disneyland where the old Splash Mountain is in Critter Country. Tiana's Bayou Adventure is effectively expanding New Orleans Square. Western River Expedition would have worked perfectly for the Magic Kingdom as part of Frontierland. Ideally, Florida would have gotten Western River Expedition and then California would have still gotten Tiana's Bayou Adventure, which works better thematically as an extension of New Orleans Square.

[@Polluticorn100]

It would work fine in Disneyland as well. You literally have the rivers of America across from Splash Mountain. Critter country fits with the Western River Expedition too. But there’s no popular IP for the Western River Expedition, which means current Disney has no interest.

[@ctaney2254]

I’m only here because I loved splash. Are all these KZbinrs paid by Disney? 90% are ignoring blatant facts and schilling out for Disney. Everyone who’s seen both knows that splash is better. Don’t care how nice the animatronics are, the ride is average at best

[@James_Ford4815]

I'm wondering if they'll allow me to wear earphones and a VR headset , so i can then put on a old ride along video of Splash and listen to Splash music while i ride TBA

[@AppleGaming4Real]

I have no skin in the game, not a creator, not a Disney shill. I like Tianas more. It's modern and fresh, uses the new technology wonderfully. I know its hard to believe that something that is nostalgia-tinted can be different for other people. I rode Splash Mountain not as a kid but as a teen and loved it! I love the music! I also loved PATF! It's amazing and has great music. This to me, is a better way of doing it. This YTer is literally mentioning that he was skeptical and still doesn't 100% agree with the Splash Mountain retheme. Why would he be paid by Disney to say this? He's not impressing anyone, he's just found out he enjoys it :(

[@ctaney2254]

@@James_Ford4815 you’re a real imagineer

[@benmalsky9834]

People are allowed to genuinely like this new ride.

[@benmalsky9834]

Why on earth are you pretending that people need to think that Splash Mountain is better?

[@keithjohnson7314]

I could be wrong, but I think part of the backlash is from a couple of factors. First, we are deep in the weeds of the cultural wars being waged on the internet. When Disney made this ride the first time, they were subject to none of this nonsense. They just built rides and we loved them, it was pretty simple. Like a lot of attractions at the parks, our childhood memories are fused to them, be they imperfect in their own ways. There was no way to keep everyone happy with the retheme, especially once half the internet branded it as woke. I look at this like I have looked at every retheme: your kids, having not ridden splash mountain, will probably like it. The animatronics and the effects are really pretty great. I don't expect Disney to keep all of my childhood memories intact, as that was not really the mission in the first place. I'll be okay. Let's try to be as happy as we are on our best day at the parks.

[@benmalsky9834]

Well said.

[@benmalsky9834]

It’s really sad that it’s so impossible to make everyone happy, because I’m pretty happy

[@notlegitkoolaid4911]

They said they were changing it to appease to the left after george floyd overdosed and blm was rioting in the streets. The politcal climate was insane and disney wanted in on being on the "good side" of history. Its pretty obvious especially seeing where they sit on the aisle(Left)

[@fattestedtravel]

I agree with pretty much everything you said. I really enjoyed the ride when I did it yesterday. I thought I was great. You made a good point about it being a 40 inch tall ride for something that story wise as much younger than I had not thought of. The most consistent criticism I’ve heard that I agree with is that there’s not really any tension in the ride. It’s too fluffy and one note if it had that I would give it probably a nine to a 9.5 but as it is now, I give it closer to an 8.3.

[@darien5712]

Love hearing your analysis Zach! DSNY Newscast

[@DSNYNewscast]

My name is Jack 😂

[@darien5712]

@@DSNYNewscastah ofc, Yikes! 😂