Disney’s theme park design team, known for their secrecy, surprised fans by releasing a full video of their newest attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, on YouTube. The ride, set to open later this month at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando, is a re-theme of the beloved Splash Mountain. The decision to reveal the ride ahead of its official launch has led to significant backlash.
Disney Imagineers, renowned for their innovative designs and engineering, invest millions into developing new attractions. To protect their investments and maintain the element of surprise, Disney typically keeps new projects under wraps. Construction sites are often hidden behind tall walls, and the real magic happens behind closed doors at Imagineering’s headquarters in Glendale, California.
Controversy Surrounding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has drawn mixed reactions. The ride is a re-themed version of the classic Splash Mountain, which debuted at Disneyland in 1989. The original ride was based on the 1946 film Song of the South, criticized for its racist depictions. Amid the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, Disney decided to re-theme the ride, basing it on the 2009 animated film The Princess and the Frog, featuring Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana.
Fan Disappointment with the New Ride
The reveal of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has not been well-received by all fans. The YouTube video showcasing the ride garnered 336,000 views but only 7,600 likes. Many viewers criticized the ride for its lack of a coherent story and the absence of the movie’s main antagonist, Doctor Facilier. Some fans even expressed a preference for the original Splash Mountain, citing the new ride’s lack of excitement and empty spaces.
Comparisons to Other Disney Attractions
This isn’t the first time Disney has faced criticism for new attractions. The Magic Kingdom’s Disney Enchantment fireworks display and Epcot’s Harmonious show both received negative feedback and were replaced. Disneyland’s recent Fantasmic show also faced backlash after replacing its animatronic dragon with an actor. The unveiling of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure adds to a series of controversial decisions under Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.
Mixed Reactions and Future Prospects
Despite some praise for the animatronics and visual effects, the overall sentiment towards Tiana’s Bayou Adventure remains negative. Fans have voiced their disappointment on social media, with some even planning trips to Tokyo Disneyland to experience the original Splash Mountain. As the ride prepares to open, Disney will need to navigate the criticism and hope that positive word of mouth can eventually turn the tide in their favor.
Time will tell if Tiana’s Bayou Adventure can win over fans and live up to the legacy of its predecessor. For now, Disney must face the challenge of addressing the backlash and ensuring that future attractions meet the high expectations of their dedicated fanbase.