It picks up after the events of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Princess and the Frog.” Fans will get to see where Tiana’s life has taken her following the success of Tiana’s Palace, her dream restaurant that she made into a reality.

I had the opportunity to attend a special advance preview of the new ride and experience the magic of New Orleans come to life in Walt Disney World. As an adrenaline junkie, I love the thrill of Disney World rides and rollercoasters. It’s exhilarating and to experience it with others, who were just as excited, was one for the books.

As part of the ride, guests will see beloved characters Princess Tiana, Mama Odie, Louis, and some new friends on a thrilling adventure that includes a 50-foot drop. The ride replaces the famous Splash Mountain – those who loved that ride (I certainly did!) will enjoy Tiana’s Bayou Adventure just as much. They say you get a little wet, but I didn’t feel much – you could say the adrenaline rush got to me.

For the Imagineers Carmen Smith, senior vice president of creative development, Ted Robledo, executive director, and Charita Carter, executive creative producer, New Orleans authenticity was always at the forefront for the ride. They conducted extensive research in New Orleans to preserve and pay tribute to the city that inspired Princess Tiana’s story.

As you wait in line to begin your adventure, your senses will be heightened: you will see murals from New Orleans artisans like Sharika Mahdi, Malaika Favorite, and Darryl Reeves, and take in the sweet scent of beignets being kept warm in the oven.

Set against the music and excitement of a New Orleans celebration, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure welcomes talent voices from the film as they reprise their roles: Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana, Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen, Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie and Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis.

Alongside favorite tunes from the film, award-winning artist Terence Blanchard, contributor to “The Princess and the Frog” soundtrack, returned to create new music while PJ Morton wrote, produced, and performed in the finale song, “Special Spice,” along with vocalist Anika Noni Rose. This is certainly a track that will live in your head rent-free.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is unapologetically a time capsule to the city and to your favourite fairytale – even if you’ve never been to it.

One of the best parts of this is the exciting new merch from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – from mugs and Mickey ears to caps and a beautiful gold and green coloured Tiana Loungefly backpack. I am obsessed with the merch launch.

We were also treated to some other new adventures opening at Disney World in Orlando this summer. One of my favourites: the “Disney Dreams that Soar presented by AT&T” at Disney Springs. It features 800 state-of-the-art drones choreographed to create stunning designs in the sky with an amazing musical score. I even tried finding that song – it was a magical show, just as memorable as the Magic Kingdom fireworks.

Another addition to not miss is the new limited-time show “¡Celebración Encanto!,” a summer sing-along featuring my favorite songs from the  film, “Encanto.” It runs several times throughout the day and you and your family can sing along to it – and you may just spot Mirabel and Bruno on the newly opened CommuniCore Plaza stage.

So if you find yourself booking a trip to Disney World, make sure to visit Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (for young and old alike). I guarantee you it will be the most popular ride this year.

Some of my favourite rides that I love are Guardians of the Galaxy, Space Mountain, Tron Lightcycle/Run, Pandora Flight of Passage, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Tower of Terror, and Expedition Everest. Insider tip: get the Disney Genie+ and make use of Lightning Lanes. They make a world of difference.

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Published by HOLR Magazine

Image Credit: Marriska Fernandes