Disney’s just announced a big change for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Few rides have generated quite as much controversy at Disney’s theme parks as Tiana’s Bayou Adventure – although when we say controversy, we mean backlash from those who’d prefer to keep its predecessor, Splash Mountain, despite its ties to Disney’s most infamously racist film, Song of the South (1946).
The ride, which first opened in 1989, had become a beloved classic with parkgoers, but Disney aimed to update the experience to reflect more modern sensibilities and inclusivity. Announced in 2020, its closure at both Disneyland and Disney World was part of Disney’s broader effort to ensure its attractions align with contemporary values, with the same mindset inspiring changes to Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, and, rumor has it, Haunted Mansion.
In its place, the new attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, was announced to debut in 2024 at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This new ride is inspired by The Princess and the Frog (2009), focusing on Princess Tiana – Disney’s first Black princess – and her friends embarking on a journey through the bayous of Louisiana.
The ride debuted in June at Magic Kingdom Park, where it has faced a string of issues. From its previews onward, operational problems caused evacuations, breakdowns, and lengthy downtime. Guests also shared pretty mixed reviews on the ride itself when it was working.
In October, Disneyland Park kickstarted previews for its own version of the attraction ahead of its official opening on November 15. While the ride has received more promising reviews than its Florida counterpart, it’s also faced its fair share of operational obstacles, which will hopefully be ironed out by next week.
Once it does open, it’ll utilize a virtual queue like Magic Kingdom. However, we’ve now learned that this system will operate slightly differently, providing more opportunities to secure a chance to ride.
According to Scott Gustin, Disneyland will open Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s virtual queue three times a day: at 7 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m. Guests will also be able to ride by purchasing a Lightning Lane Multi Pass.
NEW: Disneyland Resort has updated the virtual queue details for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. When the attraction officially opens on Nov. 15, there will be three enrollment opportunities each day: 7am, 12pm, *and* 4pm PT (previously it was announced only for 7am and 12pm).
NEW: Disneyland Resort has updated the virtual queue details for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. When the attraction officially opens on Nov. 15, there will be three enrollment opportunities each day: 7am, 12pm, *and* 4pm PT (previously it was announced only for 7am and 12pm). pic.twitter.com/9eNd6L7Z9y
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 7, 2024
In comparison, Disney World opens its queue twice a day.
Virtual queues at Disney World have sparked frustration among guests, who feel these systems add unnecessary complexity to their visits. While Disney frequently uses them to handle the initial rush for new attractions, many parkgoers find them confusing, especially when combined with other systems like Lightning Lanes and park reservations.
Instead of streamlining the experience, these additional layers of planning create more stress, leaving guests longing for a simpler, more straightforward approach to enjoying the parks.
At Walt Disney World Resort, guests have complained about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure still using a virtual queue, despite the fact that demand was already significantly cooled for the attraction. As one disgruntled guest wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “This ride clearly no longer needs a virtual queue, why do they still have one?”
Another guest wrote in September, “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is operating currently. There’s not a single person in the outdoor queue. Please send this to standby. The park is packed, and I’m sure guests would gladly stand in line for the park’s premier water ride on this hot day.”
Guests have also complained about the virtual queue during the previews of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland, with many people struggling to secure a boarding group despite their best efforts at 7 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Unsurprisingly, guests have largely welcomed the news of virtual queue changes for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Fingers crossed that this move signals a short lifespan for the ride’s virtual queue in general!
How do you feel about Disney’s habit of using virtual queue for new attractions?
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