Riders on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort were in for a startling surprise yesterday when the final scene of the attraction experienced a technical glitch, leaving many of the animatronics frozen and the work lights fully illuminated. What is typically a vibrant, immersive finale suddenly resembled a scene straight out of a horror movie, leaving fans both shocked and entertained.
A Scary Sight
One enthusiastic guest captured the eerie moment on social media, commenting: “Five Nights at Tiana’s (not clickbait).” The reference, a playful nod to the popular horror video game series Five Nights at Freddy’s, perfectly encapsulated the unintended creepy effect that the ride’s frozen figures and bright overhead lighting created.
The full firsthand account from the guest read: “On my 10th ride on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland today there was an issue in the finale scene which caused the work lights to come on and the animatronics to freeze, but it was really cool getting to ride through this scene with the lights on!”
Five Nights at Tiana’s (not clickbait)
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) September 5, 2025
While technical issues are not uncommon in attractions featuring highly advanced animatronics, the combination of frozen characters and bright backstage illumination gave the final scene a surreal, almost cinematic quality. Guests reported that what is normally a lively and joyous conclusion—featuring Princess Tiana and her friends in a bustling bayou celebration—suddenly felt suspenseful and otherworldly, turning the ride experience into something that resembled an unplanned horror sequence.
Is This the Norm?
Disneyland Resort has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, and it is unlikely that they will, as the ride has been having issues since opening. It remains unclear whether the malfunction was a temporary electrical hiccup or a minor animatronic error, but reports indicate that normal ride operations resumed shortly afterward.
For now, the footage and guest accounts from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure have become an online talking point among Disney fans, blending amazement, horror, and fascination. While guests typically expect magic and storytelling, yesterday’s glitch provided a rare glimpse behind the curtain—and for some, a few spine-tingling thrills along the way.
Whether you see it as a technical hiccup or an accidental Halloween scare, one thing is certain: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has given fans a story they won’t soon forget.
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