Renaissance Publishing editors recently got a sneak peek, courtesy of Disney, of the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride, opening in Walt Disney World on June 28. The ride is a celebration of Tiana and her friends, as well as the city, food, music and culture of New Orleans. Here are a few highlights:
Upon entering the queue leading you to the ride, visitors will pass several vignettes reminiscent of the movie “The Princess and the Frog.” Set a few years after the opening of Tiana’s restaurant Tiana’s Palace, the ride showcases a behind-the-scenes look as Tiana prepares for a Carnival party. A radio plays music highlighting some familiar artists, such as musician Terence Blanchard. Louisiana visual artists also contributed to the Louisiana flavor of the adventure. Sharika Mahdi provided four pieces of concept art on which the ride’s look was based. Varion Laurent created the official gallery piece for the ride. And Malaika Favorite created a bright and colorful mural that greets guests as they enter the ride.
At an information presentation, we also got a first listen of the new song that will be a highlight of the ride. “Special Spice” was written, arranged and produced by New Orleans’ own P.J. Morton, and we were treated to a performance by Morton along with the voice of Tiana, the amazing Anika Noni Rose. It’s a spirited tribute that closes the ride with celebration.
The ride’s decor highlights characters from the movie, Tiana’s kitchen (complete with a platter of beignets), photos of Tiana’s parents and more. The ride itself (a log-flume ride) passes a kitchen garden planted with okra and peppers, swamp critters and, in a magical sequence, shrinks riders to the size of frogs for a unique view of swamp life. The fun all ends with a 50-foot drop and a big splash into a mysterious mist.
What was really inspiring to me were the contributions of so many talented New Orleans artists, performers and contributors, from the colorful mural that greets visitors upon arrival to the ride’s soundtrack, and the culinary and leadership inspiration of Chef Leah Chase. It was exciting to see the spirit of the city showcased in full color.
Additionally, we were honored to get a peek at the new Dooky Chase spice line making its debut. The spice line includes the restaurant’s signature fried chicken spice blend, a seafood spice and a meat spice mix and gumbo base. The spices will be on sale at the ride’s Emporium and Critter Co-op when it opens later this month and will soon also be available for purchase locally at Dooky Chase. You can also purchase “The Dooky Chase Cookbook” and Leah Chase’s “And Still I Cook” at both shops. Check out this amazing photo from the launch event with the Dooky Chase family.
