If you find us letting loose, and cutting a rug near Tiana’s Bayou Adventure it’s probably because we’re celebrating its latest news!
The construction over at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Frontierland has undergone massive change lately and we’ve even seen some of the construction walls come down which have been up since the beginning of the closure. Now, Disney’s letting us in on some of the details we will be able to spot inside the ride and it’s making us ready to take a plunge down the ride now!
We’ve been waiting for Disney World to release more details about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and it seems we’re finally getting our wish! This time, the news comes from what we’ll see INSIDE the attraction and not anything we’re already able to see (which really took us by surprise)!
Disney’s offering us a sneak peek now at the band of critters we’ll find inside the ride during our journey along Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This new look will feature a ragtag band of 6 woodland creatures that are ready to help Tiana out when she finds herself in need of a band for her big party!
Along the bayou, you’ll meet Byhalia, Rufus, Apollo, Gritty, Timoleon, and Beau. Disney’s already shared that we’ll find this band singing the musings of one of the most popular The Princess & The Frog songs, “Gonna Take You There.” You may not have to listen too hard to hear their raucous Zydeco-style playings. You’ll be able to pick out their makeshift instruments like a fiddle, accordion, and washboard made from natural elements (and a few human objects too) that will have you singing along as you float down the river under the dancing fireflies.
Disney also gave us a bit of a backstory on each of these new characters so we can get to know them better. Byhalia the Beaver enjoys building musical instruments using natural materials found around the bayou. Byhalia is the heartbeat of the band (and its resident percussionist), and a natural designer and engineer.
Gritty the Rabbit is willing to dig a little deeper to help out her friends. Gritty plays the washboard (which is made from an automobile license plate) with that high-energy flair. It seems like she’s found the perfect instrument for “someone who’s often overzealous and digs to relieve her nerves.”
The sky’s the limit for Beau the Opossum! Beau connects with the Zydeco sounds and the wonder found within the bayou. She plays the upright gourd bass and displays some fabulous musical dexterity with her tail.
Apollo the Raccoon loves transforming abandoned objects into works of musical art – take his Squeezebox for a prime example. he’s the resident energetic storyteller and is especially eager to talk about the objects he finds in the bayou. You’ll probably find him hanging around with his good buddy, Rufus.
This brings us to Rufus the Turtle. Don’t let his calm demeanor fool you! Rufus is ready to jump into rhythm with his harmonica. He’s always up for a new adventure and is genuine and sincere, however, it may come across as a little sarcastic at times due to his sighing.
Timoléon the Otter is the eldest of the band, but Timoléon’s fiddle-playing is “inspired by all the ‘kids’ he spends his time around while in the bayou.” When he’s not spouting out a toe-tapper, he’s famous for telling stories of days long ago and filling you in on his explorations.
You might be wondering how each of this cast of characters was chosen to join the band. Disney’s Imagineering team tasked with creating the new characters considered everything when putting the band together. They researched common animals found around the Louisiana Bayou, matched up each animal’s instrument to their characteristics, and even chose names that would coordinate with their respective region.
If you’re wondering just how soon we could see even more of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure merchandise on sale, the answer is soon! Disney’s already announced plans to release plush versions of Beau, Rufus, and Apollo you’ll be able to snag and take home with you!
We’ll be keeping a close eye on the latest changes as we get ready to see Tiana’s Bayou Adventure finally open later this year. Be sure to stay tuned with us at All Ears for the latest!
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Does this new announcement make you even more eager to finally take a plunge down Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!
I was originally sad to lose Splash Mountain. With the reveal of these new characters, I’m cautiously optimistic that the ride may maintain its fun-loving, zip-a-Dee-do-dah spirit.