We are coming at you from Magic Kingdom as we experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure for the first-time during Cast Member previews! We have been not-so-patiently waiting for this attraction to open and starting most of our articles with “We’re almost there!” somewhere in the opening paragraph.

Well, previews have officially kicked off for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, so we REALLY are getting that much closer to the grand opening. We were fortunate to be able to take part in Cast Member previews, and we are sharing ALL the details with you!

We have been keeping a close eye on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and we have shared lots of sneak peeks into the attraction. Some of these sneak peeks have included introducing new critter friends, taking a look at the new animatronics, and seeing Imagineers and Cast Members testing the ride. Now, we are taking you on a sneak peek of the ride itself ahead of its grand opening on June 28th, 2024. 

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure takes place where The Princess and the Frog left off. On the ride, we are joining Princess Tiana and friends to hunt down a missing ingredient for their Mardi Gras celebration. The attraction takes riders on a musical adventure through the bayou of Louisiana as they come across their favorite characters from The Princess and the Frog, as well as lots of new faces. We have been keeping a close eye on all the construction progress, and now we have the opportunity to experience Tiana’s Bayou Adventure! And of course, we are bringing you along with us.

Hi, Tiana! pic.twitter.com/gw9qw24ttN

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) June 7, 2024

We just got off of our first ride-through of the re-themed attraction and we have thoughts! We generally think that the ride is going to grow on people over time. There are so many elements throughout both the queue and the ride experience itself, that it will take multiple times through to catch every single reference, easter egg, and thematic element scattered throughout.

Here’s a look at a lot of the queue details in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!

Now keep in mind that this is just a retheme of Splash Mountain, so while there are new elements, the base of the ride remains the same. You are still riding in a log through the same track that Splash Mountain used. The difference lies in the new sets, animatronics, music, and smells that can be experienced. That also means that the iconic Splash Mountain drop is still the same in theory. It’s a five-story drop culminating in a pool of water that will likely leave you pretty soaked.

To the party we go! pic.twitter.com/ov8wru2Wzb

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) June 7, 2024

But is it really the same? You still get that moment of adrenaline when you are looking down the drop and realize just how high up you are. Then the log drops, and you may let out a scream as you plunge into the waters below. While the track is still the same, we felt like the drop actually feels much different. For starters, the whole experience is much less ominous, as instead of being tossed into the Briar Patch, we’re instead dropping down into a party. In addition, the reconstructed opening provides a much clearer view of Cinderella Castle from the top of the drop.

WE MADE IT!! Our full review of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is on the way! pic.twitter.com/E2AaH2mBCE

— Disney Food Blog (@DisneyFoodBlog) June 7, 2024

Overall, we think that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure’s drop, while still physically the same, gives the ride’s climax a completely different vibe. It has been amazing getting a preview of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure before it officially opens. We got to explore the new queue and take a look at all the details, as well as jam out to some fantastic new sounds and tunes.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is currently only open for previews for select groups including DVC members, D23 Gold Members, Cast Members, and Annual Passholders. So, while you will likely see people riding over the next few weeks, it is currently only available through a reservation. However, the ride officially opens to everyone on June 28th, 2024!  On Opening Day, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be utilizing the virtual queue system and the Genie+ service. There will be no standby line available, and if you want to ride the attraction you will either need to get a virtual queue or reserve a time slot through the Genie+ service.

Make sure you have the My Disney Experience app downloaded, and you are linked with your friends and family for both of these options. While Disney World has said that the virtual queue likely won’t stick around for too long, you will need a virtual queue for at least a bit when the ride first opens. We will be here with more coverage of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure previews, as well as coverage of opening day.

And be sure to grab your “Never Lose Sight” t-shirt to wear on your first ride! This will be perfect in ride photos!

Order Your Bayou Adventure Shirt Here!

Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World news!

Check out what you need to know if you are planning on riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on opening day!

Will you be riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure during previews? Let us know in the comments!

The post Everyone Wants To Know If the Drop on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Is BETTER than Splash Mountain! first appeared on the disney food blog.