Photo Credit: Disneyland Resort Public Relations[/caption]As 2024 comes to a close, Black families are looking for a place that offers peace, joy, and fun. This year took us all the way out (still recovering from a certain election) and we’re ready to unwind and feel love amongst those closest to us. There are a host of options to get that sense of joy, but the Black Love team experienced one that may surprise you. There is a new attraction at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California, that offers Black families the joyfulness we’re looking for. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a Princess and the Frog-themed water ride for all ages, has made its debut and it’s an experience that is well worth the price tag.

Black Love had a chance to check out the attraction on opening night and it is a true celebration of the Black culture, art, and food. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure features new songs, vibrant characters from the film we’ve come to know and love, and a 50-foot drop at the end that gives you the thrill you’re looking for on an amusement ride.

Disney has revamped not only the ride, which was originally Splash Mountain, but also the surrounding area. When you arrive in Bayou Country, you are instantly transported to a little New Orleans, known as New Orleans Square. The area features NOLA-themed restaurant Tiana’s Palace, gorgeous recreations of NOLA’s iconic streets, and all the Creole/Cajun food you could ever want, including gumbo, beignets, and red beans and rice. While the food may not be as flavorful as the food in New Orleans, it is delicious and a good recreation of authentic Creole cuisine. New Orleans Square also offers blues and jazz of the French Quarter, with regular performances from live entertainers such as The Bootstrappers and Jambalaya Jazz.

 

 

 

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Anika Noni Rose, who played Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana, in the 2009 animated film, blessed us with her presence on opening night. The Tony-winning actress and singer performed some of her hit songs from the film, including “Almost There,” as well as a new track, “Special Spice,” that can be heard on the Adventure ride. Rose wasn’t alone as actress Jenifer Lewis, who voiced Mama Odie in the film, also made an appearance during the event. Lewis performed her signature The Princess and the Frog song, “Dig a Little Deeper,” perfecting the performance with high kicks and a level of enthusiasm we haven’t seen in ages. While Rose and Lewis won’t be performing on a daily basis, guests will hear their songs and dialogue on the ride.

 

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Tiana’s Bayou Adventure also offers merchandise that families can purchase for their little ones. Some of these gifts are not worth the hassle, but there is a set of bags, journals, and other merch designed by Black, New Orleans-based artist Sharika Mahdi that are definitely must-have items. Mahdi added quintessential New Orleans elements into her design, making the products unique and authentic to Black New Orleans culture.

2024 may have been a harder year than anticipated, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find pockets of joy moving forward. If you want a family-friendly experience that celebrates Blackness and all the amazing things we bring to the table, check out Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland.