By Dawn Montgomery
(NNPA NEWSWIRE) – Disneyland recently welcomed guests and the press to attend a grand opening ceremony for New Orleans Square and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, its newest attraction, which was slated to be opened to the public on Nov. 15.
Celebrating the culture and spirit of the music-loving Crescent City, guests enjoyed classic attractions, authentic dining, entertainment, shopping and more. The land features fresh additions inspired by Tiana’s story from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “The Princess and the Frog,” including Eudora’s Chic Boutique featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets retail shop and her restaurant, Tiana’s Palace.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride replaced Splash Mountain and was inspired by Disney’s first Black princess. Music and signs convey the message of inclusivity — “Everyone is welcome!” — surrounding the water ride.
“We wanted to give that feeling for everyone coming off of the ride, we are better together,” says Josef Lemoine, senior story editor at Walt Disney Imagineering. “The story as a whole is all about getting everybody together and also to find those individuals who might be overlooked.”
Released in 2009, the film “The Princess and the Frog” celebrates the rich music and culture of New Orleans. The film portrays the resilience of Black families and emphasizes how a shared love for food can bridge gaps and connect people.
Disneyland guests can now experience a continuation of this storyline as they ride through Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The initial planning for this ride started back in 2019.
“Then the world changed,” said Carmen Smith, a senior vice president who heads inclusion strategies for Disney Imagineering, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic and the murder of George Floyd.
“Life lets you know when it’s time for something to give birth to a concept, and it was without hesitation that leadership came together and said, you’ve been working on it; you’ve got an idea; let’s move forward on this.”
Click here to learn more and grab tickets.
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