The opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland park is getting closer and closer every day, and for attractions cast members Amber Whittington, Cullen Darius, Erick Rivera and Shelby Hull they’re almost there! Recently in New Orleans Square, the group learned they were chosen as the first project leads for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure test & adjust team.
Disney’s test & adjust teams are a part of the long-standing tradition where cast members apply to be on a specialized team and have the privilege of testing out the attraction long before official opening. This is a coveted and unique opportunity for attractions cast members to work with Walt Disney Imagineering in the initial testing phase of an attraction and get a chance to help shape the guest experience.
It was the ultimate surprise for the cast members as they were brought to Tiana’s Palace restaurant under the guise of an early morning video shoot. That’s when Jada Young, Disney Ambassador of Disneyland Resort, emerged from behind the closed doors of Tiana’s Palace, and revealed the real reason why they were there.
With cheers and applause (and a few tears), joy erupted in New Orleans Square. “Having the opportunity to open up an attraction is an absolute dream come true,” said Adventureland attractions cast member, Cullen. There were other surprises along the way to commemorate the historic moment including a visit from Princess Tiana herself as she congratulated the cast and welcomed them to the bayou. It was a special morning created by cast and filled with pure #DisneyCastLife magic. Disneyland Resort is one step closer to bringing Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to life, which will open at Disneyland park later this year!
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will take guests on a musical adventure picking up after the events of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, “The Princess and the Frog.” Guests will join Princess Tiana and jazz-loving alligator Louis on an adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a one-of-a-kind celebration during Mardi Gras season where everyone is welcome! Along the way, guests will encounter familiar faces, make new friends, and travel through the bayou as they are brought into the next chapter of Tiana’s story.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will also feature original music and some familiar tunes from the beloved movie, a sweeping, colorful mural adorning the queue, two newly redesigned retail locations, and so much more! And all of this, of course, is in addition to the already open Tiana’s Palace restaurant and Eudora’s ‘Chic Boutique featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets in New Orleans Square.
Stay tuned for more exciting news on our journey to the bayou for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.