Disney Responds to Backlash With New Changes for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

Disney just made a major announcement about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.

Replacing the controversial Splash Mountain – which had long been associated with Disney’s infamous Song of the South (1946) –  Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has sparked much more backlash than you’d expect from an innocuous ride based on a Disney princess.

Credit: Disney

Inspired by The Princess and the Frog (2009), the attraction follows Princess Tiana on an exciting adventure through Louisiana’s bayous. Long before construction began, however, a “Save Splash Mountain” movement vouched to have the ride canceled or replaced, with some even unsuccessfully attempting to hold protests against the ride.

Unsurprisingly, none of this worked (or even really had much of an impact) as the first version of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure debuted at Magic Kingdom Park in June. Since its debut, however, the ride has faced a series of technical issues, with multiple breakdowns, evacuations, and lengthy periods of downtime in the following months.

Credit: Disney

As Disney gears up to opening Anaheim’s version of the ride next week, it seems like it’s learned from some of Disney World’s issues—but not all. During its ongoing previews, Disneyland’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has also experienced problems, with guests reporting issues with its animatronics and breakdowns.

But there’s one area where Disneyland does seem to have improved upon the OG Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: its queue system.

Credit: Disney

However, operational issues at Disney World and Disneyland have plagued the ride, with guests expressing frustration over its virtual queue system.

As per Scott Gustin, Disneyland’s version of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will give guests three chances to secure a spot each day: 7 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m.

NEW: Disneyland Resort has updated the virtual queue details for Tiana's Bayou Adventure. When the attraction officially opens on Nov. 15, there will be three enrollment opportunities each day: 7am, 12pm, *and* 4pm PT (previously it was announced only for 7am and 12pm). pic.twitter.com/9eNd6L7Z9y

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) November 7, 2024

This change comes after plenty of backlash to the ongoing use of a virtual queue at Walt Disney World Resort (despite the fact that the initial frenzy around the ride has almost definitely died down) and multiple guests reporting being unable to get a boarding group during Disneyland’s previews—and that’s with only cast members and Magic Key holders being eligible to try and ride the attraction.

Disney’s virtual queue systems, in general, have been met with widespread dissatisfaction. Guests have voiced complaints about the extra planning required to experience new attractions, especially with the addition of multiple booking systems, like Lightning Lanes and park reservations. Many feel that the system adds unnecessary complexity, detracting from the fun of a Disney day.

Credit: Disney

Despite these frustrations, there is hope that the virtual queue changes signal a move toward improving the guest experience. Many fans are optimistic that this shift will result in the eventual removal of virtual queues altogether. However, only time will tell if Disney’s changes will satisfy the demand for a simpler, more enjoyable park experience.

What are your thoughts on the use of virtual queues at Disney parks?