This week, Walt Disney Imagineering unveiled a significant update to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World Resort, leaving Disney fans with plenty to say. The addition, seen as an enhancement to the reimagined attraction, has garnered both praise and criticism, illustrating the passionate discourse that often surrounds Disney’s creative choices.
In January 2023, Disney retired its iconic Splash Mountain attraction at Magic Kingdom. After thrilling guests for over 30 years, the ride—a water-based experience inspired by the 1946 film Song of the South—closed its doors amidst controversy. The decision to reimagine Splash Mountain stemmed from Disney’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, as Song of the South has long been criticized for its problematic racial undertones.
The announcement of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, inspired by Disney’s 2009 hit The Princess and the Frog, sparked a heated debate. Critics accused Disney of pursuing a “woke agenda,” prioritizing diversity over tradition, while supporters applauded the company for its progressive move. In June 2024, the transformation was complete, introducing fans to a ride featuring Princess Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose), Louis the saxophone-playing alligator (Michael-Leon Wooley), and Mama Odie (Jenifer Lewis).
While the revamped ride retained familiar elements like its thrilling 52-foot drop and introduced the catchy new song “Special Spice,” fans noticed that some beloved characters from the animated film were missing. This week, Disney addressed those concerns by introducing two cherished figures: Ray and Evangeline.
Disney Imagineering shared the update via Instagram, writing:
“Look how they light up the sky! Imagineers added extra magic to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at @WaltDisneyWorld with this addition of Ray and Evangeline!”
For those unfamiliar, Ray, voiced by the legendary Jim Cummings, is a lovable firefly who aids Tiana and Naveen in their journey to find Mama Odie. His unrequited love for Evangeline, the Evening Star he believes is another firefly, is a touching subplot in the film. Ray’s transformation into a star beside Evangeline at the movie’s end remains one of The Princess and the Frog’s most emotional moments.
Fans quickly flocked to Instagram to praise the update. One enthusiastic commenter exclaimed:
“How awesome! Imagineers are the best and most talented people!!!”
Another fan wrote:
“Legendary imagineering as usual!”
Others had ideas for expanding Ray and Evangeline’s presence in the park. One user suggested:
“Can we PLEASE, PLEASE get them to light up on the crown on top of the water tower too?? Such a huge, missed opportunity for those two to twinkle above [Magic Kingdom] every night! (But this is awesome, too, so thanks for this!)”
Not all reactions were glowing. Over on X (formerly Twitter), some users expressed frustration, arguing that Disney’s updates felt insignificant compared to larger projects elsewhere.
“LOL at the things they ‘announce’ now. WDW is a joke of its former self,” wrote @jasonlanori. “Universal is building an entire new park btw,” @maxs_drafts added, referencing Universal Orlando Resort’s highly anticipated Epic Universe set to open next year.
Others called for more substantial investments. “Small pluses are always appreciated, but geez. Let’s get some real projects to sink our teeth into at Disney World. Dirt moving. Development and growth,” said @wesomeTweets.
This sentiment echoes the language of Disney Parks chairman Josh D’Amaro, who, at the 2024 D23 Expo, emphasized Disney’s commitment to growth and innovation. “Plans are drawn. Dirt is moving,” D’Amaro assured fans. “We are doing everything you’re going to hear tonight.”
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is just one part of a larger transformation coming to Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. The controversial overhaul will introduce Radiator Springs, inspired by Disney-Pixar’s Cars franchise, alongside Tiana’s adventure and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. However, this expansion comes at a cost—both Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America will close permanently to make way for the project.
Additionally, a brand-new Villain-themed land is on the horizon, but progress remains slow as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD)—established in 2023—has requested a 60-day extension to approve plans.
The addition of Ray and Evangeline may seem like a small step, but it highlights Disney’s ongoing effort to refine and enhance guest experiences. While opinions remain divided, these updates underscore the enduring passion fans have for Disney storytelling.
What do you think of the latest updates to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure? Do you believe Disney made the right call by announcing this change? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
