“Tiana’s Bayou Adventure: A Musical Journey at Walt Disney World Resort”

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the rethemed Splash Mountain ride, is set to reopen on June 28 at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The refurbishment of the iconic water ride was first announced four years ago and is part of Disney’s strategy to infuse relevant intellectual properties into its existing rides and theme parks. This retheme allows Disney to upgrade ride elements, tie the ride to a popular studio film, and develop new merchandise and food items for guests to enjoy.

The revamped ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, will feature characters from Disney Animation’s “Princess and the Frog” and take guests through the swamps of New Orleans as Tiana prepares for a massive Mardi Gras celebration. Riders will be immersed in a musical experience with new, original music and favorite songs from the 2009 animated film. Along the way, they will encounter familiar faces like Tiana, Louis, and Mama Odie, as well as instrument-playing critters from the bayou.

One of the key updates to the ride is the use of all-electronic audio-animatronics, which allow for more refined and precise movement. Imagineers have developed these animatronics, including for characters like Louis the trumpet-playing alligator, using 3-D printing for lighter-weight materials. The use of electronic animatronics enhances the realism of the characters and creates a more immersive experience for guests.

In recent years, Disney’s parks business has been a significant source of revenue and operating income for the company. In 2023, experiences accounted for 36% of total revenue but 70% of operating income. This focus on parks profitability has been crucial for Disney’s CEO Bob Iger and the company’s board. By investing in the parks business, Disney has been able to improve its overall profitability and share performance.

Disney has already announced other upcoming projects for its parks, including the reimagined Country Bear Musical Jamboree, which will open on July 17 at the Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando. Additionally, a theatrical production inspired by “The Little Mermaid” will debut later this year. The company is also developing “blue sky” ideas for its parks, such as an area based on “Coco” or “Encanto” and a Disney villains-themed area.

While the exact cost of these projects may vary, recent additions like the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands are estimated to have cost $1 billion each. These investments reflect Disney’s commitment to creating immersive and innovative experiences for park guests. With the reopening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and other upcoming projects, Disney continues to demonstrate its dedication to enhancing the guest experience and driving profitability in its parks business.