Disney has offered a first look at some impressive animatronics that are in the works for its next attraction Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Disney World and Disneyland.
Based on 2009 The princess and the Frog, this world will recreate the characters from the 2D animated feature film in realistic form, powered by Disney's Imagineering unit which manages the research, design and construction of its theme park experiences.
The overview was widely presented as episode from a new YouTube series called We call it imaginationas well as numerous extracts on the Disney Parks TikTok (12.3 million followers).
They show the film's aspiring restaurateur protagonist, Tiana, gesturing in one of her animatronic avatars. In the YouTube video, the show's lead programmer Rob Fox and illusion designer Heather Greene break down the complex collaboration process using the example of Tiana's arm, which must encompass a variety of wrist and elbow movements (designed by Fox) without any obstruction from his costume. (designed by Greene).
Also included is Louis, the trumpet-playing alligator, whom lead illusion creator Sonny Chapman calls one of the attraction's “dynamic” figures. This animatronic uses new technologies and materials to capture the alligator's playful expressions and fluid dance.
Tiana's Bayou Adventure will feature the eponymous princess and a team of animal friends who sing and play instruments.
These new figures are designed to push the boundaries of animatronics that are already popular highlights of the Disney parks, ranging from Ariel's underwater adventure (Disney California Adventure) at Frozen forever (Hong Kong Disneyland).
Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open this summer at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom park, before expanding to Disneyland later this year, replacing the Splash Mountain attraction which closed in 2023.
With three Oscar nominations, The princess and the Frog grossed $271 million against a budget of $105 million and notably featured Disney's first African-American princess. The brand's new attraction is expected to help build anticipation for an upcoming Disney+ spinoff series titled Tiana which will follow as the eponymous character explores New Orleans.
April was a month quite full of news for Disney, which is benefiting from the brilliance of its victory in a proxy battle last week, and I am also preparing a large crackdown on password sharing for Disney+ in June.
