I was one of the first to ride the Splash Mountain replacement at Disney World. After years of controversy, it's a whole new ride.

Megan duBoisJun 14, 2024, 21:16 IST

I got a media preview of Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom. Megan duBois

I was one of the first to ride the all-new Tiana's Bayou Adventure attraction at Magic Kingdom.
I loved the highly advanced animatronics of characters like Tiana and Mama Odie.

In 2020, Disney announced it would close the popular but controversial Splash Mountain at both Disney World and Disneyland.

There was plenty of upset and backlash from fans of the classic ride. But its story was based on the 1946 movie "Songs of the South," which has been criticized for featuring a racist representation of the American Old South.

In its place, Disney created a new "Princess and the Frog"-themed water ride called Tiana's Bayou Adventure, with the company's first Black princess front and center.

I got a chance to ride the new Magic Kingdom attraction early as part of a media preview event ahead of its official opening on June 28. Here's what it's like.

There is a large outdoor queue that leads into the main section of the line.

The outdoor queue isn't really shaded, so it can get hot.Megan duBois

The indoor queue was cute and full of Easter eggs.

I had a feeling that the ride would be Mardi Gras-themed.Megan duBois

The queue area featured a nod to Splash Mountain.

The little animal figurines pay homage to Brer Fox, Brer Bear, and Brer Rabbit.Megan duBois

My favorite part of the queue was seeing the gumbo recipe on the wall.

I want to try the famous gumbo recipe for myself.Megan duBois

Waiting in line was a full sensory experience.

I could smell the beignets in Tiana's kitchen. Megan duBois

After a few more minutes of waiting, it was finally time to ride.

The ride vehicles look exactly the same as the ones used for Splash Mountain. Megan duBois

The ride was full of new animatronic characters and animals.

Tiana was the first character we saw. Olga Thompson/Walt Disney World

Other characters from the movie made an appearance as well.

The fun background music really set the mood for the ride. Olga Thompson/Walt Disney World

The big drop was as thrilling as ever.

The briar patch is now just another section of the bayou. Megan duBois

There were so many cute details throughout the ride.

The license plate in the rabbit's hands is from Tiana's delivery truck.Olga Thompson/Walt Disney World

I'd definitely wait to ride this again.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure will have a virtual queue when it opens in Magic Kingdom.Megan duBois

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