Legendary Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter and creator of Splash Mountain comments on its transformation into Tiana's Bayou Adventure

Apr 12, 2023 in "Tiana's Bayou Adventure"

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Tiana's Bayou Adventure construction - April 10 2023

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Posted: Wednesday April 12, 2023 1:30pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Update 7:00-pm April 12 - The comments by Tony Baxter referenced in the LA Times article were from 2020, and are not new.

In an article by the Los Angeles Times, legendary Walt Disney Imagineer and creator of Splash Mountain Tony Baxter comments on the ride's transformation into Tiana's Bayou Adventure.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure concept model - D23 Expo exhibit

Baxter told the LA Times, "When Splash Mountain came to life over 30 years ago, the wave of Disney Animation that started with 'The Little Mermaid' had not yet begun. New stories would give us characters, music and wonderful places that now reside in the hearts of audiences everywhere. Following conversations with Imagineering's leaders about the new attraction's scope and resources, I had a great sense of reassurance — the attraction will be one to be proud of ... bringing to life places, characters and music from the animated classic 'The Princess and the Frog.'" You can read more at the LA Times.

The comments come alongside news today that Splash Mountain will close at Disneyland on May 30, and the unveiling of more details about Tiana's Bayou Adventure.

Tiana's Bayou Adventure concept art - April 2023

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Brer Panther2 hours ago

Somebody else already asked this, but is the one Naveen animatronic in the finale an A100? Seems pretty pointless to use an A100 on him considering he's in the background and doesn't even talk. I would love to hear just what exactly happened to make them rewrite the plot so many times. First it was "Louis chasing after his trumpet", then it was "Tiana searching for a special spice" and then it became the "find a band" crap we got. I wouldn't be surprised if the otter whose name escapes me at the moment (Timoleon?) was originally supposed to have a larger role, since there's that one piece of concept art showing him with more movement and expressions than the figure we got. Why is Mama Odie a more prominent character in this attraction than one of the film's MAIN CHARACTERS? Maybe they should've thought of that before they announced this retheme in the first place (WHILE the pandemic was going on!). Of course we know WHY they announced the retheme, but still... They're spoonbills, actually. But yeah, I recall that one piece of concept art from 2021 depicted a scene that isn't in either version of the attraction... Tiana and Naveen in a boat, a spoonbill, some turtles peeking out of the water...

Disstevefan15 hours ago

Budgets are very tight for attractions....... Movies, not so much. ;)

Tony the Tigger5 hours ago

Certainly, their movies didn’t bleed money in 2024. TBA can always be upgraded.

Charlie The Chatbox Ghost9 hours ago

I bet you he recorded lines for an AA in the bayou scenes but it was cut due to budget constraints. Covid really squeezed Disney dry with all their parks being closed for a few months and then Disneyland being closed for about a year. All their other businesses bleed money (especially movies since 2020), so if the parks aren’t making much they aren’t making much. If Covid didn’t happen then I’m sure TBA would’ve had a lot more details in the show scenes. The concept art implied the flamingos from the movie would be in the bayou along with lots of other animals.

JohnD10 hours ago

Who's he? Oh yeah. Some dude at Tiana's party. ;)

EagleScout61010 hours ago

Especially since they hyped up bringing back his VA just for the safety speech at the station

Charlie The Chatbox Ghost19 hours ago

Naveen being cut from the bayou portions of the ride will always upset me. He's my favorite Disney Prince, he definitely deserved to be a part of the ride.

Disgruntled Walt21 hours ago

LIARS!

gerarar23 hours ago

The Mom4 days ago

10. If you have a problem with or question about a moderator’s decision, contact the moderator privately or submit a message through the contact system. Posts or topics discussing moderator actions will be removed.

Disstevefan15 days ago

Oh good. I was worried for a moment and I thought Iger was spending the company's money irresponsibly 😉

DarkMetroid5675 days ago

That quote is for a 747, which is much, much larger than the 737 they wrapped.

Disstevefan15 days ago

Do you see the hundreds of millions Disney burns 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 in making content for Disney+ and money losing movies??? This is NOTHING! Its like a sundry item, like paper clips to them. The Robert A. Iger building, he built for himself, cost the company about 4 Billion to build!