Fans Defend Tiana’s Bayou Adventure by Comparing It to Classic Disney Rides

There’s always something brewing in the Disney Parks community, and it doesn’t take much for opinions to bubble to the surface. Whether it’s a surprise character sighting, a controversial price hike, or a ride update that shakes the status quo, guests are never shy about voicing how they feel.

One recent conversation online has reignited an ongoing debate that continues to follow a particular Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park attraction—and it’s drawing in comparisons to some of Disney’s most classic rides.

Related: Disney’s Neglect Leads to Crumbling Magic Kingdom Spot Ahead of Planned Closure

Back in June 2020, Disney made headlines when it announced that Splash Mountain, the log-flume ride based on Song of the South (1946), would undergo a complete retheme. The decision came at a time of heightened awareness around racial representation in media, and the announcement was met with intense reactions across the board.

Some fans praised the move to distance the parks from outdated stereotypes, while others lamented the closure of what had become a nostalgic favorite.

Related: Surprise! Disney Promises New Splash Mountain Ride This Summer

Now, nearly a year after the official opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — which debuted at Walt Disney World in June 2024 and Disneyland in November 2024 — conversations about the attraction are still going strong. Despite the colorful sets, toe-tapping music, and updated storyline based on Disney’s The Princess and the Frog (2009), not every guest has been thrilled.

Common complaints have included technical issues, such as broken animatronics and frequent downtimes. Others have taken issue with what they describe as a lack of compelling storytelling. And while some see the attraction as a fresh step forward, others feel it doesn’t quite capture the charm or depth of the ride it replaced.

Related: Splash Mountain’s Legacy Sparks Renewed Enthusiasm for Its Return After DEI Phase Out

But not everyone is joining in on the criticism. In fact, one recent post on X (formerly Twitter) has sparked a different kind of discussion.

User Extinct Disney said they recently experienced the attraction, really enjoyed it, and could not understand why it received so much hate.

Finally got to experience this for the first time and, I honestly don’t get the hate. I absolutely loved every second of it! It really is just because it replaced Splash huh?

This one post led to dozens of replies, with theme park fans chiming in to share their opinions. Many of the responses echoed a similar sentiment—that the backlash against Tiana’s Bayou Adventure might be more emotional than critical.

Finally got to experience this for the first time and, I honestly don’t get the hate. I absolutely loved every second of it! It really is just because it replaced Splash huh? pic.twitter.com/N7zxWUq5P2

— Extinct Disney (@ExtinctDisney) May 12, 2025

Related: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Goes Viral for All the Wrong Reasons

Extinct Disney even began comparing it to other longstanding Disney attractions, pointing out that many classic rides don’t feature strong narratives either.

Rides like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Astro Orbiter, and even Space Mountain were held up as examples of beloved experiences that don’t rely on traditional storytelling.

Legitimately curious… The responses seem to imply people don’t enjoy it because of lack of story. For those in that boat, do you enjoy the Astro Orbiter? How about Space Mountain? Dumbo? Slinky? It feels like there are a lot of popular non-story driven attractions out there.

Legitimately curious… The responses seem to imply people don’t enjoy it because of lack of story. For those in that boat, do you enjoy the Astro Orbiter? How about Space Mountain? Dumbo? Slinky? It feels like there are a lot of popular non-story driven attractions out there. https://t.co/rkyBjkTq67

— Extinct Disney (@ExtinctDisney) May 13, 2025

It’s a fair point—and one that’s clearly resonated. After all, Disney has never required a cohesive narrative to deliver a good time. For many guests, the experience, the atmosphere, and the emotional connection are more important than the plot.

Still, other fans offered thoughtful critiques about what they believe separates Tiana’s Bayou Adventure from its predecessor. Some felt that Splash Mountain used the ride’s pacing to build tension and give context to the final drop—something they say is missing from the new version.

I’m sure it’s a fun attraction, since it didn’t change. Physically, it’s still Splash. To me, it just seems Splash had a better story. The fall means “peril”, but Tiana has no “peril”, it’s just “get to the party quick”. I would never “not” go on it, though. It’s still Splash.

I’m sure it’s a fun attraction, since it didn’t change. Physically, it’s still Splash. To me, it just seems Splash had a better story. The fall means “peril”, but Tiana has no “peril”, it’s just “get to the party quick”. I would never “not” go on it, though. It’s still Splash.

— Rodrigo Barros (@roddybarros) May 13, 2025

Others commented that the story in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure isn’t as clear or emotionally resonant. Some guests noticed that portions of the ride felt a bit sparse, and that the attempt to retrofit a musical Mardi Gras adventure into a thrill ride format felt a little forced.

According to Disney, the ride’s storyline takes place after the events of The Princess and the Frog. Tiana has successfully opened her co-op and is throwing a grand Mardi Gras celebration to thank the community. But when the party band goes missing, she and Louis the alligator set out into the bayou to find musical critters who can save the day.

The journey features new characters, beloved faces from the film, and familiar tunes to bring the experience to life.

For many fans, that concept is more than enough to justify the change. For others, the nostalgia for what was lost remains too strong.

Still, one thing is clear: Tiana’s Bayou Adventure isn’t going anywhere. Despite ongoing criticisms, the ride continues to draw crowds and see wait times over an hour on busy days. And while technical hiccups and subjective storytelling critiques persist, there’s no denying that the new attraction has carved out its place in the Disney Parks lineup.

What do you think? Has the attraction earned the backlash it receives? Do you agree with fans defending it, or do you think something’s missing? Head to the comments and share your thoughts!