ANAHEIM, Calif.—“Holidays at the Disneyland Resort” begins Friday, along with the opening of the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction.
Guests will be able to meet Santa Claus and Disney characters at the Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland, search for decorative ornaments hidden throughout the Downtown Disney District in Chip and Dale’s Ornament Trail, and watch cultural performance groups at Disney Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure Park.
There will also be daily editions of the Christmas Fantasy Parade, “it’s a small world” holiday lighting and Main Street, U.S.A. holiday tree lighting.
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and some other Disney characters will wear seasonal clothing.
The Disney Festival of Holidays, which will run through Jan. 6, will include daily performances of “Mirabel’s Fiesta de Navidad,” featuring the character from the 2021 animated musical fantasy film “Encanto.”
It will also feature the Disney Viva Navidad! Street Party, and Mariachi Alegría de Disneyland will perform bilingual renditions of holiday songs weekdays at Carthay Circle.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is billed by Disney as “a thrilling water ride through the bayou with Princess Tiana, Mama Odie and gator pal Louis” and “a musical journey full of twists, turns and festive fun that crescendos with a 50-foot drop as well as a swingin' soiree.”
Anika Noni Rose, who voiced Tiana in the 2009 animated musical romantic fantasy comedy film, “The Princess and the Frog”—on which the ride is based—again supplies her voice for the character on the ride, as does Jenifer Lewis, who voiced Mama Odie. Also reprising their roles for the ride are Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen and Michael Leon Wooley as Louis.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure replaces Splash Mountain, the flume ride that drew criticism for its roots in the 1946 animated film “Song of the South,” which critics have assailed for stereotypical portrayals of black characters.
