As Disney’s newest attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, prepares to welcome guests into the enchanting world of the bayou, a cast of lovable critters is ready to steal the show. These original Audio-Animatronics characters, created exclusively for this musical adventure, promise to captivate visitors with their charm and talent.
Who are the critters?
In the first critter encounter, we’ll discover a group of critter musicians playing a rendition of one of our favorite songs from “The Princess and the Frog,” “Gonna Take You There.” This raucous Zydeco musical recipe of fiddle, accordion, washboard, and other instrument voices will have you singing along as you float down the river under dancing fireflies. The familiar melody is being played on charming makeshift instruments constructed from natural materials and some human-made found objects. But who’s behind this critter band? Meet some of the adorable musicians and get to know them a little more.
Byhalia the Beaver – Byhalia doesn’t just build dams; she helps build musical instruments using natural materials from the bayou. As a strong-willed percussionist, it’s safe to say Byhalia is the heartbeat of the band, as well as a natural designer and engineer.
Gritty the Rabbit – Always willing to dig a little deeper to help others, Gritty plays the washboard (a found automobile license plate) with a high-energy flair. It’s the perfect instrument for someone who’s often overzealous and digs to relieve her nerves.
Beau the Opossum – Seeing limitless possibilities, no one finds more wonder in the bayou and the sounds of zydeco music than Beau. All she knows is beauty, especially her own. You can find her plucking out the low notes with her upright gourd bass, which, of course, involves some musical dexterity with her tail.
Apollo the Raccoon – Apollo loves transforming abandoned objects into works of musical art – like his squeezebox. He’s full of energy and storytelling, especially about the objects he finds in the bayou. He’s particularly close with Rufus and appreciates Rufus’ calm demeanor.
Rufus the Turtle – Rufus may be a turtle, but he’s quick to jump into rhythm with his harmonica. He’s also the first to join in on new adventures! He’s genuine and sincere, but may come across as a little sarcastic at times with his habitual sighing. Rufus loves going on adventures with Apollo.
Timoléon the Otter – He’s the eldest of the band, but Timoléon’s fiddle-playing is inspired by all the ‘kids’ he spends his time around while in the bayou. When he’s not sawing out a jig, he’s famous for telling stories of days long ago about his explorations of every corner of the bayou.
In addition to these talented new friends, Tiana wonders who else we might discover in the bayou. More on that soon, but it’s not every day we get to debut brand-new original Disney characters as part of an attraction in our theme parks! And, if you wish you had a critter friend of your own, you are in luck: Beau, Apollo and Rufus will soon be available in the form of huggable plushies for you to take home.
The Creative Process
The creation of these delightful critters was a labor of love, involving the collaborative efforts of Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Lead concept designer Laura West meticulously crafted each character, imbuing them with distinct personalities and endearing quirks. Through her detailed creative process, West brought these critters to life, ensuring that their designs seamlessly blend with the bayou’s lush environment. From their expressive faces to their intricate costumes, every aspect of these characters has been thoughtfully considered to enhance the immersive experience.
A Celebration of Music and Joy
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure promises to be a celebration of music, joy, and the rich cultural heritage of the bayou. As guests embark on this musical journey, they’ll be swept away by the infectious energy of all the critters, whose performances are sure to leave a lasting impression. All the critters embody the spirit of the bayou and the power of music to bring people together. Their presence adds an extra layer of magic to an already enchanting experience, making Tiana’s Bayou Adventure a must-visit attraction for Disney fans of all ages.
Conclusion
As the anticipation builds for the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the introduction of these delightful critters has only heightened the excitement. All the critters are poised to become beloved additions to the Disney family, capturing the hearts of guests with their talent, charm, and infectious energy. With their unique personalities and remarkable performances, these critters promise to elevate the immersive experience of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure to new heights. As visitors embark on this musical journey, they’ll be treated to a celebration of joy, culture, and the enduring power of music to bring people together, creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
