Disney announces the name of new “Princess and the Frog” ride to replace Splash Mountain

We’ve been anticipating the reimagining of the Splash Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, and we’ve got more exciting news to share about the all-new experience that was first announced in the summer of 2020.

We’ve learned that Disney reportedly announced details about the new attraction during the ESSENCE Festival of Culture 2022.

According to reports about details announced at the ESSENCE Festival, the new name of the Princess and the Frog-themed attraction will be “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.” Finally, we know what to call the new experience, rather than only referring to it as the “Princess and the Frog-themed version of Splash Mountain.”

We have also learned that Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is projected to open to Guests at both the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort sometime during late 2024, according to ITM.

In June 2020, when the reimagining of the attraction was first announced by Disney Parks, Disney Parks Blog had this to say about the new experience:

The theme is inspired by an all-time favorite animated Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog.” We pick up this story after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.

Tiana is a modern, courageous, and empowered woman, who pursues her dreams and never loses sight of what’s really important. It’s a great story with a strong lead character, set against the backdrop of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou. In 1966, Walt himself opened New Orleans Square when it became the first new “land” added to Disneyland Park, so it feels natural to link the story and the incredible music of “The Princess and the Frog” to our parks.

It remains to be seen how Disney will choose to tell the exciting story of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure!” We will keep you updated as more details are announced about this new experience at Disney World and Disneyland!

Man Arrested For Stealing 10K R2-D2 Replica From Walt Disney World

A Baltimore man who now resides in Kissimmee, Florida — which is about 10 miles from Walt Disney World Resort — was arrested in May for impersonating a Disney World security guard and stealing expensive items from the Resort. The case was revealed when the Orange County Sheriff’s Office released its arrest records for the past few months. According to the Sheriff’s office, the arrested man’s name is David Proudfoot, although he originally tried to give a different name when approached by actual Disney security.

The Sheriff’s Office reported that, when Proudfoot was arrested, he was wearing a Walt Disney World name tag with the name “David” inscribed on it. Proudfoot was first approached after another security guard at Disney noted his “suspicious”. The report states that Proudfoot was seen pushing a cart across a street and looked like he was headed to one of Disney’s newest hotels, The Swan Reserve. He aroused further suspicion when he could not find the loading dock and didn’t know the proper procedures to follow. That is when deputies from the Sheriff’s office were called.

Swan Reserve

Police approached Proudfoot and asked him his name and his position. Proudfoot said that his name was David Rodgers and that he worked at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, but got lost when trying to show them where he worked and couldn’t open an employee locker he said was his. Proudfoot tried several times to convince security officers that he was who he said he was and that he worked at the Yacht Club. They eventually discovered his real identity when they looked in his wallet.

Disney's Yacht Club

Once Proudfoot admitted to who he really was, he confessed to what he had stolen. Proudfoot told police that he had stolen an R2-D2 replica and had it stored on the third floor of the Swan Reserve. He then admitted to also stealing a Duck Catcher game, which had been on the first floor of the Dolphin hotel. The R2-D2 replica was worth between $6,000 and $10,000 and Duck Catcher was worth $3,500.

R2-D2

Perhaps most surprising was Proudfoot’s excuse as to why he had stolen the items. He claimed that he had an application in with Disney to be a security guard and was trying to show them a weakness in their system. Proudfoot was arrested and charged with the following:

  • Scheme to Defraud
  • Grand Theft 3rd Degree (of an item worth less than $5,000)
  • Petit Theft of $100 or more
  • Grand Theft 3rd Degree (of an item between $5,000 and $10,000)
  • Obstruction by False Information

This is not the first time that Proudfoot has been arrested for theft. Proudfoot was an educator who worked with the Baltimore County school system when he was charged with stealing $15,000 in “reimbursements” for items he never purchased. The money was stolen when Proudfoot was employed as a principal at an elementary school in 2014, and he was charged in 2015, but had already moved to Florida and was working at a school in the state. He resigned not long after the story of his charges broke.

Proudfoot was also arrested in Orange County this past Valentine’s Day when he purchased a gold necklace at the Four Seasons Orlando and charged it to someone else’s room.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Finally Reopening

Soon guests will once again be able to receive magical makeovers at the very popular Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique  at both Magic Kingdom Park and at Disneyland.

Magic makeovers are back!

I’m pleased to share that earlier today, a magical proclamation was found in Fantasyland announcing a very special return. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique will soon welcome young guests once again for royal head-to-toe transformations at both Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland park at Disneyland Resort on August 25.

Our cast members – Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices – will transform guests ages 3 to 12 into some of their favorite Disney characters with hairstyling, makeup, costumes and accessories. In addition, the reopening ushers in even more options to choose from, including a new hair accessory especially designed for textured hair and new costumes featuring some of Disney’s newest heroes and heroines coming later this year.

Located in the heart of Magic Kingdom and Disneyland park, the reopening of these two iconic locations will join the slate of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutiques aboard Disney Cruise Line, including the newest addition at sea on the Disney Wish. And stay tuned for more details about Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Disney Springs, which will reopen at a later date.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has a long legacy of making dreams come true for children around the world. My mom and I frequently reminisce about the day my kid sister had her royal makeover. It was truly a magical moment for my whole family, and I just can’t wait to share that experience with other families when Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique returns to Disney World and Disneyland.

Guests may begin making reservations for these magical transformations in early August only in the My Disney Experience app and Disneyland App, or at DisneyWorld.com and Disneyland.com. Valid admission and park reservations are required for entry into Magic Kingdom Park and Disneyland park.

Disney Drops ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ Teaser Trailer!

It’s hard to believe, but 29 years have passed since the Sanderson sisters descended on Salem, Massachusetts on All Hallows Eve to suck the lives out of the children, so they could live forever. Time sure does fly (maybe on a broomstick?) when you are having fun. But now we are so excited to see that the Sanderson sisters are set to return to our screens in Hocus Pocus 2 on September 30! Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy, and Sarah Jessica Parker are all coming back as well, reprising their roles as Winifred Sanderson, Mary Sanderson, and Sarah Sanderson, respectively.

So, we know that a lot of the stars of the original film — including Doug Jones, AKA Billy Butcherson — will be returning to the new film. We also know that viewers will learn about the lives of the Sanderson sisters as children, and we know that September 30 will be the premiere date. What we were missing? A trailer. Now that has changed and Disney has released an official trailer for Hocus Pocus 2!

Foodie Guide to Disney Springs Flavors of Florida 

It’s almost time for Flavors of Florida Presented by CORKCICLE! From July 5 through August 14, over 30 restaurants and shops at Disney Springs will be celebrating fresh flavors from the Sunshine State. These locations are serving up a slice of summer with refreshing beverages and delicious dishes, all inspired by Florida. Let’s dive right into all the foodie fun!

Amorette’s Patisserie

  • Blood Orange Éclair – Éclair filled with triple blood orange mousse, topped with tangy citrus jam and candied blood orange.
  • Blue Citrus Sauvignon Blanc Slushie – Matua sauvignon blanc, Blue Curaçao syrup and lemonade. Served in a Flavors of Florida Corkcicle.

The BOATHOUSE

  • Coconut Panna Cotta – Coconut panna cotta, layered with mango gelée and topped with tropical fresh fruit, shredded coconut and a crispy coconut shortbread cookie.

Chef’s Art Smith’s Homecomin’

  • Southern Fried Hand Pies – A pair of fried pastries filled with moonshine-glazed strawberry compote and served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
  • Blood Orange Margarita – Dobel Diamanté tequila with fresh-squeezed lime juice and blood orange purée, garnished with a fresh Florida orange

Chicken Guy!

  • Florida Sunshine Shake – Hand-spun, vanilla, soft serve ice cream and fresh Florida orange juice, topped with whipped cream and garnished with an orange wheel. (Not available for online orders.)

City Works Eatery & Pour House 

  • Smokehouse Cuban – Hardwood-smoked pulled pork shoulder, ham, shaved hot link, smoked provolone, Robonaut Red mustard and spicy bread & butter pickles, on a Cuban roll.

Coca-Cola Rooftop Beverage Bar

  • Sunshine Orange Chill – St. Augustine vodka, orange juice, topped with Sprite and served in a souvenir Coca-Cola glass.

D-Luxe Burger 

  • Lime Garage Burger – Deluxe patty, topped with pepper jack cheese, pork belly and fried green tomato, served with an avocado, lime and jalapeno spread.
  • Orange Garage Burger – Deluxe patty, topped with pepper jack cheese, pork belly, lettuce, served with an orange and onion marmalade.
  • Orange Bird Milkshake – Artisanal shake made with vanilla gelato and orange, topped with sprinkles.

Dockside Margaritas

  • Strawberry Basil Margarita – Herradura reposado tequila and lime juice, with strawberry purée and garnished with shredded basil leaves.

Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC

  • Orange Blossom Cupcake – Moist vanilla cupcake, piped with orange-flavored frosting, topped with orange zest and a flower garnish. (Vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free.)

Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew

  • Citrus Dream Donut – Orange glazed donut with white buttercream, drizzled with orange icing and topped with an orange gummy and fresh mint leaf.
  • Orange Lemonade with Sweet Cream Foam – Limited-edition summer treat, made with fresh-squeezed orange lemonade and topped with sweet cream foam.

Frontera Cocina

  • Shrimp Ajillo Tostada – Tostada topped with roasted garlic-guajillo Florida pink shrimp, avocado, jicama, local heirloom cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, orange and a citrus-soy vinaigrette.

Gideon’s Bakehouse

  • Orange Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookie – An almost-half-pound vanilla bean cookie infused with orange essence and mixed with dark chocolate, covered in pecan pralines and candied orange peel.

The Ganachery

  • Strawberry Shortcake Chocolate Treats – Strawberry chocolate, white crisp pearls, speculoos cookie crumbles and strawberry crispies.

House of Blues Restaurant & Bar

  • Voodoo Shrimp – Sautéed Florida Gulf Shrimp in an Abita Amber beer reduction sauce, served over jalapeño-cheese cornbread.
  • Green Gator – Siesta Key Toasted Coconut Rum mixed with melon liqueur, simple syrup and pineapple juice.

Local Green Orlando Food Truck

  • Kingston Mango Pineapple Lemonade – Tropical flavors of mango and pineapple with refreshing lemonade.

Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar 

  • Florida Gulf Shrimp Tacos – Jerk-spiced shrimp served in a grilled corn tortilla with watermelon pico de gallo and topped with sliced jalapeno.
  • Jock’s Citrus Old Fashioned – A cocktail classic with a Florida summer twist.
  • Florida Mule – Florida cane vodka, ginger beer, orange juice and simple syrup. Served in a Flavors of Florida Corkcicle.

M&M’S Store 

  • M&M’S White Chocolate Key Lime Pie Candy – Brightly colored, white chocolate candies, available by the half-pound and pound from the color wall.

Outdoor Vending 

  • Blood Orange Gin & Tonic – St. Augustine Gin, Tipplers orange liqueur, blood orange Monin and tonic water, garnished with an orange wedge.

Paddlefish 

  • Key Lime Pie – A rich but tart key lime filling and airy toasted meringue.

The Polite Pig 

  • Cuban Sandwich – Classic Florida sandwich made with crusty bread and piled high with sliced ham, roasted pork, cheese and dill pickles, spread with a tangy sauce.
  • Key Lime Mojito – Rum cocktail, mixed with fresh-squeezed lime juice and club soda, garnished with fresh mint sprigs and lime.

Rainforest Cafe

  • Key Lime Ceviche Tostada – Shrimp, scallop and mango ceviche, avocado mousse and cilantro-cabbage slaw with citrus vinaigrette, accompanied by cilantro lime rice and Cuban black beans.
  • Sailfish Brewing Sunrise City IPA – West coast-style IPA brewed with Columbus, Amarillo and Mosaic hops, featuring a smooth finish and notes of bitter citrus.

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant 

  • Home Grown Strip Steak – A 12oz cut, grass-fed and locally raised at Florida’s Adena Farms, served with béarnaise sauce, Cipollini onions, sautéed wild mushrooms and Raglan’s twice-cooked millionaire homemade chips.

Salt & Straw 

  • Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper ice cream

Splitsville Luxury Lanes

  • Grilled Key West Pink Shrimp Salad – Grilled shrimp served over a spring mix with strawberries, oranges, cucumbers, tomato, parsley, onions and feta tossed in strawberry vinaigrette.
  • Spiked Guava Lemonade – Guava puree and fresh-squeezed lemon juice with St. Augustine vodka, topped with a splash of soda water.

Swirls on the Water 

  • Orange Bird DOLE Whip – Soft-serve DOLE Whip Orange topped with sprinkles and an Orange Bird garnish.
  • Watermelon DOLE Whip – DOLE Whip Watermelon piled high on a slice of fresh watermelon. Limited quantities available daily, while supplies last.

Terralina Crafted Italian

  • Italian Sangria – Special blend of cabernet sauvignon, brandy, peach and lemon, garnished with Florida orange slices and served by the glass or in a pitcher for four.

T-REX

  • Blackened Shrimp Salad – Salad greens dressed with Florida orange blossom honey and Key lime vinaigrette topped with blackened shrimp, seasonal berries and goat cheese croutons.
  • Oyster City Mangrove Pale Ale – Classic pale ale with a malty body and mild hops, fermented in mangos to add a tropical, fruit-forward flavor.

Vivoli il Gelato 

  • Pineapple and Coconut Shake – A rich and creamy shake made with pineapple and coconut sorbetto, topped with a mini pineapple and coconut layer cake.
  • Orange Blossom Gelato – Frozen Italian treat made with orange blossom pilsner beer and Savannah Bee orange blossom honey, served in a cup or waffle cone.
  • Key Lime Cannoli – A delicate pastry shell filled with sweet cream made of ricotta and key limes.

Wine Bar George 

  • Frozen Old Fashioned – DOLE Whip Orange blended with Hooten Young American whiskey and aromatic and orange bitters. (Purchase a Wine Bar George limited edition Corkcicle and enjoy a complimentary frozen drink.)

Guests can pick up a Flavors of Florida event guide upon arrival at the Disney Springs Welcome Center or any participating location.