Meet the new Critters coming to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure - Opening at Walt Disney World in Summer 2024!

Introducing Byhalia, Gritty, Beau, Apollo, Rufus, and Timoléon, new critters you can find in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the much-awaited new attraction replacing the classic Splash Mountain attraction at Walt Disney World!

Walt Disney World have revealed some of the new characters coming to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure this summer in Walt Disney World.

These new Audio-Animatronics friends will play an important role in this new musical adventure!

In the bayou, Princess Tiana is getting ready to throw a big party, but there’s been a bit of a mix-up between Prince Naveen and Louis. Uh oh — the princess suddenly finds herself in need of a band.

Disney previously shared that all-new Disney characters were being created for this attraction and that’s where the critters come in. Even with the richest roux for your gumbo and the most delicious beignets, a true Mardi Gras celebration isn’t complete without music. We’ll follow Tiana and Louis into the bayou in a last-minute search for this essential missing ingredient for her party — musical 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.  

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.  

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. 

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. 

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.

Not only are these critters special, but so are the many innovative Imagineers and partners who are bringing them to life. Meet talented storyteller, Laura West, a lead concept designer with Walt Disney Imagineering, and the creator of these adorable critters.

In collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios, Laura carefully crafted the brand-new characters that you’ll see in the attraction.

Stay tuned, because there’s more to come from the other talented critters you’ll meet in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opens at Walt Disney World Resort this summer

We are now closer than ever to the opening Tiana’s Bayou Adventure this summer here in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort.

Here are five things everyone will get to experience when the ride opens

1. Dozens of New Audio-Animatronics Figures

You already know that no one does Audio-Animatronics figures like Disney does, and here’s a first look!

In addition to seeing Tiana in her adventure outfit, there will be a bunch of familiar faces and new friends that will fill up the bayou with their unique personalities.

2. Bands in the Bayou

Speaking of new friends: the bayou will be getting a whole swampful of new neighbors with friendly critters joining the adventure with Tiana. Not only are they musically talented, but they’re also resourceful – they built their own instruments from natural materials they found in the bayou.

3. Music from The Big Easy

There’s a lot to enjoy about New Orleans, and within the new ride we can expect all the jazz, zydeco music and more of Nawlins. Disney have been collaborating with industry legends PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard on new original music for the ride, alongside some of the tunes from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film “The Princess and the Frog.”

4. The Return of the Drop

Is there anything better in the summer than a stomach-swooping drop that ends with a cool wave of water? (Well, maybe one of Tiana’s beignets!) We can't wait to ride a log down that 50-foot drop again as part of an all-new story to love...

5. More Tiana

This ride will be all about Tiana after she made her own dreams come true and how we all have the potential to make our dreams a reality.

In Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, she’s throwing a festive party during Mardi Gras season to thank her family, friends and the entire community for all the support they’ve given her as a successful business owner; it’s incredibly special that we get to celebrate with her.

If it's happening in Orlando you Gotta Go Orlando! For the latest news from Orlando and throughout Central Florida with our Daily Orlando News.

To keep up to date with the very latest happenings in Orlando, sign up to the Gotta Go Orlando Newsletter, and don't forget to follow us on social media for everything Orlando: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

To feature your business with Gotta Go Orlando learn more about advertising with us, and to or list your events with us, submit your Orlando events here.