Walt Disney World Resort: Magic Kingdom music has long been performed by colorful casts of original characters, from the celestial songs of Sonny Eclipse to the grizzly bearitone of Big Al, and from grim-grinning ghosts who dance on graves to rhythmic rascals, scoundrels, villains and knaves. There’s a room where the birds sing words and the flowers croon…and a dapper Dad whose carousel chorus keeps us focused on great big, beautiful tomorrows.
Building on that toe-tapping tradition with this summer’s opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure* (the attraction also opens later this year at Disneyland Park) is an original cast of Audio Animatronics characters who play magical, musical roles in the attraction’s celebratory story.
That story finds Princess Tiana – after an apparent mix-up between Prince Naveen and Louis – leading a last-minute search for a band to perform at her Mardi Gras celebration. And, this being the bayou, the search leads to a wild array of resourceful critters playing instruments fashioned from natural materials and found human objects.
As the likes of Tiana, Naveen, Louis and other familiar friends from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog need no introduction, let’s take a closer look at some of the attraction’s original stars, with names and insights provided by the characters’ creators at Walt Disney Imagineering, and artwork drawn by Disney Parks Merchandise artists.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Phina the Gray Fox – Phina’s enthusiasm extends beyond her drumming, as she’s constantly thinking of new ideas with optimism and energy! This imaginative fox is continually starting new projects with excitement, and her friends accept and celebrate her unique thinking.
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.
Octavia the Bobcat – Octavia plays the vaksin, a single-note horn instrument popular in Rara music. She’s an adventurous bobcat kitten, and she loves climbing and hanging out in trees almost as much as she loves performing. This daredevil almost never gets scared.
Pawpaw the Bobcat – Not only is Pawpaw Octavia’s devoted grandfather, but he also taught her how to play the vaksin! Pawpaw lives to make Octavia smile and has the view that everything has a way of working itself out – he’s seen it all but isn’t jaded.
Claude the Louisiana Black Bear – Claude is a salt of the earth kind of bear (or, as they say in the bayou, “salt of the mound”) who plays his horn along with the other members of his family. He’s a tinkerer who loves to create with things found in the forest, and is frequently funny without intending to be, especially when it comes to his home-grown creations.
Sebastián the Louisiana Black Bear – Though he’s definitely a “mama’s cub,” Sebastián charted his own musical course as a drummer, despite his parents being devoted horn players. He’s happy to follow his friend Octavia’s adventurous lead as they explore and play, and he’s fascinated with the small details in the bayou, like the insects and mushrooms.
Bernadette the Louisiana Black Bear – Bernadette loves to enjoy life, from splashing in the waters of her bayou home with her cub, Sebastián, to playing the horn with her mate, Claude. She’s a clear thinker and is warm and supportive. Bernadette loves to sink into the bayou waters and munch on plants (so long as Sebastián is clearly within sight).
Felipe the Frog – Deep among the cypress trees, you’ll hear band leader Felipe making musical magicon the piano! Felipe is also the proprietor of an exclusive bayou night club, where the local fireflies love to dance the night away to a musical recipe of hot rhythms and spicy melodies. He’s an old-school family guy, especially to his “family” in the band.
Mayra the Frog – Have you ever seen a frog play a flower blossom like a trumpet? You will when you meet Mayra; be sure to stick around for one of her toe-tapping solos. Mayra’s the most ambitious of the four frogs and has been practicing her instrument since she was just a tadpole!
Mondo the Frog – Mondo is a natural on the conga drums, which he made as a happy accident when his favorite bottle cap got stuck on his second-favorite acorn. From there, the rhythm in Mondo’s soul took over! He’s very copacetic and accepts what comes, a trait as steady and reliable as his drumbeat.
Isabel the Green Tree Frog – Learning from Mondo’s example, Isabel loves getting lost in the music playing her congas. She’s the youngest member of the group, and there’s nothing she loves more than “going with the flow” and getting to play drums all night long!
Of course, not every new friend we meet in the attraction is a musician. Among the other originals, for example, are frogs Gloria and Delores – best friends who love to observe folks as they float by in logs. And keep an eye out for Lari the armadillo. This mischievous fella, while quiet in demeanor, seems to always show up where you least expect him.
Inspired by the creative pillars of “Art,” “Music,” “Food” and “Firefly Magic,” merchandise designers created a colorful collection of take-home treasures to serve as tangible memories of guests’ adventures in the bayou, from casual wear to kitchen ware, and toys to treats. Here’s a peek at just a few of the collection’s standout selections. To learn more, scan this QR code to enjoy a made-for-Members inside look at the broader merchandise collection, filmed for the Disney Files On Demand YouTube playlist.
Trip Tip: Remember to present your valid photo ID and Disney Vacation Club Membership Card to receive your discount on qualifying merchandise at select Disneyland and Walt Disney World shops.
*Theme park admission is not part of the ownership interest and is sold separately.
**See important eligibility information at the bottom of page 1.
