NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Music is just one part of the magic at Disney World’s attractions and for the new ride, “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” which is New Orleans-themed.
A band every New Orleanian is sure to recognize, St. Augustine High School’s “Marching 100” band is helping add to the soundtrack.
WGNO’s Kenny Lopez and photographer Justin Abshire are at Disney World for the debut of “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.”
When Disney calls, you answer.
“They sent the music to us, and we had to learn it,” said St. Aug’s band director, Ray Johnson Sr.
Disney called Johnson, wanting his band to play a song for Walt Disney World’s latest attraction.
“The song we played was ‘Dig a Little Deeper,'” he said.
“Dig a Little Deeper” is from 2009 Disney movie, “The Princess and the Frog.” The characters from the hit movie are all part of the new attraction. The ride’s theme takes place after the movie ends. Tiana is growing her new restaurant, “Tiana’s Palace.” On the ride, Tiana is throwing a big party and Mardi Gras celebration to thank her family and friends for all their help and support. The new ride is said to be around 15-minutes long. The new ride will be replacing “Splash Mountain,” which was at Disney World for about 30-years.
Johnson said, “It is a good feeling to be part of this ride. All the students wanted to do it because they all grew up watching the movie.”
The “Marching 100” only had one week to learn the song, which was recorded in front of St. Louis Cathedral alongside Grammy-award winner PJ Morton.
“They provided us with music, and we had to practice two hours a day. The good thing about having so many takes is that every time they played it, it got better, and better and better,” Johnson said.
For Johnson, knowing that his band’s music will be heard on the new ride feels magical.
“It becomes part of the people, the ones who come and enjoy the ride. Of course they will associate that with us,” Johnson said.
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