Credit: DisneyDisneyland, the most magical place on earth, experienced some disheartening and disgusting behavior from a couple of guests who decided racism was funny.
Newsflash, it isn’t. Here’s what happened.
Disneyland Guests Throw Racist Tantrum, Angering Dozens of People
It’s supposed to be the Happiest Place on Earth. But sometimes, even a ride through a musical bayou can reveal the ugliest parts of human behavior.
A recent guest report from Disneyland has sparked concern, heartbreak, and deep outrage online after a disturbing encounter took place on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—a ride meant to celebrate joy, inclusion, and Disney’s first Black princess.
The incident, shared on Reddit, has since gone viral, shining a spotlight on what happens when hate, entitlement, and ignorance disrupt the magic for everyone.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the troubling account, what Disney’s response has (and hasn’t) included, and what this means for fans, safety, and the future of cultural inclusion in theme parks.
What Happened on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure?
The report was posted by Reddit user u/Larg3_Marg3_Sent_M3 on the popular r/Disneyland subreddit. According to their account, they were seated behind a group of large, rowdy teens or young adults who immediately began yelling during the ride and repeatedly shouted racist remarks.
Most disturbingly, they allegedly flashed white power hand signs at the Tiana animatronic figure and attempted to splash water at it throughout the ride.
“The yelling, cursing and racism didn’t stop for the entire ride,” the user wrote. “At one point, one of them even stood up.”
Racist people on Tiana's
byu/Larg3_Marg3_Sent_M3 inDisneyland
The guest shared that they chose to let the behavior continue to ensure the group would be captured on Disney’s security footage, then immediately reported the incident to a Cast Member upon unloading. While the ride manager took their report seriously, noting they would alert security, the guest said there was no visible security presence at the exit, leaving them with mixed feelings about the response.
“I wish I could forget it. It was truly upsetting.”
How to Protect Your Magic: What to Do If You Witness Inappropriate Behavior
While rare, disruptive or even hateful behavior can occur at any large public attraction. Here’s what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation at Disneyland:
-
Don’t escalate. Let the ride continue without confrontation; safety comes first.
-
Document what you can. Take discreet photos or mental notes of those involved.
-
Report immediately. Find the nearest Cast Member or Guest Relations station.
-
Ask for a manager. Especially in serious cases, escalate beyond frontline staff.
-
Request a follow-up. While Disney may not always give updates, asking ensures your complaint is logged and tracked.
Guests also have the right to file a formal complaint online or via the Disneyland app.
Insider Tips for a Better (and Safer) Visit
Frequent Disneyland visitors and locals know a few tricks for avoiding uncomfortable moments:
-
Ride early or late. Crowds are thinner, and rowdy behavior is less common.
-
Ask for front row seating. Cast Members may accommodate requests when possible.
-
Use the Disability Access Service (DAS) if needed. For guests with anxiety or PTSD, this can help reduce exposure to triggering environments.
-
Keep Guest Services numbers saved. In case you need to make a report after leaving a ride or area.
Why This Matters to Disneyland Fans
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is more than a ride—it’s a cultural milestone. Replacing Splash Mountain, which had ties to racially insensitive themes from Song of the South, the reimagined attraction represents progress, celebration, and visibility. For many Black Disney fans and allies, it’s a deeply personal experience.
That’s why incidents like this feel especially painful.
Fan reactions across social media have ranged from heartbreak to fury. Some questioned whether Disney has done enough to train staff or deter bad behavior. Others defended the company, noting the sheer size of the parks makes it impossible to catch everything in real-time.
“Where do young people learn this awful behavior?” the Reddit poster asked. “What is wrong with this world, for them to have so much misogyny and hatred for a fictional character?”
As Tiana’s Bayou Adventure continues to welcome guests in the coming months, many are watching to see how Disneyland upholds its promises of inclusion, safety, and joy—for every guest.
Final Thoughts: The Magic Shouldn’t Come with Misery
Disney parks are built on wonder, escapism, and shared experiences. But when hate and bigotry invade that space, it’s not just the magic that disappears—it’s trust.
As fans, it’s our responsibility to speak up, stand with others, and demand better from ourselves, each other, and the companies we support.
Because no princess—real or animatronic—deserves to be targeted for who she is.