Putting the show in showboat

Going to Disneyland is like entering the magical world of Disney films.

And with the upcoming release of the new Disney animated film “The Princess and the Frog,” being a part of the magic is even easier.

Now through Jan. 3 at Disneyland a daily float/parade-show hybrid, “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!” brings some southern fun to the Mark Twain Riverboat and New Orleans Square.

And Disneyland is looking for some park guests to be an active participant in the show. And here’s the scoop to get you on the boat and show. Before the first show starts at 11:15 a.m. each day, some performers in Mardi Gras, colorful outfits will walk around the area from the Haunted Mansion to the Mark Twain Riverboat dock. Look for them to be carrying small clipboards.

On a recent trip I encountered the performers at 11 a.m., but they have come out earlier. They’ll be wearing colorful and flashy outfits, you can’t miss them. All you have to do is stop them, ask to be in the show and get a special ticket. That’s it, easy as that. There does seem to be a height requirement, as guests must be able to see and reach over the railings on the Mark Twain.

The ticket directs guests to the dock. It’s there that instructions are given on what will happen and what each guest will do. The show starts with a parade procession of a full band, dancers and characters from the film including Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen, making their way from New Orleans Square to the dock.

The song from the film, “Down in New Orleans” is performed as beads as tossed to guests along the route. When the procession gets on the boat the song “Gonna Take You There” is performed. The guests on the boat wave around multicolored handkerchiefs to the music while the boat makes its way to the front of where “Fantasmic!” is performed.

Tiana performs the song “Almost There,” while the guests on the boat receive instructions and get ready for the next number “When I’m Human.” That song is performed by Louis, the jazz playing alligator.

What’s a Disney film without a talking animal?

During that number, the guests are given big musical notes to wave around. This adds to the fun and gets you into the song. The villain of the film, Dr. Facilier, then makes an appearance and performs the song “Friends on the Other Side.” The dancers and professional performers on the boat wave around scary ghost-like flags and banners to show that yes, the song is being done by a villain.

After the heroes get rid of Dr. Facilier, it’s time for the big finale “Dig a Little Deeper.” The guests are given tambourines and costumes to wear, a sequined yellow and purple robe that made me feel like a Lakers fan as an extra of the film “Sister Act.”

As the last number ends, the Mark Twain starts to make its way along the Rivers of America while the song “Gonna Take You There” plays again. Performers and guests continue to shake the tambourines and dance along for the people by Splash Mountain and Critter Country.

After the show guests are able to meet with Louis, Tiana and Naveen. Tiana and Naveen are great with each guest; they both spent a few minutes talking with my niece, which made her day.

She also said she loved Louis, because “he was so soft.” Special “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!” beads are given out for guests to take home. Overall it is a unique experience for Disney fans and children alike. My niece really enjoyed being a part of it.

The songs are infectious and you’ll find yourself humming along to them throughout the day. One complaint was that her arms were getting tired of waving around the big music note and tambourine. The show runs about 20 minutes, longer if you are a participant.