Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee builds ‘Princess and the Frog’ excitement

I don’t know about y’all but I can’t wait to get down the bayou with “The Princess and the Frog.”

To be honest, the television spots aren’t what has me hopping with excitement: It’s the fun-filled “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee” at the Magic Kingdom that has my toes a-tapping.

If you have not seen this song-and-dance extravaganza yet, get yourself there. It’s really two events in one: a parade through Liberty Square and then a rollicking show aboard the riverboat as it passes through Frontierland.

The parade is a hip-swiveling, umbrella-twirling, soul-filled stroll through the Square. Maybe his frog-legs experience helps him, but Prince Naveen proves to be a smooth operator on the dance floor.

Best spot to watch? The parade comes out of the back of the Diamond Horseshoe, right past the covered area with restrooms that leads to Adventureland. Position yourself kitty-corner to the Horseshoe, with the Disney Vacation Club at your back. This way, you’ll see the parade approach toward you and then turn toward the riverboat landing.

Once the parade moves away from you so the cast can embark on their cruise, make your way down to the boardwalk that runs along the riverbank through Frontierland. You’ll want to move a ways down … to the Country Bears area. That way, you’ll see the boat come toward you and then be in good viewing location to watch the show when the boat stops.

The show features more singin’, dancin’, tambourine playing, gospel-choir robes, a nasty card trick by the movie’s villain, all set to that New Orleans groove. At my last viewing, people were trying to sing along even though they didn’t know the songs — just because the rhythm is so infectious.

The movie opens Friday, and I can’t wait. But do NOT wait to see the show. It’s running on a limited engagement through Jan. 3 only. Showtimes are generally early afternoon. This week, catch it at 12:15, 2 and 3:45.

One hopeful sign: I heard several guests telling Disney survey takers after the show how much they enjoyed it. (Frankly, I think it’s better than the 3:00 parade.) Let’s hope Disney listens, and keeps Tiana’s music flowing. You too will be singing, “Dig a little deeper…”