Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Will Feature a Tribute to Military Members and Veterans
In just over a month, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will officially open at Magic Kingdom, and we here at MickeyBlog could not be more excited.
As we get closer and closer to the attraction’s debut, Disney has started to reveal more details about what Tiana’s Bayou Adventure has in store for guests.
Photo: Disney
While we have previously highlighted the new characters, animatronics, and music that will soon premiere in Magic Kingdom, today I want to turn your attention to Tiana’s father, who will be highlighted in the Bayou Adventure queue.
Tiana’s Tribute to Her Father
Fans of The Princess and the Frog will likely remember that Tiana’s father, James, was a World War I veteran. As Disney has a long history of supporting veterans and celebrating our country’s heroes, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure team wanted to pay special tribute to James.
Another image from the queue. Photo: Disney
In the Bayou Adventure queue, guests will see photos of James and his regiment, expanding on the character’s backstory.
“We looked for inspiration for how we could best expand on his backstory in a way that honored the military families who visit our parks,” said Ted Robledo, executive creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering.
“In creating these photos for the attraction, we were inspired by real photos of soldiers who served during WWI to ensure we got it right.”
Tiana’s father with his regiment. Photo: Disney
The new photos were inspired by the story of the 369th Regiment, one of the first African American regiments to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during WWI. The unit was famous for its bravery, with many members eventually being awarded the prestigious Croix de Guerre medal by the French government for their valiant service.
Honoring Military Members and Veterans
The tribute to military heroes inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was especially meaningful for project lead Charita Carter, as the executive creative producer for Walt Disney Imagineering is the daughter of a career U.S. Air Force officer.
Charitia Carter’s father. Photo: Disney
“Growing up in a military family is a wonderful and challenging experience that we hoped to pay tribute to inside our newest attraction, even if in a small way,” said Charita.
“In this expanded story, you will see just how much Tiana is proud of her father and his military service. Just like so many of the families who visit us are proud of their military hero. I know I am very proud of my family’s military service, including my father and sister.”
Charita and her father. Photo: Disney Parks Blog
As with any great Disney attraction, the magic of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be in the details. I, for one, can’t wait to see what Disney has cooked up!
Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below. One of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon! Also, thanks for reading!
