Aspiring Chefs Follow in Princess Tiana’s Footsteps at Disney World
Last week, a group of young chefs gathered together at Walt Disney World for a weekend of food, inspiration, and Disney encouragement.
Part of a unique collaboration between Walt Disney World Resort, Visit Orlando, New Orleans & Company, and Southwest Airlines, the group included 24 young female chefs from New Orleans, Louisiana, who share a passion for cooking.
![Attendees visited the MICHELIN star-winning Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and got to learn side-by-side with world-class Disney culinarians.](https://disneyparksblog.com/app/uploads/2024/07/Aspiring-culinarians-visit-WDW-3-767x376.jpg)
Disney
The young culinarians were specially selected from various non-profit organizations and experienced a 4-day journey inspired by Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog.”
Drawing on Inspiration
The character of Tiana is based on the legendary NOLA restaurateur Leah Chase, who also inspired this unique experience.
The young women experienced a one-of-a-kind Disney adventure complete with fine dining, fun in the theme parks, and a special tour of the MICHELIN star-winning Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
![One of the visiting aspiring chefs showcases a dish to her fellow tripmates and members of the Disney culinary team.](https://disneyparksblog.com/app/uploads/2024/07/Aspiring-culinarians-visit-WDW-2.jpg)
![One of the visiting aspiring chefs showcases a dish to her fellow tripmates and members of the Disney culinary team.](https://disneyparksblog.com/app/uploads/2024/07/Aspiring-culinarians-visit-WDW-2.jpg)
Disney
They also experienced the kitchens firsthand for a behind-the-scenes look and to learn from Disney’s world-class culinary teams.
“I love this trip; it’s been so amazing,” exclaimed 19-year-old Dailayah Ernest from Warren Easton High School. “[This experience] will help me find the right spot for me. I also hope this inspires other women and little girls to follow their dreams because good things happen to people who follow their dreams!”
Inspiring the Future
This is just one example of Disney’s commitment to developing future generations of dreamers.
![The group dropped on in to say hello to Princess Tiana, Louis, and all the critters of the bayou at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.](https://disneyparksblog.com/app/uploads/2024/07/Aspiring-culinarians-visit-WDW-1-647x431.jpg)
![The group dropped on in to say hello to Princess Tiana, Louis, and all the critters of the bayou at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.](https://disneyparksblog.com/app/uploads/2024/07/Aspiring-culinarians-visit-WDW-1-647x431.jpg)
Disney
“Food brings people together – whether it’s over a table to share a meal, or like today, when these talented young women visited Central Florida to spend time with our culinary cast here at Walt Disney World,” said Chef Christine Weissman, Culinary Director. “Many of us here at Disney found our own passions by studying with more experienced chefs, so it’s special that we get to share some of that inspiration with our new friends today.”
The best part of the trip? The future chefs rode Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and met Princess Tiana herself. The aspiring women returned home with new knowledge, inspiration, and encouragement from Princess Tiana to “Never, ever lose sight of what’s really important!”
![logo](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-27-at-7.33.36-PM-300x172.png)
![logo](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-27-at-7.33.36-PM-300x172.png)
Photo: MickeyBlog
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Feature Photo: Disney
Feature Photo/Article Source: Disney Parks