Disney Teamed Up With a Local Small Business to Create the Water Tower for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
In case you haven’t heard, we’re almost there, and Tian’s Bayou Adventure will officially open at Magic Kingdom in just one month!
Ahead of the new attraction’s debut, Disney is continuing to reveal more of the backstory behind the attraction and its creation.
The last time we checked in, we learned that a special tribute to military veterans would be added to Tiana’s Bayou Adventure queue.
Now, however, I want to take you back outside the attraction, where Disney has given more information about the signature water tower that has been constructed for the ride.
Introducing Icarus Exhibits
Ever since the earliest concept art for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a large water tower has been showcased. The tower reads “Taina’s Foods” and is topped with a larger-than-life tiara.
In order to bring the structure to life, Disney Imagineers teamed up with a local business in Central Florida named Icarus Exhibits to create the regal water tower.
Icarus Exhibits was founded in 1987, just down the road from Disney World. The local business specializes in creating intentional, themed designs that help bring immersive environments to life. Disney and Icarus first teamed up in 1990, and the partnership has proven to be fruitful ever since.
Among the projects that Icarus and Imagineering helped create together are:
– The Lightcycle shown in the exit area of TRON Lightcycle/ Run
– The speeder located in Galaxy’s Edge
– The giant Toy Story characters are located throughout Toy Story Land.
A Water Tower Fit For Royalty
To create the Tiana’s Foods water tower, Walt Disney Images came up with the design and then turned to Icarus to help turn those dreams into reality.
“Whenever we’re creating new experiences, we frequently work with trusted and valued industry leaders like Icarus,” said Peter Ricci, principal show manager at Walt Disney Imagineering. “That was no different for the construction of the beautiful water tower at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. I’ve had the privilege of working with Icarus for more than two decades now, and their work as a longtime collaborator never ceases to amaze me.”
Throughout the entire process, Disney and Icarus worked in tandem to make sure that every piece of the structure was perfect.
“There’s an immense sense of pride to know that you’ve built it,” Icarus co-owner Mark Ireland. “First, there’s a little bit of relief that everything turned out and was installed correctly, but mostly there’s pride.”
For Icarus co-owner Drayton Knox, the project was extra special as he has lived in Florida his whole life.
“Growing up here in Florida, I’ve been going to Magic Kingdom since I was seven years old,” he said. “Any time we work on anything at the park, it’s special. Working on an attraction like Tiana’s is really cool.”
Collaboration is Key
After working together for so many years, the teamwork between Imagineering and Icarus is stronger than ever. Interestingly, Icarus General Manager Jennifer Smith spent a decade working at Walt Disney Imagineering before landing her current position.
“My combined past of working for Disney and working with Icarus definitely helped prepare me for my role at Icarus today, as I have a deep understanding and respect for both sides of the work,” Jennifer said. “I am immensely proud of the work we produce for all of our clients. It is also quite fun to still have an opportunity to leave my mark at Disney!”
The collaboration between Disney and Icarus is just the latest example of how Disney supports small businesses in Florida. To learn more, visit DisneyFlorida.com
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