Tiana's Bayou Adventure Honors Military Service

Gallery / 2 Photos
New Photos Dive into Tiana's Dad James’ Military Backstory

Posted: Thursday May 23, 2024 10:12am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

The Walt Disney Company has a longstanding tradition of honoring U.S. military service, starting with its founders, Walt and Roy O. Disney, who served during the First World War. This legacy continues to be celebrated as Tiana's Bayou Adventure is set to open at Walt Disney World Resort on June 28.

New Insight into Tiana's Dad James' Military Background

New Photos Dive into Tiana's Dad James’ Military Backstory

Fans of "The Princess and the Frog" may remember Tiana's father, James, as a World War I veteran. In collaboration with Disney Animation, Walt Disney Imagineering expanded his story for the new attraction.

Ted Robledo, executive creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering, said that his team was thrilled to be able to expand James' story in a way that honored veterans. He shared that one of the things that makes Tiana so unique is how relatable her story is. Her mother was an entrepreneurial dress maker, and her father was a decorated veteran.

"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. "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."

The team referenced photos of soldiers from the 369th Regiment, an African American unit known for its bravery during World War I. This regiment's members were recognized with the prestigious Croix de Guerre medal by the French government for their valor.

New Photos Dive into Tiana's Dad James’ Military Backstory

Tiana's Bayou Adventure will open at Walt Disney World Resort on June 28, and later this year in Disneyland.

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HMF12 days ago

That too.

WorldExplorer12 days ago

Was that the argument? I thought everyone and their mother understood it was cheaper and easier.

HMF12 days ago

Wasn't the point of WDI using screens in lieu of AAs because they were more reliable? I guess they can't even justify that anymore.

mickEblu12 days ago

I like it better like this but yeah... embarrassing

EagleScout61012 days ago

This is comical. The screen of Mama Odie before the big lift hill has been broken for nearly 6 months now.

Bocabear20 days ago

at MK, you used to take a skyway over completely unthemed rooftops and backstage views..... No one cared back then because for the most part, everything was fairly well done. Disney has plenty of sightline issues....

Rich Brownn20 days ago

As the park expands many of those issues will disappear (for example there will be a who;e new land - or 2 - between Stardust and Potter). Like when the MK opened and the corner by TLT and the castle had a huge blank cement wall which is now hidden by trees, shrubbery and a berm.

Sirwalterraleigh22 days ago

…oh I’m in the same boat. I know i feed the beast and that’s not good. But I still hope that some balance will return. No need for these line skips in wdw…there just isn’t that many people to justify them as they try to squeeze/rig it to make it seem like there is… It’s all FOMO for prebooking now that the silly FP+ is back. Then when you’re there you realize that there just isn’t that many people on the ground. And for god sakes…stop paying for the jockeys. It’s not “status”…it’s vanity bordering on stupidity

celluloid22 days ago

This is why I had to stop going to EPCOT for awhile and now the others. Uni studios nearly has this issue. Luckily as a whole I still enjoy much of the new. It sucks when so much of the trip feels like "Oh man remember when it was this here instead?"

solidyne23 days ago

Raleigh is so right here. It's ECON 101. I am one of the "guilty" ones, plopping down my dollars. However, I am buying nostalgia, I think. I'm paying to enjoy what remnants still tap the memories, while funding the very things that are shutting off that tap!

Chi8423 days ago

Who’s dumping money on whatever they happen to be selling? Disney is expensive; I’m pretty sure people are getting discerning.

Sirwalterraleigh23 days ago

Different strokes for different folks …some wanna slap the muppets on a roller coaster…

Sirwalterraleigh23 days ago

That’s an opinion…and we know everybody’s got one Or…they can ADD a ride and not stop slapping bobs direct to video IP library in reskins everywhere? Cause that’s kinda the root of all the angst