Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Pays Tribute to Veterans

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure storyline will honor veterans. As The Princess and the Frog fans know, Tiana’s father was a World War I veteran. Imagineers and Disney Animation storytellers decided to expand on that detail when developing the attraction.

“Throughout our 100-year history the Walt Disney Company has been honored to continually celebrate military service and veterans. That admiration, we hope, will continue to shine in a special way when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Walt Disney World Resort on June 28.”

Cappy Surette, Manager, Communications at Disney Experiences and co-chair of the Veteran Employee Resource Group known as “Disney SALUTE”

Ted Robledo, executive creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering, wanted to ensure the storytelling was authentic. He said his team looked to photos of real soldiers who served during WWI for inspiration. Those pictures came from the 369th Regiment, one of the first African American regiments to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during the war. Many members were awarded the Croix de Guerre medal by the French government. That medal is awarded for acts of heroism.

Charita Carter drew from real-life inspiration in her role as an executive creative producer on the project. Her father was a career U.S. Air Force officer. She said that guests 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.”

Disney has a long history of honoring veterans. We highly recommend watching the American flag retreat at the Main Street, U.S.A. town square in Magic Kingdom.

We can’t wait to see how Tiana’s Bayou Adventure honors veterans during Annual Passholder previews next month. The attraction officially opens in Magic Kingdom on June 28, 2024, and later this year in Disneyland.