Who’s going to be one of the first to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Disney World this summer? The actual family who inspired the Princess and the Frog story!
Model of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at the D23 Expo
Disney has made no secret of the fact that hit animated film The Princess and the Frog is based on New Orleans restaurant royalty Chef Leah Chase, the inspiration behind Tiana herself. And Disney just surprised her family with a huge honor!
Dooky Chase’s restaurant opened in 1941 as a family-run po’boy stand, and hit its stride after 1946 when Leah Chase — wife of Dooky Jr. — brought her family’s creole recipes into the kitchen and grew the restaurant into the New Orleans institution it is today.
Chef Leah Chase
Chef Leah passed away in 2019, but her daughters, Stella Chase Reese and Leah Chase, have both been involved in the ride development. And Disney has just found a way to begin returning the favor.
On Wednesday, Disney surprised the whole extended Chase family with some BIG NEWS. They would be some of the first to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure during a media preview in mid-June in Walt Disney World!
Chase Family
And in further recognition for her guidance and contributions, Disney honored Stella Chase Reese with an honorary Imagineer title!
I’ve been lucky enough to meet Ms. Chase Reese briefly, and she is truly a kind and generous powerhouse. I hope this exciting announcement helps relay what an important contribution her family has made in New Orleans and to Disney fans.
According to Disney Parks Blog, Ms. Chase Reese is excited about the forthcoming rides in both Disney World and Disneyland because “it’s a way for my mother to continue to give back.”
Honorary Imagineer!
The excitement is palpable, and we can’t wait to hear more about this inspirational family and their contributions to The Princess and the Frog, and Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open in Summer 2024. And while we don’t have a confirmed date just yet, that mid-June media preview is a compelling clue!
Read more about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on our Tiana’s Bayou Adventure page — where we’ve curated everything you need to know!
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
Are you excited to plunge down the Salt Dome this summer? Let us know!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
TRENDING NOW
Amazon's Black Friday Week is right around the corner!
Reimagined Test Track (or Test Track 3.0) is opening in 2025, and we're breaking down...
We had Afternoon Tea at The Cake Bake Shop!
We have a special throwback recipe for you today -- Cinnamon Rolls from Main Street...
Now is the time to grab gift cards!
There are a lot of changes happening at Disney World in the coming years, but...
It seems Disney is finally ready to share more exciting news about one of its...
We stopped by Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar to check out the new holiday offerings, and...
As much as we love the Disney Skyliner, there are two downsides to it, as...
This is THE BEST hidden hotel Disney World restaurant and no one can convince me...
Well, we weren't expecting this, but we may have just found an unfortunate side effect...
A new streaming option on Disney+ will allow accounts to "pause."
We got a first look at Disney's NEW Haunted Mansion lounge!
We're here to help you become a Disney World baking MASTER! Follow our step by...
An iconic Magic Kingdom attraction has suddenly closed!
Here's everything that will open in Disney World in 2025.
Want to wear some cute holiday ears for your upcoming Disney World trip but don't...
We've got a parade hack to share with you.
Big Thunder Mountain's upcoming closure could affect all of Magic Kingdom.
Every year on this day, a special surprise occurs in Disney World to mark the...