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
A NEW entertainment offering is coming to Disney Springs soon!
Disney adults -- you have to see these items on sale on Amazon!
Fans of the Disney Dining Plan will want to sit down for this EPCOT news...
Disney World's Lightning Lane system needs a CHANGE!
Check out this brand-new Bluey collection at H&M!
A favorite Disney World perk is returning to Disney's Animal Kingdom soon and we're bringing...
We're HUGE fans of these MagicBand upgrades!
These perks make staying at a Disney Hotel extra worth it.
We're taking a look at ALL of the stateroom options onboard the Disney Fantasy cruise...
Disney and Starbucks have once again joined forces to launch new mugs to their Discovery...
A new Disney Loungefly collection inspired by Sleeping Beauty just debuted online, and you're NOT gonna...
The third version of the attraction is on... track to debut later this year.
If you've been eying a new Loungefly bag, this sale is perfect for you!
Next week marks an important event that could help shape the future of Disney+!
Let's find out why this Disney World hotel is suddenly WAY cheaper!
Check out these new Disney World Disney Dining plans that were just announced!
We've got to talk about a couple of things that the Disney World bathrooms desperately...
Should Walt Disney World have ALREADY added a fifth park?
These Disney traditions are disappearing.
Some of the popular styles of up to 1/2 OFF!