Life as a Disney cast member can take some pretty unexpected turns, and for some, it results in a dream-come-true scenario that most of us can only fantasize about. Ashton Montgomery’s career with The Walt Disney Company began with a summer job at Walt Disney World in Food & Beverage in 2011 that ignited her passion. Through her years in the Disney College Program, Montgomery made her way to Disney Live Entertainment, where she finally transitioned into her dream role as a full-time costume designer. The passionate cast member’s dedication to the job paid off when she was selected to help create a new costume collection for cast members ahead of Disneyland’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction opening on November 15th, 2024. Disney describes the costume collection as bringing “the vibrant atmosphere of Mardi Gras to life on the bayou just in time for the transformation to Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens.” Let’s take a look at some of the new styles Montgomery helped create that will be seen when the attraction opens this Fall:
Attractions Cast Costumes
Entertainment Cast Costumes
‘We incorporated historical references, such as men’s workwear from the period, but with modern updates for durability and comfort,’ Ashton said. A vibrant palette inspired by ‘Mardi Gras vegetables’ as Ashton likes to call it, was developed, mixing classic Mardi Gras hues with earthy tones. From prints mimicking flour sacks repurposed into clothing to playful motifs, each piece weaves a part of Tiana’s story, inviting guests to discover magic in every detail.
Custodial Cast Costumes
Retail Cast Costumes
Ashton’s connection to the Bayou Country reimagination feels like a storybook come true. She fondly recalls her days working in attractions, where she would dream about one day becoming a costume designer for Disney. Fast forward to today, and Ashton’s vision has become a reality. Her designs don’t just outfit cast members; they breathe life into the entire area of the park. ‘I take costumes to heart because I was the cast member wearing them day in and day out,’ she said.
Disney Parks Blog
Food and Beverage Cast Costumes
We can’t wait for this attraction to open in Disneyland Park later this year. Let us know what you think of the new cast member styles that will be on stage in November!
