If you are a fan of Disney’s Princess and the Frog movie that inspired the new attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Park, you might remember that part of the storyline included a few references to her father, James, and his service in the military. Disney is committed to honoring the hard work of those in the military and will be featuring more of James’ backstory in the new attraction. Walt Disney Imagineering, in partnership with their fellow storytellers at Disney Animation, is expanding our understanding of this supporting character with new story elements that will be highlighted in the 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 photos that served as reference for the expanded backstory of James were those of soldiers who served in 369th Regiment, one of the first African American regiments to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. This unit was renowned for its bravery and many members were awarded the prestigious Croix de Guerre medal by the French government for their valiant service in action.
Read More About The Inspiration Behind This Backstory on Disney Parks Blog
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open in just a few week’s time at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom!
Zoë Wood is a travel writer from Sydney, Australia. Since her first visit to Disneyland at the age of 6, she has spent her years frequently visiting Disney Parks and traveling around the world.
Join Zoë as she lets you in on all the tips, tricks, anecdotes, and embarrassments that arise from her family adventures.
