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!

Are you excited to plunge down the Salt Dome this summer? Let us know!