Disney has unveiled a painting by a New Orleans-based artist that will inspire its new attraction based on Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog.
Opening in late 2024, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is replacing Splash Mountain at Florida’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland in California.
Walt Disney Imagineers are collaborating with a host of academics, musicians and artists across the New Orleans region to create the new ride.
“When our Walt Disney Imagineering project team first looked for local inspiration, we were drawn to the work of an incredibly talented artist, Sharika Mahdi,” says Carmen Smith, Imagineering‘s senior vice president of creative development.
Painting by New Orleans artist Sharika Mahdi
“Sharika has contributed a unique and authentic perspective to the project, capturing the essence of New Orleans through a series of original artwork commissioned by our team.”
Smith describes the artwork as a “jazz club scene with an ensemble of affable amphibians” that “lovingly illustrates the jubilance and liveliness of this musical city”.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure picks up where the film ends. Guests join Tiana, Naveen and Louis on a musical adventure through the bayou as they prepare to host a Mardi Gras celebration.
“Tiana means to me perseverance, dedication and a vision. First of all, she’s an African American young woman, so I see myself in her,” says Mahdi.
“Being from New Orleans, being from the city, everything is moving… everything is musical, constantly moving, [there’s] a certain rhythm to New Orleans.”
“I want to show this is what it’s about, being a part of New Orleans and being a part of the culture,” she adds.
“As an African American woman in pursuit of her own creative ambitions, Sharika connects with Tiana on this very meaningful level,” Smith says.
The reimagined ride will remove elements from 1946’s Song of the South, which has been accused of perpetuating racist stereotypes.
Images: Disney
