Models for new New Orleans-themed Disney ride revealed
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L-R: Myla Reese Poree, Disney CEO Bob Iger and Stella Chase Reese with Disney executives. Photo: Paul Morse/Disney
The family of iconic New Orleans chef Leah Chase, along with members of the media, got a first look at Disney's new audio-animatronic models for "Tiana's Bayou Adventure" earlier this week.
Why it matters: Chase was largely the inspiration for Disney's first, and so far only, Black princess, Tiana.
- Chase's daughter, Stella Chase Reese, and granddaughter, Myla Reese Poree, were in attendance for the presentation.
Behind the scenes: Based on 2009's "The Princess and the Frog," the completed figures included different iterations of Princess Tiana and other characters, including Prince Naveen, Charlotte, Eudora, Louis and Mama Odie.
What they're saying: "[Leah Chase was] a woman who had the sense of community, family and making a difference in the world. This is a story about a woman who changed New Orleans," said Carmen Smith, a Senior VP at Disney.
The Chase family has been actively involved in the creative process with Disney.
What's next: The ride formerly known as "Splash Mountain" will open this summer at Walt Disney World, and later this year at Disneyland Resort.
Here's a few photos from the reveal:
