Beginning with our founders Walt and Roy O. Disney, and their service to the country during the First World War, the Walt Disney Company has long admired U.S. military service.
Throughout our 100-year history the Walt Disney Company has been honored to continually celebrate military service and veterans. That admiration, we hope, has continued to shine in a special way at Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, now open at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
June 18, 2026: A Father’s Day Tribute Hidden Inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
As families celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, one of the meaningful tributes to fathers can be found in an unexpected place: inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom and Disneyland park.
When Walt Disney Imagineering in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios created the attraction, they expanded the story of Tiana’s father, James, a decorated World War I veteran whose influence helped shape the hardworking, determined character Disney fans know and love.
In one spot in the attraction’s queue and story, guests can discover photos, memorabilia, and touching letters that James sent his daughter Tiana while serving overseas during WWI that honor both military service and the families who stand behind those who serve. Disney Imagineers specifically designed these elements as a tribute to military families.
In the two years since Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened, many veterans have shared that Disney’s recognition of both service members and the sacrifices of military families makes the attraction especially meaningful.
Many have pointed to the relationship between Tiana and her father as one of the most touching aspects of the story. For military fathers in particular, the tribute resonates on a deeply personal level, especially around Father’s Day when families reflect on the role fathers play in shaping future generations.
This small but powerful tribute honors the enduring legacy of fathers who serve—one that continues to inspire future generations, just as James inspired Tiana.
May 23, 2024: New Photos Dive into Tiana’s Dad James’ Military Backstory
Fans of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ The Princess and the Frog will recall that Tiana’s father, James, was a veteran of World War I. Walt Disney Imagineering took this as inspiration and built upon his story inside the attraction in partnership with their fellow storytellers at Disney Animation.
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.
Real Family Pride Shines Through This Imagineer Tribute
As the daughter of a career U.S. Air Force officer, being able to include a tribute to military heroes inside this new attraction holds special significance for project lead Charita Carter, executive creative producer for Walt Disney Imagineering.
“Growing up in a military family is a wonderful and challenging experience that we hoped to pay tribute to inside our newest attraction, even if in a small way,” said Charita.
“In this expanded story, you will see just how much Tiana is proud of her father and his military service. Just like so many of the families who visit us are proud of their military hero. I know I am very proud of my family’s military service, including my father and sister.”
Disney Honors Service Members During National Military Appreciation Month
As we continue to recognize National Military Appreciation Month, this touching nod to all military heroes joins other tributes to veterans throughout Disney parks.
These include our daily flag retreat ceremonies, ferry boats sailing the Seven Seas Lagoon outside Magic Kingdom named in honor of Navy and Army veterans who helped build the parks and more.
Disney’s salute to military service members, veterans and their families continues this summer with the grand opening of the President George W. Bush Portraits of Courage exhibit June 9 at American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT. We also look forward to welcoming the military athletes and their families participating in the 2024 DOD Warrior Games as this inspiring competition returns to Walt Disney World June 21-30.
