Not gonna lie, we are seriously obsessed with and loving the continuation of Tiana’s story all centered around the late, great matriarch of Dooky Chase’s restaurant in New Orleans, Leah Chase.
It all started when Leah Chase became the central inspiration to the 2009 The Princess & The Frog film, set in New Orleans and ft. Disney’s first Black princess, Tiana based on Leah Chase. We were fortunate enough to work with the incredible Disney team on the film side, collaborate with Randy Newman on “Gonna Take You There” from the movie. spent time with John Lasseter in New Orleans and at the film premiere in Burbank, and the band even performed at a party Disney hosted. We will never forget that experience!
Here we are now in 2024 and the story leads us to a new Disney theme park ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opening June 28, 2024! And yep, like the film, the ride will have all the music and cultural markers New Orleans is known for, including zydeco! There will be a quick serve restaurant at the park as well, called Tiana’s Palace. And to put a bow on it, Disney brought the Chase family be the first to experience the new ride in Orlando in April 2024!