A weathervane has been installed atop Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom. This weathervane is custom made by Louisiana’s master blacksmith, Darryl Reeves. Darryl is a 3rd generation master blacksmith and also a Vietnam Veteran. In New Orleans, one can barely walk two blocks before seeing metalwork he has created. His work can be found in historic wrought iron fences and intricately designed custom pieces. His work isn’t just found in New Orleans, though. It is found around the world, now also at Walt Disney World. Darryl has over 50 years of service creating beautiful wrought iron work, making him the perfect person to create a weathervane for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure.
Darryl has a workshop in the historic Seventh Ward in New Orleans. There, heat emanates from many furnaces that are used to create his shop’s labors of love. There are dozens of works on display in his gallery that show off the artistry and complexity that Darryl and his apprentices have created.
“I take metal and do anything I want with it,” the master blacksmith proudly says. “To have a free hand to design and fabricate the weathervane for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure…that’s an honor.”
Disney shared that Darryl and his apprentice, Karina, have taken all that they’ve learned throughout their careers to help tell the story of Princess Tiana and her journey to open Tiana’s Foods in this new attraction.
This weathervane for Princess Tiana uses centuries old techniques that have a subtle African flair. Darryl and Karina have poured their love into this smoldering iron to create this masterpiece. This is in line with Walt Disney Imagineering’s highest priorities of bringing the authenticity of New Orleans to Disney Parks and resort and create an immersive experience for guests in this tale. Disney hopes that guests visiting Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will have the feel of going on a trip down the Louisiana Bayou in the way only Disney can.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be opening in 2024 at both Walt Disney World Resort in the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Resort at Disneyland Park. What do you think of this beautiful weathervane that has been created through the collaboration of Walt Disney Imagineering, Darryl Reeves, and Karina Roca? Are you excited to see it in person? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
