The Walt Disney Company has a long legacy of honoring those who have served in the military. Back before Disney was a thing, both Walt and his brother Roy O. Disney served during World War I. Built on that foundation, The Walt Disney Company has continued to honor and admire U.S. military service. One way that this can be seen is in Disneyland and Magic Kingdom each day during the patriotic flag retreat. During the lowering of the flag, active and retired service people are honored.
Disney will also be honoring military service in another way with the opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. This will be through the story that is told about Tiana’s father, who served in World War I. Walt Disney Imagineers new this about Tiana’s father and decided to add to his story throughout the attraction. This was done in partnership with Walt Disney Imagination.
James’ Backstory in Photos
The process that was done really was done with great care. Ted Robledo, executive creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering, shared how they were able to expand James’ story and also honor veterans while doing it. One of the things that makes Tiana so unique, he shared, is how relatable her story is. Her mother was an entrepreneurial dressmaker. 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.”
Photos of soldiers who servied in the 369th Regiment were used as reference for expanding James’ backstory. This regiment was one of the first African American regiments to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. It was renowned for its bravery and many members were even awarded the prestigious Croix de Guerre medal by the French government for their valiant service in action.
Real Inspiration
For Charita Carter, executive creative producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, being able to honor military heroes inside Tiana’s Bayou Adventure was personal. She is the daughter of a U.S. Air Force officer.
“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.”
National Military Appreciation Month
May is National Military Appreciation Month. This addition in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is just one of many nods from The Walt Disney Company to all military heroes throughout the parks. Along with the daily patriotic flag retreat ceremonies on a daily basis, Walt Disney World also has ferries named after Army and Navy veterans who helped build the parks. On June 9th, the new President George W. Bush Portraits of Courage exhibit will open at the America Pavilion in EPCOT. Military athletes and their families will also be welcomed back to Walt Disney World Resort for the 2024 DOD Warrior Games in June.
Heroes Work Here
Disney also has Heroes Work Here. This is a company-wide initiative to hire, train and support returning veterans. As of its 10th anniversary in 2022, Heroes Work Here had led to the hiring of over 12,500 veterans. At the time, Latondra Newton, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of The Walt Disney Company said, “The program is designed to recognize and honor their sacrifice and service and offer opportunities for veterans and military spouses as they look to build meaningful careers following their military service. Many of them have helped us continue to build and enhance the program with new ideas and innovative ways we support veterans at Disney.”
Heroes Work here led to the creation of the Veterans Institute in 2013. Disney describes this as a “series of complimentary events designed to help companies enhance their recruiting, training, and development of veteran talent. Bringing together veterans, business experts, government officials, and leaders of veteran nonprofits, the Veterans Institute provides a forum for sharing best practices in hiring veterans and military spouses, as well as networking and advice for a successful transition from the military to the civilian workforce.”
As National Military Appreciation Month comes to a close, Disney continues to show its appreciation and dedication to those who have served in many different ways. Just one of these is through the telling of James’ story in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. What do you think of this nod to service members in this attraction? Are you excited about this addition to the attraction? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
