Hailing from the vibrant state of Louisiana, where creativity flows as freely as the Mississippi River, artist Malaika Favorite has managed to channel the state’s lively spirit and transform it into a masterpiece that will decorate the walls as part of the queue of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, an attraction inspired by the animated film, “The Princess and the Frog,” opening at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort next year.
Taking inspiration from the numerous murals and other works of art that decorate building exteriors throughout New Orleans, Princess Tiana’s desire to adorn the location with art is in keeping with the spirit that artwork is to be enjoyed and accessed by everyone.
When we were exploring how to introduce guests to the story of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure as they prepared to embark on the attraction, maintaining the authenticity of Princess Tiana’s experience as a young Black woman striving to achieve her dream in the soulful backdrop of New Orleans was one of our highest priorities. It only makes sense that an extensive search for an artist who could bring our vision to life brought us to Malaika’s doorstep.
Malaika’s art currently graces the halls of the Baton Rouge Gallery with a striking collection that explores the cultural heritage of African Americans and who we are as a people. Her artistic talent has been evident since she was old enough to hold a paintbrush. By the first grade, teachers were already paying her to commission pictures and posters. Her skills have only continued to blossom since then as she transforms canvas, wood, and metal into eye-catching displays.
Continuing the storyline from “The Princess and the Frog,” Malaika’s mural for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure features a collage of breathtaking scenes on two of the building’s exterior walls as you enter the indoor queue. These scenes highlight Tiana’s professional journey and the creation of Tiana’s Foods. When Tiana was young, her father made her promise to “never, ever lose sight of what is important,” and the mural will reflect those elements: family, friends, food, music, art, and bringing folks together.
I am humbled by the level of research and detail Walt Disney Imagineering has paid to bringing the authenticity of New Orleans to Disney parks and resorts to immerse guests in this empowering tale. When you visit Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, we want you to feel like you have truly stepped foot inside the next chapter of “The Princess and the Frog” in a way only Disney can bring to life.
Guests can fully experience this remarkable collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Malaika Favorite when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Disneyland Park in California and Magic Kingdom Park in Florida in 2024.
