Today, we’re sharing a fascinating first look from Walt Disney World at the newly installed custom handcrafted weathervane created by Louisiana’s master blacksmith, Darryl Reeves.
What sets Darryl’s Disney weathervane apart is that it’s crafted using centuries old techniques with a subtle African flair. And just like a good pot of gumbo, Darryl and his apprentice, Karina, have taken everything they’ve learned throughout their careers to help us tell the story of Princess Tiana.
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.
Continuing the storyline from Disney Animation’s “The Princess and the Frog,” Malaika’s mural for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure features a collage of breathtaking scenes displayed 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 really important,” and the mural will reflect those elements: family, friends, food, music, art, and bringing folks together.
We’ve reached an exciting milestone in the construction of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure with today’s news that a tiara-topped tower emblazoned with the Tiana’s Foods logo made its way to Magic Kingdom marking the start of the exterior transformation of the attraction.
Check out all the details that went into this install here!
