Cookin’ Up Inspiration with New Attraction, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

[ashleybain]

In celebration of the new attraction at Walt Disney World Resort, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Southwest Airlines flew 23 aspiring chefs from Louisiana to embark upon a culinary adventure of a lifetime in Orlando’s Walt Disney World. In partnership with New Orleans & Company, Visit Orlando, and Walt Disney World, we had the opportunity to whisk these young chefs away onboard a flight from New Orleans to Orlando and back after a few days of nonstop fun.

Disney’s new attraction was inspired by the movie, “The Princess and The Frog,” highlighting Tiana and her love for cooking. Tiana’s character was modeled after the late, great Leah Chase who was known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine and owner of the famed New Orleans restaurant Dooky Chase’s. One early summer Friday in New Orleans, the aspiring chefs were invited to the restaurant where they thought they were stopping by for “advice” and instead were surprised with a trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando!

Fast forward to mid-July, where we greeted them at the gate area of their flight to Orlando with a classic New Orleans party, thanks to the MSY Southwest Team and our partners. New Orleans & Company orchestrated a jazz band to parade around before departure and sure enough, the students, Southwest Employees, Customers, and bystanders were celebrating with a second line –just another Tuesday in the bayou state! Disney provided Mardi Gras-themed popcorn, coloring books, and Tiana trading pins while Visit Orlando shared bright orange sunglasses with all Customers as they boarded. We also surprised everyone inflight with Tiana’s cookbook full of creole recipes as a keepsake from the trip. 

Both Stella Chase, Leah’s daughter and Zoe Chase, Leah’s great-granddaughter joined the trip, inspiring these young ladies with advice along their four-day journey, which included a group ride down the bayou of Tiana’s Great Adventure, along with a special meet and greet with Princess Tiana herself.

While the ride was the main attraction, the chefs were dazzled by the magic of Walt Disney World with culinary experiences from Disney Catering Events, tours of famed restaurants, and advice from seasoned executive chefs at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

We loved cooking up a good time with everyone in the gate area and on their flights as we hosted this talented group who, like Princess Tiana, is ‘Almost There’ in reaching their dreams. A big shout out to the schools that have poured into these students as they embark upon their culinary dream - New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute, Warren Easton High School, New Orleans Career Center, New Orleans Center for Creative Arts, and Café Reconcile. Lastly, we’re grateful for our longstanding relationship with Walt Disney World, Visit Orlando, and New Orleans & Company for allowing us to play a role in this trip of a lifetime!