Excitement is bubbling up like a fine gumbo as we inch closer to the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World, just a month away! To add an extra touch of magic, Disney Imagineering has teamed up with a local Orlando small business to bring a truly iconic feature to life: Tiana’s Foods Water Tower—an enchanting structure that stands 32 feet tall and is topped with a princess-perfect tiara.
Disney Imagineers partnered with Icarus Exhibits, a Central Florida design and build company, to craft this regal water tower. Known for their immersive-themed designs, Icarus has been collaborating with Disney since the 1990s. The water tower, adorned with the Tiana’s Foods logo and references to characters from “The Princess and the Frog,” symbolizes the next chapter in Tiana’s story and forms a centerpiece for the attraction.
Creating the water tower was a labor of love and precision. Disney Imagineers envisioned the design, while Icarus brought that vision to life through meticulous craftsmanship. Principal Show Manager at Walt Disney Imagineering, Peter Ricci, commended the collaboration, stating, “Whenever we’re creating new experiences, we frequently work with trusted and valued industry leaders like Icarus. Their work as a longtime collaborator never ceases to amaze me.”
Icarus co-owners Mark Ireland and Drayton Knox, both deeply passionate about the project, expressed immense pride in their work. Ireland noted the relief and satisfaction of seeing the final product installed perfectly, while Knox, a lifelong Floridian who grew up visiting Magic Kingdom, marveled at the opportunity to contribute to such a magical attraction.
Icarus has been a vital partner in creating numerous iconic Disney landmarks, such as the TRON Lightcycle at TRON Lightcycle / Run presented by Enterprise, speeder photo ops at Galaxy’s Edge, and larger-than-life figures in Toy Story Land. Their work on Tiana’s Foods Water Tower adds another feather in their cap, showcasing their exceptional ability to bring Disney’s imaginative visions to life.
As we eagerly await the grand opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure on June 28 at Magic Kingdom, we invite you to share your excitement and thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this magical news with fellow Disney enthusiasts and join in the celebration of Tiana’s enchanting new chapter! 🌟✨
(Original article by Meghan Caprez, Communications Manager, Walt Disney World Resort. For more details, visit the [Disney Parks Blog](https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/).)
