Designing Disney: LSU Alum Adds Art to Disney Ride
February 13, 2025
Two-time LSU graduate Malaika Favorite brought her artistic vision to Disney World's newest ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The new park ride attraction was inspired by the animated film, “The Princess and the Frog.” Favorite’s mural, inspired by the Louisiana setting of the film, greets visitors entering the ride.
– Photo Courtesy: Malaika Favorite
"My goal as an artist is to present a dialogue between the viewer and the work of art, something that reveals a new dimension every time you visit the work," Favorite said.
Favorite, who received her Bachelor of Arts in 1971 and Master of Fine Arts in 1973 from LSU, brought new life to the Magic Kingdom Park's Splash Mountain Ride.
“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,” said Carmen Smith Sr., president of Creative Development — Content, Product and Inclusive Strategies for Disney Parks, to The Advocate. “It only makes sense that an extensive search for an artist who could bring our vision to life brought us to Malaika’s doorstep.”
Favorite's mural features the jazz-loving character Louis
– Photo Courtesy: Disney
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