Cast Member Brings Bayou Country to Life with New Cast Costumes

Ashton Montgomery, Costume Designer with Disney Live Entertainment, got the call of a lifetime shortly after Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disneyland Resort was announced. She was selected to help create a new costume collection for cast members that will bring the vibrant atmosphere of Mardi Gras to life on the bayou just in time for the transformation to Bayou Country when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens on November 15, 2024.

Ashton’s #DisneyCastLife spans a wide range of experiences across both coasts. Starting with a summer job at Walt Disney World in food & beverage in 2011, she later found her passion for attractions during her Disney College Program in 2014. After gaining hands-on experience in various roles and receiving her Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design from the University of California, Irvine, she returned to Disney as a professional intern with Disney Live Entertainment. Ashton eventually transitioned into her dream role as a full-time costume designer. 

When Ashton became a full-time costume designer, she joined the project team tasked with bringing Princess Tiana’s dream to life. Her involvement in this project deepened her connection to the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans, a connection that she channeled into her costume designs for Disneyland Resort. 

Her designs go beyond mere uniforms; they are integral to the storytelling, setting the stage for guests as they step into Bayou Country. Each costume is thoughtfully crafted to reflect the lively culture and spirit of New Orleans, transforming the cast into true storytellers.

The inspiration for the costumes comes from a blend of period authenticity, New Orleans culture and creative imagination. Ashton began her design process by researching period photos from farmer’s markets, envisioning what Tiana’s friends and coworkers might wear in real life.

“We incorporated historical references, such as men’s workwear from the period, but with modern updates for durability and comfort,” Ashton said. A vibrant palette inspired by “Mardi Gras vegetables” as Ashton likes to call it, was developed, mixing classic Mardi Gras hues with earthy tones. From prints mimicking flour sacks repurposed into clothing to playful motifs, each piece weaves a part of Tiana’s story, inviting guests to discover magic in every detail.

The design process was a collaborative effort, evolving over several years. “We engaged in frequent discussions with Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), refining the designs to ensure they suited both the attraction and cast members’ roles,” she said. The team conducted fit tests with cast members who would eventually work at the attraction, fine-tuning costumes to balance functionality with immersion in Tiana’s story. The costumes are designed to be mix-and-matched, allowing cast members flexibility, and are made from breathable fabric to ensure they stay comfortable throughout the day.

Ashton shared her excitement for the next phase, eager to see her designs come to life with the opening team. “[Cast members] are hopefully going to fall in love with these outfits. I really want it to be something they feel comfortable in and like they are a part of the story of Bayou Country.” She looks forward to seeing how they’ll mix and match the pieces, bringing their own creativity and personal style to the costumes.

Ashton’s connection to the Bayou Country reimagination feels like a storybook come true. She fondly recalls her days working in attractions, where she would dream about one day becoming a costume designer for Disney. Fast forward to today, and Ashton’s vision has become a reality. Her designs don’t just outfit cast members; they breathe life into the entire area of the park. “I take costumes to heart because I was the cast member wearing them day in and day out,” she said.

The new Bayou Country cast costumes are about more than just clothes— they’re about creating a deeper connection between the cast and the story. Ashton believes these new looks will not only elevate the cast members’ roles but also bring a vibrancy to Bayou Country. Guided by her creativity and passion, Ashton, along with a collective talent of costumers, buyers, pattern makers, sewers and more come together to bring these designs to life– ensuring that every costume is not just an outfit, but an invitation to experience Disney storytelling in a new and meaningful way. 

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened in Walt Disney World on June 28, 2024. Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens in Bayou Country on November 15, 2024 at Disneyland Resort.