Layla Hildreth went viral for hand-making a Disney Princess and the Frog-themed prom dress. Disney Imagineers recently acknowledged her abilities by inviting her to preview the new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction. Disney’s new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will open in the Magic Kingdom on June 28 at Walt Disney World in Orlando.
The teen, who just graduated from Shades Valley High School in Alabama, told WRBC last month, “I am going to Disney guys! I get to see the premier before Disney Bayou opens. I get to see Tiana and go to a few parties and spend time with my family and all expenses paid.”
Hildreth met voice actors Michael-Leon Wooley, who played Louis, and Anika Noni Rose, who portrayed Princess Tiana in the film “Princess and the Frog,” which served as the inspiration for Hildreth’s clothing.
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Hildreth’s narrative fascinated Disney Imagineers so much that they invited her and her family to the resort, according to Charita Carter, an executive creative producer on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and Disney Imagineer. They were able to see the brilliant teen’s outfit debut at the “Dig a Little Deeper” showcase as well.
Hildreth said that she taught herself how to sew and obtained her first sewing machine when she was just 12 years old. She spent five months creating the dress, which landed her this opportunity.
The proud teen told Florida Today, “I didn’t expect for the story to touch so many people. I know people my age have seen Tiana, but they don’t really talk about it as much as they used to. So I’m just glad it’s coming back.”
As reported by USA Today, Hildreth is currently working on more varsity jackets for Georgia State University, her future college, even though she recently completed other projects that required altering her parents’ pants.
But rather than selling her art, she is currently honing her craft and using her abilities to make gifts for others.
She expressed, “I’m trying to learn how to use my embroidery machine better so that I can actually start selling things.”
