To mark International Chefs Day, we turn our attention to the enchanting portraits at the Royal Banquet, in the heart of Disneyland Hotel, where Imagineers have honoured the most famous chefs from Disney’s animated classics.
These majestic paintings bring gastronomy to life and make our mouths water. From ‘The Little Mermaid’ to ‘The Princess and the Frog’, food is intricately tied to the characters’ memories, magic, and talents. In addition to the Royal Banquet’s refined dishes, the décor truly captivates, featuring a series of exclusive paintings that portray Disney characters busy at work in the kitchen. Let’s take a look at the stories behind some of these paintings.
Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather
Cooking is a magical expression of passion, but it can also lead to unforgettable mishaps … like the iconic scene in Sleeping Beauty, where the three fairy godmothers argue over how to bake Aurora’s birthday cake. Despite their good intentions, the result is a lopsided but undoubtedly delicious monumental layer cake!
Kronk
Yzma’s right-hand man in ‘The Emperor’s New Groove’, who is more at home in the kitchen than plotting evil schemes, is pictured here with his famous spinach puffs. Kronk’s culinary talents prove that everyone can cook – even the villains!
James
This portrait of Tiana’s father from ‘The Princess and the Frog’ adds some heartfelt warmth to the room. He is pictured here with his famous gumbo, the signature dish of New Orleans. James had a dream: a restaurant that brings people together. His portrait at the Royal Banquet pays tribute to the power of cooking – not only as a source of dreams and community, but also as a symbol of a father’s love for his daughter. It’s a reminder that the legacy of a great chef often lies in passing on his passion to the next generation.
There are lots of other paintings at the Royal Banquet, each telling its own magical story.
The artwork at the Royal Banquet is more than just beautiful decoration; it celebrates the importance of sharing, skill, and creativity – the very essence of the culinary profession – with humour and grandeur.
This International Chefs Day, these paintings remind us that behind every dish – whether it’s a lovingly crafted birthday cake or a signature dish representing a specific culture – there is a chef pouring their heart and soul into it.
Happy International Chefs Day to all the chefs out there!