For generations, princesses were portrayed as beautiful damsels in distress who lived in castles, waiting to be saved by a handsome prince. However, when Disney introduced Princess Tiana, the first Black American princess, her story originated in the kitchen.
Princess Tiana is inspired by the legendary chef and “Queen of Creole Cuisine,” Leah Chase, based in New Orleans. Princess Tiana’s narrative brought representation, reminding other Black girls that they, too, can be princesses, and anything they want to be, at that, and do not have to be “in need of rescuing” to make it happen. Tiana, a Black woman entrepreneur, showcases the passion, talent, and ambition that exists in all of us to make our dreams come true.
The film Princess and the Frog was released in 2009 and has become a fan favorite, so much so that Princess Tiana’s story has since expanded, including to Disney theme park rides including Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, and culinary products in the Disney universe to spread the magic of the southern soulful bayou.
Now, Princess Tiana is being taken on the road. With efforts to connect with children across the nation who may not be able to visit the Disney Parks, Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President, Creative Development – Product & Content for Disney Experiences at Walt Disney Imagineering, along with Disney’s Imagineering team and Stella Chase, the daughter of Leah Chase, worked together to create Tiana’s Joyful Celebration. This original traveling exhibition is dedicated to bringing New Orleans’ vibrant culture to cities around the country through immersive and community‑focused storytelling.
Beginning in March, the exhibit launched at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, known for being the biggest museum for children in the world. It will remain there for the rest of 2026. In January of 2027, the exhibition expands nationwide to 12 more cities.
According to Smith, Tiana’s Joyful Celebration is about Princess Tiana’s next chapter. It brings history and culture together in an immersive experience that highlights the beauty of Mardi Gras.
“To be able to tell a story of [Princess Tiana] that has that kind of dimension to it, where kids from every walk of life and young Black girls and young Black boys see this character that has this entrepreneurial mindset, that has the attributes of community and family, it’s because of having an idea and working with an amazing team,” Smith says.
She continues, “I felt that there is still more to tell of Tiana, that there is a next chapter to her story, and thought about how she can really get young people engaged in, not just storytelling, but in fun and play and exploration and adventure.”
The exhibit is not a place where you come and observe. Tiana’s Joyful Celebration has different activities where kids and adults are assigned “tasks” to work together to make the Mardi Gras parade happen. There are four areas for guests to explore: Eudora’s Chic Boutique, the Food Float, the Music & Royal Float, and the Food Truck. Some of the stations involved cooking, coloring, and even learning some cool dance moves to get you in the Mardi Gras spirit.
Tiana’s Dad’s Famous Gumbo
If you are familiar with Southern cuisine, then you know about gumbo: a staple dish from Louisiana that is delicious and flavorful. At this station, guests are guided through a step-by-step process to create Tiana’s dad’s famous gumbo. You take replicas of the ingredients, put them on display, and mix them in a pot ready to serve. When choosing the sausage, shrimp, veggies, and rice, it created a sense of nostalgia for me of being in the kitchen with my grandmother and great aunt.
Finish the Mural
This cool digital art activation allowed people to color a creation designed by Louisiana artist Malaika Favorite. Instead of crayons or paint, you are given a paintbrush, and by pressing a color button, it activates the color you want as soon as the brush touches the screen. You have the option of choosing the colors red, purple, blue, green, and yellow to paint with. Once the mural is fully colored, it resets itself to white, so everyone has a chance to bring out their inner artist. The original piece was created for the opening of the attraction Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World. But now, children all over can be a part of the artistic storytelling in Tiana’s world.
Second Line Dancing
As an ode to traditional New Orleans culture and how they celebrate in parades, you get a lesson in second line dancing. Within a parade, there is a brass band, and in the second line, people are able to dance, enjoy the music, and engage with the community. Within the exhibit, visitors see a choreographed tutorial of dance moves performed by dancer Terrylyn, also known as “SecondLine Shorty.” Whether it’s a criss-cross, a side shuffle, or a skip, you get moving in a new way.
But that’s not all. After you have your fun getting ready for the Mardi Gras celebration, you are welcomed by a real-live band playing and a special guest appearance by Princess Tiana, accompanied by her jazzy alligator friend Louis. Tiana engages the crowd, getting everybody dancing and cheering after a day of moving about and learning from the activations.
Tiana’s Joyful Celebration is a great extension of the widespread impact the groundbreaking character has already had on so many people. It shows representation in an authentic way and allows people to find magic in cultural traditions they may not be familiar with.
“What I want little Black girls to know from this exhibit is that you can be anything you want to be,” Smith says. “I know for me, I used to sit in front of the TV and watch Diahann Carroll. She is a great storyteller, and when I was younger, I realized if she could do it, so could I. So, my hope is that little girls and little boys feel a sense of presence. Because every idea is worthy and you can have fun while going after it.”
