The opening of the Tiana’s Palace restaurant marks the next step in bringing more of Princess Tiana’s stories to life in New Orleans Square. This journey began with the introduction of Eudora’s Chic Boutique, featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets, last year, and will continue with the opening of the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction in 2024. The excitement around expanding Princess Tiana’s story, paying homage to the cuisine of the Crescent City, and welcoming guests into Tiana’s Palace in just a few short weeks is palpable.
The restaurant will feature many elegant yet subtle details that offer hints at Tiana’s rich past in New Orleans. Beneath the lit marquee that reads “Tiana’s Palace,” which hangs above a metallic gold balcony, there is an emerald green wrought iron railing and awnings dyed in yellow and green. These details are reminiscent of Tiana’s beautiful formal ball gown. Patrons will find themselves surrounded by the colors of Mardi Gras as they sit at yellow tabletops on warm vanilla-colored chairs with green seats, all shaded by yellow and green umbrellas.
Disney Imagineers drew inspiration from the film for the interior of the restaurant, which includes a large mural of the bayou. There are also other references to Tiana’s story – lilies represented on numerous signs, plaques, and light fixtures; frog porcelains; cookbooks Tiana has collected on little shelves; and her father’s favorite gumbo spoon, proudly on display. Additionally, letters from her father and neighbors, as well as a childhood photo of Tiana, can be spotted.
Interestingly, the design of Tiana’s Palace from the Disney Animation film “The Princess and the Frog” was inspired by the French Market Restaurant – the former establishment in this space – in New Orleans Square at Disneyland park. In the film, Disney Animation artists added a wheelhouse and two smokestacks to give Tiana’s restaurant an iconic silhouette. When it came time to bring Tiana’s Palace to life at Disneyland, Disney Imagineers made those same additions to create the real Tiana’s Palace, making this a full-circle moment.
The anticipation is high to welcome guests to see this exciting transformation and mark the return of the Mint Julep Bar. At Tiana’s Palace, patrons can enjoy new menu items that represent Tiana’s story and honor the flavors and flair of New Orleans. The effort has been made to source some ingredients directly from the state of Louisiana when possible. Additionally, guests will be able to mobile order these new dishes on the Disneyland app when the location opens. A first look at the full menu is expected to be available soon on Disney Eats.
