Princess Tiana's Roots Unveiled at Dooky Chase Exhibit

The Magic of Disney and the Legacy of Princess Tiana

Disney has always been known for its ability to blend imagination with authenticity, and this philosophy was clearly on display during the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans. The event, held in early July, showcased not only the vibrant culture of the city but also a significant milestone in the story of one of Disney’s most beloved characters—Princess Tiana.

During a special brunch at Dooky Chase, a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that plays a central role in Tiana’s story, Disney made an exciting announcement. In collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the company unveiled a new initiative called Tiana’s Joyful Celebration. This project aims to bring Tiana’s journey to fans across the country through an immersive traveling exhibition.

What is Tiana’s Joyful Celebration?

Tiana’s Joyful Celebration is a new traveling exhibit that expands on the story of Princess Tiana, who first appeared in The Princess and the Frog. The exhibit is developed by Walt Disney Imagineering, the team responsible for creating the Tiana Bayou Adventure attraction that opened at Disneyland in November 2024. The goal of the exhibit is to create a fully immersive museum experience that allows visitors to engage with Tiana’s world in a deeper way.

According to Sybil Crum, Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Strategy at the Disneyland Resort, the foundation of Tiana’s story is rooted in the film, which was released 15 years ago. “We’ve expanded her story in two main ways at Disneyland,” Crum explained. “First, we introduced New Orleans Square, which includes Eudora’s Chic Boutique—a shop owned by Tiana’s mother, who was an expert seamstress. That’s part of her background.”

In addition to the boutique, Tiana’s Palace, a restaurant inspired by the movie, was brought to life in New Orleans Square. “The food is amazing, and the ambience is incredible with live jazz music on stage,” Crum said. “You’ll see Tiana come through in her elegant dress, hosting guests and sharing her story.”

Expanding the Story Beyond the Screen

Beyond the theme park, Disney has also introduced other elements that further explore Tiana’s legacy. One such element is Bayou Country, where the Tiana Bayou Adventure attraction comes to life. Another is Tiana’s Foods, a food company that extends Tiana’s entrepreneurial spirit beyond the restaurant she owns in the movie. These initiatives allow fans to not only experience Tiana’s world but also be inspired by her dreams and aspirations.

The traveling exhibit will give children across the country the chance to engage with Tiana’s story in a new and meaningful way. By bringing the exhibit to different cities, Disney is ensuring that more people can connect with the character and learn about the real-life inspirations behind her journey.

The Significance of New Orleans

New Orleans remains at the heart of Tiana’s story, and the announcement of the latest expansion took place at Dooky Chase, the restaurant that inspired the character. The event was attended by Stella Chase, the daughter of Leah Chase, the woman who served as the real-life inspiration for Princess Tiana.

Crum emphasized the importance of New Orleans in Disney’s storytelling. “New Orleans is a real place that people can experience,” she said. “It’s a place that inspired Walt Disney to create a land at Disneyland to honor it for the last 70 years. It celebrates real people and their stories.”

She added, “The Chase family is a real family with a legacy that has been part of the community for over 50 years. We love that connection. It shows how our stories aren’t just fantasy—they’re rooted in real lives and real aspirations. Leah Chase’s legacy has had a profound impact on generations, and it’s an honor to walk in that storied place and see Tiana’s story evolve.”

When Will Tiana’s Joyful Celebration Begin?

The traveling exhibition will officially launch on March 7, 2026, at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Following its debut, the exhibit will travel to 12 additional cities in 2027, offering fans across the country a chance to experience Tiana’s world in a new and exciting way.