08-07-2025
Disney's new Princess Tiana exhibit to tour U.S.
Disney is taking its love letter to New Orleans on the road, starting in Indianapolis.
Why it matters: Tiana's Bayou Adventure is the second-most popular ride at Walt Disney World, says Disney executive Carmen Smith, and is the inspiration for a traveling kid-friendly exhibit.
The big picture: Disney is collaborating with the Children's Museum of Indianapolis and the Chase family on the new interactive Princess Tiana experience, executives announced over the weekend at Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans.
Tiana is Disney's only Black princess and is based on the late chef Leah Chase.
Stella Chase Reese and the Chase family worked with Disney on Tiana's Bayou Adventure ride for several years and are advising on the new exhibit too.
How it works: Tiana's Joyful Celebration will open in March 2026 in Indianapolis.
In the exhibit, Tiana and her critter friends are throwing a parade, but the time has been moved up and children need to help with the preparations.
They'll grow pretend vegetables, cook gumbo, dress in costumes and help with music, says Jennifer Pace Robinson, the museum's president and CEO.
The exhibit ends with a gazebo where children can sing and dance with Mama Odie. They also learn they are the special spice that was missing, Smith says.
Zoom in: The Indianapolis museum also made an exhibit telling Ruby Bridges' school integration story.
The New Orleans native is speaking at their 100th birthday celebration next month.
What's next: The exhibit will travel to 12 cities, including Detroit, Tampa and Fort Worth, Pace Robinson says.
The Louisiana Children's Museum in New Orleans currently doesn't have display space for it, says CEO Tifferney White.
