One year after Princess Tiana took center stage with the launch of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the celebration of her story—and the culture that shaped it—is just getting started. Disney is taking that magic beyond the theme park gates and into communities across the country with a new traveling exhibition: Tiana’s Joyful Celebration.
The exhibit, a collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, was announced over the weekend during Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans. Festivalgoers were treated to a preview of what’s to come in this family-friendly, multi-sensory experience inspired by the music, food, and community spirit of New Orleans.
The nationwide tour will launch March 7, 2026, at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis—the largest children’s museum in the world—before heading to 12 more cities in 2027.
Princess Tiana Beyond the Parks
For fans who have long awaited more representation within the Disney canon, Princess Tiana has become a cultural landmark. The introduction of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts in 2024 was a celebratory moment, replacing the controversial Splash Mountain with a story deeply rooted in Black joy, community, and the heritage of New Orleans.
Now, Disney is doubling down on its commitment to inclusive storytelling by giving the narrative even more room to breathe.
“Tiana’s Joyful Celebration will allow children and families to literally step into her world,” said Carmen Smith, Senior Vice President of Creative Development and Inclusive Strategies at Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s a continuation of what we set out to do with the attraction—bring new, authentic stories to life through immersive experiences,” Smith shared on Disney Parks Blog.
A Call to the Community
Set in the backdrop of Tiana’s childhood neighborhood, the exhibition reimagines what a museum experience can be. Much like the Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction, kids (and their grown-ups) will be invited to join Princess Tiana in preparing for a community Mardi Gras celebration. The twist in the parade’s planning comes when the time slot gets moved up. Now, the entire community—critters included—has to come together to finish decorating the floats in time.
Guests receive a “call to action” from Tiana and are encouraged to help with music, costumes, food, and other key elements of the parade. Each section of the exhibit highlights different aspects of New Orleans culture, offering interactive stations for crafts, music-making, and culinary exploration. From mixing a roux to picking out parade beads, visitors become co-creators in a celebration of culture and creativity.
Education Meets Imagination
The exhibition was made possible through the expertise and enthusiasm of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, which will host the debut of Tiana’s Joyful Celebration. The museum, which spans 485,000 square feet of public space and includes 7.5 acres of outdoor exhibits, is known for blending fun and education
The museum, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2025, has consistently been named the best children’s museum in the U.S. by USA Today. With exhibits ranging from dinosaur fossils to cultural history, it offers a fitting home for an exhibit that blends fantasy with foundational learning.
Representation That Resonates
The essence of Tiana’s Joyful Celebration is about children walking into a space and seeing themselves not just in the story, but as essential to it.
Since her debut in The Princess and the Frog in 2009, Tiana has occupied a unique place in Disney history. She’s not only Disney’s first Black princess but also one of the few characters whose story centers around entrepreneurship, hard work, and community building.
This traveling exhibit further expands her legacy by rooting it in real-world culture. Through music, art, and community-focused storytelling, Tiana’s Joyful Celebration introduces young audiences to the beautiful culture of New Orleans while encouraging collaboration, creativity, and appreciation.
The ESSENCE of the Announcement
What better place to introduce a project centered on celebrating Black culture than in the very city that birthed both ESSENCE Fest and Princess Tiana’s story?
At the announcement, two new renderings were shared, giving attendees a glimpse into the immersive design of the exhibition. These concept sketches revealed vibrant parade scenes, interactive crafting zones, and musical moments designed to spark joy in visitors of all ages.
Looking Ahead
As Tiana’s Joyful Celebration prepares to launch in 2026, fans can expect updates about the 12-city tour that will follow. With Imagineers and museum curators already hard at work, the exhibit promises to deliver something truly unique: an opportunity to celebrate community, creativity, and culture in one unforgettable experience.
To stay updated on tour stops and behind-the-scenes content, follow @waltdisneyimagineering and @childrensmuseum on social media. Additional cities will be announced in the coming months.
If the parks were the first chapter of this new era of inclusive storytelling, Tiana’s Joyful Celebration is a full-bodied encore—one that meets families where they are and invites them to dance, dream, and decorate their way through Princess Tiana’s world. In this new chapter, everyone brings their own special spice to the pot.
Cover photo: Disney is taking Black Girl Magic into communities across the country with a new traveling exhibition: Tiana’s Joyful Celebration. All photos courtesy of Disney Experiences.
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