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Disney is bringing the magic of 'The Princess and the Frog' directly to fans across the U.S. with a brand-new travelling exhibition titled Tiana’s Joyful Celebration, set to launch in 2026. Revealed at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, the new initiative is designed to bring Princess Tiana’s magical world to families who haven’t had the chance to visit major theme parks.
Kicking off in March 2026, the exhibition will open at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, made possible through a creative partnership between Disney and the museum team. The museum is actively involved in the design and planning of the immersive experience, as well as helping determine future stops on the national tour.
According to Disney's Carmen Smith, Senior VP of Creative Development at Disney Parks and Walt Disney Imagineering, the decision to create a touring experience came from a desire to make Tiana’s story more accessible. While the recently opened Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attractions in Disney parks have delighted visitors, Disney also recognised that many families might not have the opportunity to visit in person. The goal is to bring Tiana’s spirit and inspiration directly to local communities.
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Image Courtesy: ABC News
Jennifer Pace Robinson, CEO of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, revealed that the exhibit is built to be completely hands-on, inviting visitors to jump in and explore every part of it. Children will be able to participate in hands-on activities like gardening, gumbo-making, dancing, and music-making alongside Tiana and her beloved critter companions. The experience is crafted to feel like an authentic journey into Tiana’s New Orleans, complete with street lamps, Mardi Gras beads, and cultural celebrations.
Concept sketches show families joining in a Mardi Gras parade finale, where guests contribute their own “special spice” to a joyful community celebration filled with music, movement, and vibrant visuals.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
Princess Tiana Embodies Great Values
As for why Princess Tiana continues to receive so much attention, Smith noted that her character embodies universally admired values like kindness, family, and community. She’s not only a groundbreaking African-American Disney princess but also a relatable figure for children of all backgrounds. Smith recalled seeing a young boy clutching his Tiana doll with deep affection — a moment that affirmed the character’s broad and heartfelt appeal.
While Disney recently announced that its planned animated Tiana series is no longer moving forward, Sivonne Davis, VP of Marketing Strategy for Walt Disney World, explained that the story is far from over. Instead of continuing on screen, Tiana’s next chapter is unfolding through real-world experiences like this exhibition — showing Disney’s ongoing commitment to telling meaningful, inclusive stories in new ways.
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Image Courtesy: IMDb
For Stella Chase, daughter of the late Creole chef Leah Chase — the real-life inspiration behind Princess Tiana — the travelling exhibit fulfils her mother’s lifelong vision of making culture and inspiration accessible to all. Chase emphasised that while theme parks are magical, not every family can make the trip, and this initiative ensures that the joy of Princess Tiana reaches everyone, everywhere.
