North Texas families will have an opportunity to experience a little Disney magic with a distinctly cultural flavor when Tiana’s Joyful Celebration arrives at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History in Spring 2029.
The groundbreaking attraction is the first museum exhibition ever created around Disney’s Princess Tiana, the beloved heroine of The Princess and the Frog. Produced by Walt Disney Imagineering and The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the immersive experience celebrates the music, food, art, dance and community traditions that define New Orleans culture.
The exhibit recently welcomed a special guest: actress and entertainer Jenifer Lewis, the legendary voice of Mama Odie and one of the most recognizable figures in Black entertainment. During her visit, Lewis sang, danced and interacted with families exploring the exhibit, which features her voice alongside original cast members Anika Noni Rose, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jennifer Cody and Bruno Campos.
Set in 1920s New Orleans during Mardi Gras season, Tiana’s Joyful Celebration invites visitors to help Princess Tiana prepare for a community parade. Guests can design Mardi Gras costumes and masks, play Zydeco and percussion rhythms with Prince Naveen and the Bayou Community Band, learn traditional second-line dances, and even help prepare Tiana’s father’s gumbo recipe while discovering the history behind one of Louisiana’s most iconic dishes.
The experience also pays tribute to the influence of the late Leah Chase, the legendary New Orleans chef and civil rights-era businesswoman whose life inspired aspects of Princess Tiana’s story. The exhibition draws inspiration from The Princess and the Frog, Disney’s Tiana’s Bayou Adventure attraction, and Chase’s enduring legacy in New Orleans culture.
For many families, Princess Tiana represents far more than a Disney character. Since her debut in 2009, she has served as a symbol of perseverance, entrepreneurship and representation for young Black audiences. Through hands-on experiences centered on teamwork, creativity and joy, the exhibit expands that legacy while introducing visitors to the traditions that shaped her story.
While the exhibit is currently on display at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis through January 2027, its scheduled stop in Fort Worth offers North Texas families something unique to anticipate: a nationally touring celebration of Black excellence, cultural heritage and one of Disney’s most beloved modern princesses.
Photos and video courtesy of The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis.
