A Taste of the Bayou in New Orleans Square: Tiana’s Palace at Disneyland
If your family loves “The Princess and the Frog” and you’re always on the hunt for better-than-average theme park food, Tiana’s Palace in New Orleans Square is going to make your Disney heart (and your stomach) very happy.
This quick-service restaurant took over the old French Market space and officially opened on September 7, 2023, bringing Princess Tiana’s dream restaurant from the movie right into Disneyland.
The Vibe: Film Details + Real New Orleans Charm
From the moment you walk up, it feels like you’ve stepped into Tiana’s world:
- The facade is painted in warm peaches and greens with her crown and water lily logo above the sign.
- Inside and along the patio you’ll spot little story details—bayou murals, cookbooks, letters from her neighbors, frog figurines, and even her father’s gumbo spoon on display.
It sits right in New Orleans Square, so as you eat you can hear the Mark Twain whistle, smell beignets from nearby, and feel like you’re in the middle of a mini Mardi Gras… just with more strollers.
Most seating is outdoors but covered, with pretty ironwork and string lights that glow at night—very “date night” friendly but still relaxed enough for tired kiddos.
How Tiana’s Palace Works (and Why Mobile Order Matters)
Tiana’s Palace is quick service, not a character meal. You order your food, pick it up at the counter, and then find a table either inside or on the patio.
Disney strongly recommends Mobile Order here in the Disneyland app, and it’s easy to see why: this place is popular and pick-up windows can fill fast, especially at peak lunch and dinner times.
A few bloggers and reviewers do note one quirk:
- Mobile orders come in to-go packaging,
- Standby orders are served on real plates with metal utensils.
So if you care more about speed, use Mobile Order. If you care about the full “nice meal” feeling, consider waiting in the regular line during a slower time.
What’s on the Menu?
Tiana’s Palace is all about Cajun and Creole-inspired comfort food, with plenty of nods to the movie and to real New Orleans flavors.
Standout Entrées
Exact offerings can shift, but here are some of the stars that keep showing up in reviews:
- House Gumbo – A rich, savory gumbo served over rice; many guests say it’s one of the best warm, hearty meals in the park.
- Cajun Spiced Half Chicken – Brushed with barbecue sauce and served with baked mac & cheese and coleslaw. Big portion, great for hungry adults or sharing.
- Shrimp and Grits – Creamy grits topped with saucy shrimp; reviewers are a bit split on it, but if you love shrimp, it’s worth a try.
- Beef Po’ Boy or Muffuletta-style Sandwiches – Hearty sandwiches on soft bread with New Orleans flair, often praised as a good “eat-and-go” option.
Plant-Based & Lighter Options
Disney has been highlighting plant-based choices here too:
- 7 Greens Gumbo (plant-based) with rice and grilled “chicken”-style pieces or other meatless proteins.
- Salads and customizable bowls that work well if you’re trying not to live entirely on churros and mac & cheese.
Always double-check with a Cast Member if you have allergies—Disney is great about pulling out ingredient binders and walking you through safe choices.
Sweet Treats: Beignets with a Twist
Of course Tiana couldn’t open a restaurant without beignets. The version here leans more toward filled or flavored “pillow” beignets, sometimes with seasonal twists. Food bloggers have been very excited (and occasionally surprised) by how good these are.
Pair them with a Chicory Cold Brew or flavored sweet tea and you’ve basically got a mini New Orleans dessert break in the middle of your park day.
Is It Kid-Friendly?
Yes—and in a way that makes parents happy too.
- Kids’ meals come in smaller portions with familiar sides.
- Most of the seasonings are flavorful but not scary-spicy, so even cautious eaters usually find something they like.
- If you’ve got an adventurous eater, this is a fantastic spot to let them try gumbo or something “just like Tiana made.”
And because it’s quick service, you’re not locked into a long sit-down experience if your toddler hits the wall halfway through lunch.
When to Fit Tiana’s Palace Into Your Day
Some smart times to plan your meal here:
- After riding Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (once you’ve braved the line and the drop, you’ve earned gumbo).
- On a New Orleans Square loop—pair it with Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion.
- As your “nice” meal of the day if you want something more themed and special than a basic burger.
Try to mobile order early in the day and grab a pickup window that works between your Genie+ / Multi Pass times if you’re using those—this restaurant has been busy enough that windows can fill up on crowded days.
Final Thoughts: Is Tiana’s Palace Worth a Stop?
If you’re just looking for the fastest, cheapest bite in the park, there are simpler spots. But if you want:
- A meal that feels deeply Disney and tied to a beloved princess
- Warm, flavorful food with a New Orleans twist
- Gorgeous theming and a chance to slow down in the middle of New Orleans Square
…then Tiana’s Palace absolutely deserves a place on your Disneyland dining list.
It feels like the kind of restaurant Tiana really would have built—rooted in hard work, family recipes, and community—just with a little extra pixie dust (and a lot of powdered sugar).
