Kori Barnes 
My little four-year-old heart is content with the news of Disney’s announcement for their 2024 plans.
Our first Black Disney princess is getting her own Bayou adventure. This all new adventure will bring visitors into the world of “Princess and the Frog,” the first Black princess that Walt Disney Animation Studios’ have produced. In late 2024, Princess Tiana’s Bayou Adventure will be coming to Magic Kingdom and Disneyland park in California. This will include beloved characters from the hit film and new critters.
Growing up with a love for Disney princesses, I never imagined that I would see the first Black Disney princess created during my lifetime. Thousands of fans have shown their excitement and anticipation for this newly built park across their social media platforms. According to disneyparks.disney.go.com, “Walt Disney Imagineers have been frequent travelers to Louisiana while conducting extensive research to ensure Tiana’s Bayou Adventure preserves the heart and soul of the city that inspired Princess Tiana’s story. From exploring the French Market and the bayou, to consulting with academics, chefs, musicians and cultural institutions, Imagineers have received inspiration from all over the region and learned from local experts along the way.”
Due to Disneyland’s precision of trying to get everything accurate and right, guests are able to experience a true treat with the local flavor of New Orleans when the park is open. According to disneyparks.disney.go.com, “As Charita Carter shared, ‘in many ways, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a love letter to New Orleans. Like the musical city that inspired this attraction, Tiana’s second act is about a community working in harmony to achieve something extraordinary. She reminds us of an immutable truth we can all relate to: ‘if you do your best each and every day, good things are sure to come your way.’ And that’s a melody we can all sing along to!”
Not only will Disneyland be including Tiana’s Bayou Adventure as a new addition, but they’re not going to stop there. According to disneyparks.disney.go.com, “To be able to join New Orleans in the celebration of Black joy as we bring Tiana’s story to its roots is a full-circle moment I’m so proud to realize. Ted Robledo added that “the joie de vivre that animates this region so brilliantly not only inspired Tiana’s journey, but also our team at Walt Disney Imagineering.” It’s our intention to do that jubilant spirit justice when advancing the storyline of Princess Tiana at our parks.”
Disney princesses and Disneyland fans have a lot coming to look forward to within the next year!
By Kori Barnes, University of Southern California
Insta: @korixnicole
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