A Foodie Tour of Tiana's Palace at the Disneyland Resort

Love the portrait of Tiana and her father, reminding us that our dreams are made possible by those who work hard before us and support our goals.

This letter is signed “Dolly” in the tradition of famous folks visiting a restaurant, like how Leah Chase’s dining rooms display framed notes and photos of celebs. So clearly “Dolly” here is none other than Dolly Parton, therefore making the real-life superhero and Southern country music queen Disney canon.

From the drum with a nod to Louis the gator on trumpet and the lily pad flower sconces (we love a sconce moment), there’s so many details to immerse you into the cozy feel of Tiana’s Palace. There’s even live jazz on the patio.

Just like in The Princess and the Frog, it comes with a rich roux and a helping of rice. Be sure to ask for hot sauce if on the spicier side is more your thing.

This vegan-friendly version of the gumbo is a winner and just as hearty as the real thing. The sweet potatoes with veggies and seasoned broth are simmered to flavorful perfection. It’s one of the best vegan dishes to be rolled out at Disney Parks that’s not just a plant-based burger or salad.

This version of the gumbo is customizable and still gluten-friendly. So if you’re more into chicken or sausage you can ask for more or less of either, or opt for just one meat. I loved this one so much and it’s quickly going to be one of my go-to dinners now—with that hit of Tabasco, as Tiana would have it!

If you love cheesy grits (I know I do) this is a great option and one of the gluten-friendly dishes. Be forewarned, it does come out on less on the spicy side so be sure to ask for Tabasco to add to taste.

This is a perfect quick lunch sandwich; it’s stacked with mortadella, salami, rosemary ham, cheddar, provolone, and house-made olive relish on a toasted New Orleans sesame seed bread, served with red beans and rice and house-made pickles. One of the best dishes here and great for on-the-go.

This dish is protein-forward, featuring a hearty portion of chicken with Southern sides like coleslaw and mac and cheese. Definitely shareable!

This beignet—loaded with lemon ice box pie filling—is a surprising menu addition; I’m not sure it quite works as well as the nearby Mint Julep Bar’s powdered sugar beignets that look and taste more like Tiana’s “man-catching beignets” from the film. But if tart is your thing, try these. In the future, here’s hoping Tiana’s Palace will lean more into the classic beignet flavors and bring in some of the gluten-friendly options found at Walt Disney World, too.

Get a caffeine kick with the Chicory Cold Brew topped with sweet cream for that theme park stamina boost.

Visit Tiana’s Palace at Disneyland this holiday season at the Disneyland Resort.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.