Disneyland Resort is importing bread directly from New Orleans for Tiana’s Palace, the new “Princess and the Frog”-inspired restaurant opening soon in the New Orleans Square area of Disneyland Park.

Tiana’s Palace Bread

The Orange County Register spoke to some of the Disney Parks Food & Beverage team about the restaurant’s menu. Tiana’s Palace was once French Market Restaurant, though it is now being reimagined to resemble Tiana’s restaurant from the end of the 2009 film — which itself was inspired by the design of French Market Restaurant in Disneyland.

Disney Parks Food & Beverage Director Michele Gendreau told the Register Disneyland chefs made multiple research trips to New Orleans, with one including stops at 18 restaurants in two and a half days.

“The ingredients are critical to tell the story,” Disneyland Resort Culinary Director John State said.

Sourcing this bread wasn’t an easy task. We tried to duplicate the bread here. We tried to make it ourselves. We tried to work with somebody local to make it for us and we just couldn’t get there.

“We are bringing the bread in from New Orleans,” Gandreau added.

The Tiana’s Palace menu includes a Beef Po’boy Sandwich comprising slow-cooked beef in gravy, shredded lettuce, tomato, pickle, and mayonnaise on a toasted New Orleans French bread.

“It’s critical that the one key component you start with is the bread,” State added.

The bread is very light. It helps the ingredients stand out.

Tiana’s Palace will also include Louisiana-sourced andouille sausage, cane syrup, and rice, along with Tabasco and Crystal hot sauces.

Tiana’s Muffuletta Sandwich features mortadella, salami, rosemary ham, cheddar, provolone and house-made olive relish on a toasted New Orleans sesame seed bread.

“It’s a very simple sandwich,” State said. “But once you bite into it, you know you’re someplace else.”

The chefs didn’t share which New Orleans bakery they’re getting the bread from, but the bread of both sandwiches is coming from the same supplier. The Register pointed to 1896 Leidenheimer Baking Co., which Southern Living says is responsible for most of the New Orleans bread supply, makes po’boy rolls and muffuletta loaves, and distributes its bread to California and other states.

Tiana’s Palace will open to guests on September 7, 2023, with a first look inside revealing tons of decorations and interior details.

For more Disneyland Resort news and info, follow Disneyland News Today on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. For Disney Parks news worldwide, visit WDWNT.