Scaffolding completely surrounds what was once French Market Restaurant, which is now closed to become Tiana’s Palace in Disneyland Park.

Tiana’s Palace Construction

French Market Restaurant closed in March to be transformed into Tiana’s Palace from “The Princess and the Frog.” Construction began quickly, though we don’t expect significant changes to the restaurant’s exterior.

Disney Imagineers are partnering with Disney Animation artists from “The Princess and the Frog” to bring Tiana’s Palace to life. The film’s designers took inspiration from the exterior of the original French Market Restaurant in New Orleans Square when designing Tiana’s Palace, so the retheme will be relatively simple.

Much of the construction work is partially blocked from view by the trees of New Orleans Square.

But around the corner, we can directly see that the French Market Restaurant sign has been removed from the green wrought iron arched entrance.

Beyond the entrance, a crew member was working on a fake door on the second story of the façade, which resembles real New Orleans buildings.

Scaffolding reaches all the way to the building’s roof. Even if the design of the restaurant doesn’t change significantly, this is a good time to fix up the façade.

Mint Julep Bar is also closed for construction but will reopen with Tiana’s Palace, still as Mint Julep Bar and still serving mint juleps and Mickey beignets. The classic treats are available at the nearby Royal Street Veranda during construction.

Tiana’s Palace

At the 2022 D23 Expo, it was announced that in addition to her own ride — Tiana’s Bayou Adventure — Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog” would be getting her very own restaurant, Tiana’s Palace.

Tiana’s Palace will be very similar to the restaurant that Tiana owned in the movie and will feature elegant fixtures and decorations that represent Tiana’s life and friendships. The quick-service restaurant will offer New Orleans flavors inspired by Tiana’s friends and adventures. It’s scheduled to open later this year.

Tiana’s Palace will not be a character dining location, but guests who wish to meet Tiana will be able to do so in New Orleans Square.

Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is expected to open in late 2024. Splash Mountain will close for the transformation next month. Eudora’s Chic Boutique featuring Tiana’s Gourmet Secrets is already open in New Orleans Square.

A restaurant called Tiana’s Place — which was the original name Tiana envisioned — is on the Disney Wonder cruise ship.

The release window for the Disney+ “Tiana” series recently changed.

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