Walt first introduced America to Main Street, U.S.A. on the debut episode of the Disneyland television show. The model of Main Street was made by Disney Legend Fred Joerger. Less than a year later, Main Street would be brought to life not only with guests strolling along its sidewalks, but with vintage cars and horse-drawn trolleys.

Soak in Southern Hospitality
Experience the vibrance and celebratory spirit of New Orleans Square––where the good times roll, and Creole and Cajun fares are ready to be enjoyed! Stroll on over to Tiana’s Palace where each delectable dish is served the way good food should be––with love!

Bon Appétit!
Step inside this beautiful restaurant that’s a reminiscent slice of the elegant French Quarter. Tiana’s Palace is a quick-service style eatery built on hard work and a whole lotta love! Soak in the lively culture of New Orleans through new menu items inspired by the flavors of the Crescent City––including Southern comfort dishes and plates with a Cajun and Creole twist.

Come! Sit for a spell and enjoy a welcoming atmosphere as you experience Princess Tiana’s magnifique menu!

There will be so many elegant yet subtle details throughout the restaurant that offer fun hints at Tiana’s rich past in New Orleans. Below the lit marquee that reads “Tiana’s Palace” hanging above a metallic gold balcony, is an emerald green wrought iron railing and awnings dyed in yellow and green, reminiscent of Tiana’s beautiful formal ball gown. You will be surrounded by the colors of Mardi Gras as you sit at yellow tabletops, on warm vanilla-colored chairs with green seats, in the shade of yellow and green umbrellas. 

Disney Imagineers also took inspiration from the film for the interior of the restaurant, which includes a large mural of the bayou. You will also see other references to Tiana’s story – lilies represented on numerous signs, plaques and light fixtures, frog porcelains, cookbooks Tiana has collected on little shelves, and her father’s favorite gumbo spoon proudly on display. You’ll also want to keep an eye out for the letters from her father and neighbors on display, alongside a childhood photo of Tiana. 
-Disneyland News

You can read more about Tiana in her animated window display
Watch the VIDEO!

When the Monorail opened it began nonstop operation with only minimal maintenance problems, never any major problems. It was after two weeks that the imagineers received a telegram from Professor Wengatz of the Alweg Company in Germany (the company that built the monorail.) The telegram said: STOP CONSTRUCTION OF MONORAIL TRAIN — IMPOSSIBLE TO WORK.

Bob Gurr, an imagineer, replied with a telegram of his own and invited the German professor to come take a ride for himself. By the time the Alweg workers had encountered the problems with their monorail, Disney imagineers had already solved them. Say what you want about the power of German engineering, it’s no match for Disney imagineering!

A childhood favorite of mine from the mid-1970s

INGREDIENTS
    1 egg
    1 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons water
    1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    8 slices egg bread (challah works well), sliced 1/2-inch thick
    8 thin slices ham
    8 thin slices turkey
    8 thin slices Swiss cheese
    3 cups canola oil
    Confectioners sugar
    Blackberry preserves

DIRECTIONS
Line a cookie sheet with paper towels; set aside.  Whisk the egg and water together in a mixing bowl. Add flour, salt, and baking powder and whisk thoroughly for 2 to 3 minutes or until smooth, scraping sides of bowl.
   
On one slice of bread, arrange 2 slices of ham, turkey, and cheese, covering the bread evenly. Place another slice of bread on top and slice each sandwich in half diagonally.
   
Heat oil to between 365 degrees F and 375 degrees F in a 10-inch pan. Do not let the oil reach a higher temperature than this; if the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down.
   
Dip half of the sandwich into the batter, allowing excess to drain, and very carefully place into the oil.
   
Repeat with the other sandwich half.
   
Cook 3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
   
Place the cooked sandwich on the prepared cookie sheet in a warm oven until ready to serve.
   
Repeat with the other three sandwiches.

**Note**
Cook one at a time, and allow the oil to reach the desired temperature between each.
Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar and serve with blackberry preserves on the side.

Even after Disneyland opened, Walt was continuing to find ways to improve every experience.

One day, a gardener approached Walt and brought him to a little area near Sleeping Beauty Castle that was lined with flowers.

“People keep trampling these flowers in order to get a picture of the castle,” the gardener complained. “We need to get a fence here or something!”

“Oh no, we don’t need a fence,” Walt replied calmly, looking at the spot. “The people are right. Let’s build a little pathway with a sign that says ‘best place to photograph the castle.’”

Walt never stopped finding ways to make Disneyland better for people.