Tiana, the titular protagonist of Disney's 2009 animated feature film The Princess and the Frog, made her first appearance as the ninth official Disney Princess and the first African American member of the franchise. Voiced by Anika Noni Rose, the character was created by Ron Clements and John Musker, drawing inspiration from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale The Frog Prince and E.D. Baker's novel The Frog Princess, as well as the life of renowned New Orleans chef Leah Chase. Set in the Jazz Age of 1920s New Orleans, Tiana Rogers is depicted as a diligent waitress and gifted cook who dedicates herself tirelessly to realizing her dream of opening a restaurant, a goal she shared with her late father.

In the story, Tiana's ambitions are interrupted when she encounters the transformed Prince Naveen of Maldonia, cursed into frog form by the shadow man Dr. Facilier. Mistakenly believing that kissing him would restore his humanity and aid her financially, Tiana is also turned into a frog. This leads to an adventurous journey through the Louisiana bayou alongside Naveen, the trumpet-playing alligator Louis, and the firefly Ray, as they seek guidance from the voodoo practitioner Mama Odie to reverse the curse. Along the way, they confront various challenges and the machinations of the villainous Dr. Facilier.

Through these experiences, Tiana undergoes profound character development, evolving from a workaholic focused solely on her professional aspirations to someone who appreciates the value of love, friendship, and enjoying life's moments. By marrying Prince Naveen, she attains princess status by marriage, enabling her to fulfill her dream with the opening of Tiana's Palace. Her narrative of resilience and personal growth continues to resonate, with further explorations in Disney attractions such as Tiana's Bayou Adventure, where she expands her culinary endeavors within her community.