If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and full of flavor, this Tiana’s House Gumbo is pure comfort in a bowl — smoky sausage, tender chicken, and a little touch of Disney magic! Inspired by the version served at 1900 Park Fare in Disney’s Grand Floridian, this gumbo has become a Gamecocks game-day favorite in our house. Save this one for a chilly night, football weekend, or anytime you want to bring a taste of the Bayou (and a sprinkle of pixie dust) home. 💚
📌 Pin this recipe for later because once you taste it, it’ll be part of your family’s Disney story too!
This dish has now become a family favorite, a cozy game day tradition, and (I’m convinced) a big part of the reason my husband proudly calls himself a Disney adult.
- Where the Magic Began
- Game Day Meets New Orleans Flavor
- Tiana’s House Gumbo (Disney-Inspired Recipe)
- A Little Disney Magic in Every Bowl
- Want to Taste Tiana’s Gumbo at 1900 Park Fare Yourself?
Where the Magic Began
It was one of those perfectly Disney evenings. Soft jazz music playing, chandeliers glowing, and that little extra sparkle in the air. We had gone to 1900 Park Fare for the character dining experience, expecting a fun night and a few characters to meet, but when my husband took his first bite of gumbo, I watched something magical happen.
He paused, looked down at his bowl, and said, “You’ve GOT to try this.” He knows me and knows that Cajun food isn’t my cup of tea (my body HATES spice), but he was so enthusiastic that I had to give it a go. And boy, was I glad I did!
That rich, smoky aroma, the layers of spice (but not too much spice), the warmth of the sausage it was a moment. From that point on, it wasn’t just about rides and fireworks for him; it was about the food, the flavors, the memories Disney serves with every bite.
And that’s when I knew that Disney had him.
Game Day Meets New Orleans Flavor
Fast forward a month to football season. The University of South Carolina Gamecocks were playing LSU, and in true Disney-meets-Southern fashion, my husband turned to me and said,
“It’s LSU… we’ve got to have gumbo for this game.”
Challenge accepted.
While he set up for game day, I was in the kitchen whisking oil and flour, determined to bring back a taste of that Grand Floridian magic. My first attempt? Let’s just say the roux got a little too dark. But on the second try, I found the sweet spot: deep, nutty, and just right.
The moment we tasted it, we looked at each other and smiled it was that flavor. That cozy, smoky, soulful gumbo that started it all. Now, every football season, gumbo will be a must-have Gamecocks tradition. Win or lose, we’ve got comfort in a bowl.
Tiana’s House Gumbo (Disney-Inspired Recipe)
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound smoked sausage (like andouille), sliced
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, but recommended!)
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups okra, sliced (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Green onions and parsley, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
- Start with the Roux
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Slowly whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 15–20 minutes until the mixture turns a deep, chocolate brown. Don’t walk away, this step builds the heart of your gumbo! - Add the Holy Trinity
Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes, then add the garlic. One cooked, add 1 cup of the chicken stock. (At this point you can leave it like it is and move on to step 3. However, I chose to blend these cooked veggies so my littles would eat it!) - Add the Meats and Seasoning
Add the sausage and chicken. Sprinkle in paprika, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Let it all cook together for a few minutes to soak up that roux flavor. - Simmer the Gumbo
Pour in chicken stock, bay leaves, Worcestershire sauce, and okra. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Taste and Adjust
Remove bay leaves and taste. Add more seasoning if needed, gumbo should be smoky, rich, and full of soul. - Serve and Enjoy
Spoon gumbo over warm white rice and top with green onions and parsley.
A Little Disney Magic in Every Bowl
Every time I make this gumbo the house fills with that same cozy aroma that once floated through 1900 Park Fare, smoky, savory, and full of heart. It’s a little bit of New Orleans, a little bit of Disney, and a whole lot of comfort.
Whether it’s a cozy fall night or Gamecocks game day, Tiana’s House Gumbo has become our tradition a taste of magic that brings us right back to that first Disney meal. And who knows? Maybe it’ll turn someone in your house into a Disney adult too. 💫
Want to Taste Tiana’s Gumbo at 1900 Park Fare Yourself?
If reading this has your mouth watering and your heart dreaming of Disney, why not go straight to the source? You can enjoy the real Tiana’s House Gumbo at 1900 Park Fare inside Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort — where the flavors are rich, the atmosphere is full of magic, and every bite feels like a warm hug from New Orleans.
And if you’re thinking about planning a trip to Walt Disney World, I’d love to help make it happen! As a travel agent, I can take care of all the details from resort stays and dining reservations to park tickets and extra pixie-dusted tips (so you can focus on what matters most: the memories).
✨ Ready to plan your own taste of Disney magic? ✨
CLICK BELOW! I’ll help you plan your dream Disney vacation (and make sure that gumbo is on your must-do list!).
The Traveling Moms Collective 
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