First Look at New Details for Disney’s Upcoming ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Attraction

Disney has revealed more details about the new 2009 film-themed attraction The Princess and the Frog.

In June 2020, the company announced that Splash Mountain will have a new theme to reflect the story of Princess Tiana and her friends.

On Monday, Disney shared with FOX News the updates and the first glimpse of a new render of the attraction as well as the art that served to inspire the Imagineers as they develop a storyline. In the render, there are familiar faces like Tiana and Louis in addition to new ones that have yet to be featured.

Tiana, guests will see, wears pants – a change from her usual look.

“Tiana is up for anything,” Charita Carter, senior producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, told a panel discussion in New Orleans about the film’s impact and upcoming attraction. “She’s taking us on an adventure in the bayou, so of course she’s going to dress appropriately.”

Speaking of the merry-go-round technology, Carter called the approach of audio-animatronic figures, stage illusions and visual effects a “game-changer”.

“Tiana invites us as guests to go on an adventure with her in the bayou,” Carter said. “As guests, we are actively participating in this adventure. She [Tiana] recognizes us and being the witty person that she is, she takes us on this incredible journey where we not only discover the characters we know and love from the movie, but it’s also an opportunity to discover new characters . “

Carter added, “The adventure ends with the ultimate Mardi Gras party because if Tiana throws a party, it’s the ultimate party.”

The Splash Mountain-themed attraction had been in the works since at least 2019. Splash Mountain featured characters from the controversial 1946 film, “The Song of the South,” set during Reconstruction. He has been criticized for his racist and offensive portrayals of blacks and for creating a false narrative surrounding 19th-century culture in the South.

Here’s everything we know so far:

-The attraction resumes after the final kiss as Naveen and Louis join Tiana on her latest adventure, hosting a “one-of-a-kind” celebration of Mardi Gras. according to Disney.

-Original music inspired by songs from the movie will take guests into the story. Guests will not only meet the familiar faces of Tiana’s old friends, but also new faces along the way.

-Disney Imagineers’ search for the attraction includes a deep dive into New Orleans culture. The team recently had their first in-person meeting (after several on Zoom) at the Dooky Chase restaurant in New Orleans, founded by Leah Chase, one of Tiana’s inspirations. There will be many more research trips to come, Disney said, to “get the story right.”

-One of the first sources of inspiration came from artist Sharika Mahdi, who was commissioned to create a series of four original paintings to inspire the Imagineers. Disney revealed one of these paintings to FOX News.

-The surrounding areas of Splash Mountain differ at Disneyland Park and Magic Kingdom Park. At Disneyland, the attraction is adjacent to New Orleans Square; At Magic Kingdom, the attraction is on the Rivers of America, right across from Tom Sawyer’s Island, a story set on the Mississippi.

-No timeline for the attraction’s debut has been announced.

Carter called Tinana’s story “universal.”

“It appeals to people of all races, backgrounds and cultures,” she said.

Over the years, many people have come to Dooky Chase restaurant to see the inspiration for the film, said Stella Chase Reese, owner of Dooky Chase restaurant and daughter of Leah Chase.

“My mom, Ms. Chase, used to tell them about their dreams,” said Chase Reese. “She said to never give up and always know that dreams can come true.”