The Making of the Upcoming ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Inspired Disney Attraction
There is some exciting news coming out from Disney's Parks division, as they unveil new details related to the re-theming of its popular Splash Mountain ride from the classic 2009 animated movie The Princess and the Frog.
In a video released on August 23, the team — involved in developing the reimagined theme park attraction — talked about a new piece of the concept art and story details for the planned ride revamp. They also hinted at the new journey set to unfold after the film's final kiss scene.
According to the latest development, the plot for the classic 2009 animated movie will continue as the Disney attraction will conclude with "the ultimate Mardi Gras party" when the reimagined attraction opens at both Disneyland and Disney World in the future.
In addition, the guests will be “active participants” in the ride, which means there will be actors playing Tiana, Naveen, and Louis the alligator, who will interact directly with park visitors. The attraction will also feature new music and characters inspired by the movie and the new concept art.
"Because if Tiana is throwing a party, it is the ultimate Mardi Gras party," Charita Carter said during a round table interview with Disney’s Imagineers.
Carter, who is a senior creative producer for Walt Disney Imagineering and leading the team on the project, further said,
Tiana actually invites us, as the guest, to go on an adventure with her in the bayou, and the fun thing about it is we, as the guests, we are active participants in this adventure. So she acknowledges us, and just being the witty person that she is, she takes us through this amazing journey...
The round table interview also heard the ideas from Disney's Carmen Smith (Creative Executive, Vice President, Inclusive Strategies for Walt Disney Imagineering), Marlon West (Visual Effects Supervisory for Walt Disney Animation Studios), Stella Chase Reese, the daughter of Leah Chase, whom Disney modeled Tiana after.
To no one's surprise, the conversation took place at Dooky Chase's Restaurant in New Orleans, a locational inspiration for the film. But despite nearly a half-hour long chat, no details were revealed about when the reimagined attraction would debut and be available for the public.
The re-theming of Disney's Splash Mountain ride based on The Princess and the Frog was announced last year, replacing previously announced controversial Song of the South theme at both Disneyland and Disney World.
However, the latest details revealing the changes and new developments on the attraction park came on the occasion of World Princess Week, which celebrates iconic women characters among the Disney franchise.
On August 23, Disney honored The Princess and the Frog's Princess Tiana, a visionary character who learned the joy of sharing good food with others from her father.
To celebrate the iconic character, Disney Parks also listed some places on its website where one can go and revisit memories connected with Tiana.
The places included Tiana’s Place restaurant in New Orleans, Tiana-themed playground at Walt Disney World Resort, Tiana-inspired castle at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, and Tiana's live theater performance at Shanghai Disney Resort.