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Disney shares details, concept art for Princess and the Frog ride

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disney princess and the frog ride

Disney has released more details about its new attraction inspired by The Princess and the Frog for Walt Disney World and Disneyland.

Last year, Disney revealed Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is developing a Tiana-themed attraction to replace Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

Disney has released more information about the attraction, inspired by The Princess and the Frog, revealing that the story will take place after the final kiss as Naveen and Louis join Tiana to host a Mardi Gras celebration.

“Imagineers often do in-depth research to help inspire their work,” Disney said. “In this case, that involved digging deep into the culture of New Orleans to tell a story that’s as authentic to the region as it is to the characters’ stories.” 

“From the food, music, art and architecture to the diversity of its people and their traditions, there is much from which to draw inspiration,” Disney added.

Imagineers developing Tiana-themed ride

The company also shared a conversation between Stella Chase Reese, owner of Dooky Chase Restaurant and daughter of Leah Chase, Carmen Smith, VP of creative development at WDI, and Charita Carter, senior producer for WDI.

“I am so happy to say that we are taking the beautiful, wonderful character of Tiana and we’re bringing her to an immersive space so that our guests can have an experience and an adventure with her,” said Carter.

“Tiana actually invites us as the guests 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,” Carter added.

“She takes us through this amazing journey where we get to discover not only characters that we know and love from the film, but this is an opportunity to be introduced to some new characters.

Splash Mountain replaced at Disney parks

disney princess and the frog ride

“And then, of course, the adventure ends with the ultimate Mardi Gras party because if Tiana is throwing a party, it is the ultimate Mardi Gras party.”

Carter said the ride will feature state-of-the-art technology. “So with this particular project, the way that we are approaching our audio-animatronic figures would be an example of how we are looking to advance the storytelling and change the game.

“As well as the way that we’re approaching our scenic illusions and our visual effects so that we can create an immersive environment that is seamless for our guests.”

To celebrate the Tiana-themed attraction, Disney is donating $50,000 to the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA).

Images: Disney

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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