Disney shared a few more new details today about the upcoming attraction Based on “The Princess and The Frog” that will eventually be replacing Splash Mountain at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney gathered Kenneth Moton, National Correspondent for ABC News as he joins Stella Chase Reese, Owner of Dooky Chase’s Restaurant and daughter of Leah Chase; Carmen Smith, Creative Executive, Vice President, Inclusive Strategies for Walt Disney Imagineering; Charita Carter, Senior Producer for Walt Disney Imagineering; and Marlon West, VFX Supervisor for Walt Disney Animation Studios at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant in New Orleans — founder Leah Chase was one of the inspirations for Princess Tiana — to talk about Tiana’s impact over the past decade and the creative process behind the upcoming attraction, including the next-level technology Imagineers are employing to bring it to life.
Disney shared a new rendering (top) of the attraction, which will give your audience a first look at the attraction’s story. The story will take place after the final kiss as Naveen and Louis join Tiana on her latest adventure – hosting a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome – during which some original music inspired by songs from the film will bring guests into the story.
In creating this story, Walt Disney Imagineers did in-depth research into the culture of New Orleans to tell a story that’s as authentic to that region as it is to the characters’ stories. And to celebrate all of these developments, love and appreciation for New Orleans, and a commitment to arts education, Disney announced a $50,000 donation to the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA).
As always, be sure to follow ThrillGeek on Twitter and Facebook for the latest updates from Disney World.
Clint Gamache is the owner of ThrillGeek. He started ThrillGeek to share his love of theme/amusement parks and pop culture with the world. You can find him at Halloween Horror Nights. Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter @iamcg83