The Princess and the Frog (2009)

And now for the other American princess, with The Princess and the Frog.

The Movie:

The Princess and the Frog is the 49th movie in the Disney Animated Canon, and many people consider it to be the start of the current Disney Revival.  After three straight movies using 3D animation, this movie marked the return to 2D animation, with what was supposed to begin a trend of alternating 2D and 3D movies.  However that trend didn't hold.  Despite positive reviews, The Princess and the Frog was only a modest box-office success, outperforming the previous Disney hand-drawn films of the decade, but not matching the success of the films of the Disney Renaissance.  The movie did receive three Oscar nominations, one for animated film and two for songs.

The Princess and the Frog is loosely based on the "Frog Prince" fairy tale and the book The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker.  The story is set primarily in 1920s New Orleans.  Tiana is an African American young woman working multiple jobs as a waitress, trying to earn enough money to open her own restaurant, a dream she shared with her now deceased father.  Meanwhile, Prince Naveen of Maldonia has arrived in town, hoping to marry a rich girl, as his parents have cut off his funds.  The voodoo witch doctor Dr. Facilier sidetracks Naveen, turning him into a frog and making Naveen's valet appear as the prince as part of his own plan to take over the city.  Now a frog, Naveen discovers Tiana, who is dressed like a princess for a party, and Naveen convinces Tiana to kiss him, thinking it will reverse the curse.  However, Tiana is also turned into a frog, and the two of them begin the search for a way to return them to humans.

The Princess and the Frog is a pretty good movie and a rather unique entry in the Disney Canon.  The story takes some nice unexpected twists, though it does drag a bit in the middle.  The characters are a lot of fun, particularly Louis the trumpet playing alligator.  Tiana is also a nice protagonist with motivations that are unique for Disney heroines.  Unfortunately, we don't get to see enough of her in human form, as she spends a large portion of the film as a frog.

But once again, The Princess and the Frog is another movie where the music is a highlight.  Randy Newman wrote both the score and the songs, and he uses a nice mix of jazz, blues, zydeco, and gospel, fitting for a movie set in and around New Orleans.  "Down in New Orleans" and "Almost There" are the two signature tracks, and both were nominated for an Oscar (though neither won).  The other earworms are the gospel number "Dig a Little Deeper" and the villain song "Friends on the Other Side."

Presence in the Parks:

The Princess and the Frog has found its way into the parks in several small ways.  As an official Disney Princess, Tiana of course has a meet-and-greet.  Naturally, in Disneyland this is in New Orleans Square, while her current location at WDW is Princess Fairytale Hall.  She and Prince Naveen formerly had a meet location on the bridge adjacent to Liberty Square.

Liberty Square/Frontierland is also the location of Dr. Facilier in the Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom, and Mama Odie is your guide in facing him.  Tiana, Naveen, and Mama Odie all get cards as well.

Tiana and her fellow characters can also be found in various parades and shows, including the Magic Kingdom's current parade (Festival of Fantasy), castle show (Mickey's Royal Friendship Faire), and fireworks show (Happily Ever After).

If they ever wanted to do a more permanent attraction for The Princess and the Frog, they could always open a Tiana's Place restaurant.  For now, the only place you'll find that is on one of the Disney cruises.