This weekend I had front row seats to the unveiling and welcoming of Disneys newest Princess, Princess Tiana of The Princess and the Frog. Myself, along with hoards of media of all types, stood with baited breath during the huge To-Do that Disney created for her very first appearance.

Before you ask, I did not kidnap, bribe, or blackmail anyone to get there.

I swear.

On the tail end of a massive Disney New Orleans style parade, Princess Tiana rode in on a carriage  (as only princesses ride of course) and was officially inducted as the first African American Princess into Disney’s Family.

I literally teared up.

The celebration pulled at your heartstrings as I watched a true piece of Americana come to life. Princess Tiana is from the new animated film that will be on the big screen Dec 11th for the Princess and the Frog.

Walt Disney Animation Studios presents the musical THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG, an animated comedy set in the great city of New Orleans. From the creators of “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin” comes a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana (ANIKA NONI ROSE), a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana.

On the heels of Mulan, Pocahontas, and Jasmine, I was surprised it took this long to introduce a Princess of Color to her own full length feature movie. Even more interesting and historical, at least in my opinion, was that Princess Tiana has an interracial relationship. Now I haven’t seen the movie, but her prince doesn’t appear to be of the same decent she is.

I first noticed this on my media tag via the graphics and asked about it.

Someone responded that he was Cajun.

Cajun is not a race; even if New Orleans wants it to be.

He is Caucasian.

Perhaps Disney, and the world, may be catching up with the reality of the time and it was surprisingly refreshing. That doesn’t mean I didn’t wonder why they didn’t use an African American Prince, but baby steps I suppose.

After the debut, we went over and watched all the little girls get their Princess Makeovers in the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique. There were Disney models and real kids in there alike, and to be perfectly honest, there were lots of peeved off parents that people were potentially taking pictures of their kids.

You know, for a place like Disney with most likely 50,000+ cameras at any one time in the park shooting a picture, it sorta seemed pointless to get panties in a wad over the whole sitaution. I took over 400 photos while on my vacation and 390 of them have other people in them.

I actually had a guy stop me and ask me if I was media.

I said yes.

He said “I don’t want a picture of my kid published.”

My outside voice said “Its not”.

My inside voice said “Your kid isn’t that attractive and you are kinda jumping to conclusions there buddy.”

I was taking pictures of hair and hair clips anyway.

After I realized I was left behind at the Bibbity Bobbity Boutique, no doubt engrossed in NOT taking a picture of someones kid illegally, I ran to the next world and got to meet her Highness and the very charming (and with the cutest dimple!) Prince Naveen.

Her dress was GORGEOUS.

Then off to the boat celebration where the park got to listen to a sample of the music and I had the best front row seat in the house.

It was fabulous! Jazzy and Bluesy and upbeat. The music team got it right right out of the gate.  I am unsure if this was a special parade/show for that day, but if its ongoing and you visit the park, I highly suggest taking some time out to go over and watch it.

It really made me excited to take Charlotte to the movie.

scheming voodoo magician Dr. Facilier

Ooh, and look, Disney Approved models!

I can say that with all the excitement, the parade, the music and the costumes, I cannot WAIT to see the movie bring it all to life.

I have no doubt Princess Tiana will be the idol of many Princesses-in-the -Making for years to come.

~trisha

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Thanks goes out to Disney for this memory! Disney media passes were provided.

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