On Monday, October 26th Walt Disney World officially welcomed its newest princess into the Magic Kingdom. Princess Tiana, star of the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures animated feature film “The Princess and the Frog” was greeted in front of Cinderella Castle by many of the park’s famous characters. Donald Duck even presented Princess Tiana with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. 
After the welcoming ceremony we were taken to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique inside Cinderella Castle where little princesses can now enjoy a new Princess Tiana makeover. The makeovers range in price from $49.95-$239.95 and advance reservations are recommended. You can make your reservations by calling 407-WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895). 
Next we got to go to a meet-and-greet with Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen. They are both beautiful and Prince Naveen has a very fun personality, he wanted to dance with everyone he met! Princess Tiana was very humble and turned every compliment back around onto the person who complimented her, it was very sweet to watch. 
The highlight of the media event was viewing “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!,” a rousing, colorful show with a jazz-filled Mardi Gras theme. A procession leads guests to the Liberty Belle Riverboat dock and Rivers of America shoreline. The party moves onboard and the Liberty Belle paddlewheels her way along the river with singing and dancing to the sounds of a six-member jazz band. Nearly two dozen Disney dancers join 30 randomly chosen park guests to be part of each show. “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee!” will only be appearing through January 3, 2010 so, if you are visiting the Magic Kingdom between now and then I highly recommend you find time to view this exciting show.
Lastly we learned about all of the amazing merchandise that Disney is rolling out to go along with “The Princess and the Frog”. Everything from plush kissing frogs, to school kits, books, dolls and of course-costumes are sure to delight all of the fans of this movie. Closer to the movie’s release date they will also be releasing collectible pins of all of the major characters for all of the pin collectors.
There is a lot of buzz about Tiana being the first African-American Disney Princess and the sentiment I heard from most of the African-American women and girls I spoke to at the event was “I’ve waited all my life for a princess like me.” The movie opens November 25, 2009 in NY and LA and nationwide on December 11, 2009.
The synopsis of the story from the official press release reads;
“When the free-spirited, jazz-loving Prince Naveen of Maldonia (Bruno Campos) comes to town ,a deal with a shady voodoo doctor (Keith David) goes bad and the once suave royal is turned into a frog. In a desperate attempt to be human again, a favor in exchange for a fateful kiss on the lips from the beautiful girl, Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), takes an unexpected turn and leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana to the banks of the almighty Mississippi and back in time for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. An unforgettable tale filled with music, humor and heart where two frogs—along with the help of a 197-year-old voodoo priestess, a love-sick Cajun firefly, and a trumpet-playing alligator—discover that what they want isn’t as important as what they need.”
To view all of my pictures of this event click here.
Great post! Your article you mention the “Tiana’s Showboat Jubilee” has inspired me to visit Luisiana, New Orleans. With Mardi Gras just around the corner –it surely could be a great way to experience the history, food, culture and “joie de vivre” of Louisiana. Dressed in colorful and vibrant colors of gold, green and purple- Mardi Gras Carnival!