Disney shares first look at Princess and the Frog ride replacing Splash Mountain
Disney has given fans a sneak peek at its new Princess and the Frog ride.
The attraction, based on the 2009 film, will consist of a log flume and a magical marshland setting.
Artists’ renderings show beloved characters as you’ve never seen them before.
Charita Carter, Senior Producer for Walt Disney Imagineering, revealed Princess Tiana will be pictured in trousers instead of a ball gown.
This ties in well with the storyline of the ride as it’s much more practical for an “adventure in the bayou” than a dress would be.
Other highlights from the flume include audio-animatronic figures, scenic illusions and visual effects.
Designers hope to conjure up feelings of fun and adventure.
As well as featuring the final kiss from the Princess and the Frog film, it also ends with a big party.
Carter added: "We as the guests are active participants in this adventure.
"The adventure ends with the ultimate Mardi Gras party because if Tiana is throwing a party, it's the ultimate party."
The voice of Princess Tiana and Tony Award-winning actress, Anika Noni Rose, gushed: “It is really exciting to know that Princess Tiana’s presence in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will finally be fully realised!”
She added: “As passionate as I am about what we created, I know the fans are going to be over the moon.
“The Imagineers are giving us ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Mardi Gras celebration we’ve been waiting for, and I’m here for it!”
The ride will replace Splash Mountain at both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom park in Florida.
This is because the previous attraction was originally inspired by Disney’s 1946 film Song of the South.
The plot follows a young boy taking a trip to his gran’s plantation in post-Civil War America.
Critics have slammed the film’s depiction of black people and said that it romanticises the time period.
Disneyland Resort public relations director Michael Ramirez, said on the company’s website: “With this longstanding history of updating attractions and adding new magic, the re-theming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today.
“The new concept is inclusive – one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year.”
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