I’m a huge fan of New Orleans, so when The Princess and the Frog debuted in 2009, it quickly became one of my favorite Disney movies. From the music to the scenes of the Big Easy, the film is truly a love letter to the city. And because I’ve watched the film countless times, these are the fun facts I’ve learned along the way. Let’s dig a little deeper into them:
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She’s also the first Black Disney Princess in history.
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The film was Disney’s return to hand-drawn animation and is widely recognized as one of the studio’s final releases using the classic technique.
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Anika Noni Rose voiced Tiana, and the character was modeled after her with features like dimples and being left-handed. “When I saw [Tiana] for the first time and realized how much she looked like me, I was really blown away,” she said.
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The film features a ton of authentic Cajun and Creole dishes, including Gumbo, Jambalaya, King Cake, and, of course, beignets covered in all the powdered sugar.
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Leah Chase, a legendary NOLA chef who passed away in 2019, was the culinary inspiration for Tiana’s story.
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The movie had not one but two directors! Ron Clements and John Musker previously teamed up on The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Hercules.
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Plus, they also co-wrote the screenplay and story alongside Rob Edwards, Greg Erb, and Jason Oremland.
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Alan Menken (known for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and more) was originally considered to compose the film’s score, but Disney went with someone else since he was working on Enchanted at the time. Randy Newman (known for Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and more) was hired to do the music, and it was fitting since he grew up in NOLA.
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Honey Island Swamp in Slidell, Louisiana, is home to the “Whiskey Tree” and served as the inspiration for Mama Odie’s magical wishing tree. If you’re ever in the area, you can take a tour with Cajun Encounters to see it IRL.
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Marilyn Monroe served as the inspiration for Charlotte La Bouff’s figure.
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Prince Naveen is the first Disney Prince to have a younger brother, Prince Ralphie.
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He’s also the only Disney Prince to have both parents alive, which is often uncommon in Disney films.
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Dr. Facilier’s name is derived from the French word “facile,” meaning “easy.” The name’s fitting, since he’s a smooth-talking witch doctor and the film’s main villain.
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John Goodman voiced Charlotte’s father, “Big Daddy” La Bouff, and is a longtime NOLA resident.
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Ray is infatuated with a star called Evangeline, which is actually the planet Venus. In mythology, Venus is the Roman goddess of love, beauty, desire, fertility, and prosperity.
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Dr. John was a local singer, songwriter, and pianist featured on the film’s soundtrack for the song, “Down in New Orleans.”
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Louis, the trumpet-playing alligator, is a tribute to the iconic jazz musician and NOLA native Louis Armstrong.
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Finally, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opened at Disneyland and Disney World in 2024, in case you want to experience the magic of film IRL.
What’s your favorite part of The Princess and the Frog? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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