The Princess and the Frog Facts Behind the Scenes
I’m a big fan of New Orleans, so when The Princess and the Frog released in 2009, it quickly became one of my favorite Disney movies. From the music to the Big Easy scenes, the film is truly a love letter to the city. And because I’ve watched the movie countless times, these are some fun facts I’ve learned along the way. Let’s dive deeper into them:
2.
She is 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 regarded as one of the studio’s last releases using the classic method.
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Anika Noni Rose voiced Tiana, and the actress portrayed her with features such as dimples and being left-handed. “When I see [Tiana] “For the first time I saw how much you look like me, I was blown away,” she said.
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This movie features a ton of authentic Cajun and Creole dishes, including Gumbo, Jambalaya, King Cake, and, of course, beignets covered in powdered sugar.
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Leah Chase, a popular NOLA chef who passed away in 2019, was the inspiration for Tiana’s story.
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The film had not one but two directors! Ron Clements and John Musker previously worked together The Little Mermaid, Aladdinagain Hercules.
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Also, they also co-wrote the screenplay and story alongside Rob Edwards, Greg Erb, and Jason Oremland.
9.
Alan Menken (aka The Little Mermaid, Good and badand so on) was originally considered to write the score for the film, but Disney went with someone else as he was working Enchanted at that time. Randy Newman (aka toy Story, Monsters, Inc.and so on) was hired to make music, and it was fitting since he grew up in NOLA.
10.
The 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 in the area, you can take a tour through Cajun Encounters to see it IRL.
11.
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 is also the only Disney Prince to have both parents alive, which is often rare in Disney films.
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The name of Dr. Facilier is derived from the French word “facile,” which means “easy.” The name is appropriate, as he is a well-spoken magician and the main villain of the film.
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John Goodman revealed that Charlotte’s father, “Big Daddy” La Bouff, is also a longtime NOLA resident.
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Ray is obsessed 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 soundtrack of the movie, “Down in New Orleans.”
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Louis, the trumpet-playing alligator, is a tribute to 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 the movie IRL.
Which part do you like? The Princess and the Frog? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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