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The Princess and the Frog attraction that is replacing the Disney ride Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom Disney Park has been getting closer and closer with more details slowly being revealed about the ride (including its potential opening date). Now Essence magazine has interviewed Charita Carter, one of the women who is playing a big part in making the new Princess and the Frog ride!
Concept art for the Princess and the Frog ride, featuring Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, and Louis the alligator. Credit: Disney Parks Blog
“I got the call, ‘We are planning on bringing [Princess] Tiana to both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. And we would like you to be the producer and the team leader for that effort.’ I was like, that’s what’s next,” the accountant-turned-Imagineer said in the interview.
“I am extremely honored to have this responsibility,” the Executive Producer added. “It’s hard work. And yes, I am nervous because I feel every day the weight of what it is that we are doing. But we have put together an amazing team of people. We are working with so many consultants and just really encouraging everybody who is touching this attraction to be curious, and to be humble and be open to learning, expanding on ways that we can tell this story.”
Charita Carter, the Executive Producer of Relevancy Activations for Walt Disney Imagineering. Credit: Charita Carter/ Essence
When asked about plans for the ride, Carter said that Walt Disney Imagineering is “building upon what was done with the animated film [in 2009]. We’re telling a next chapter story,” she continued. “We have this beautiful opportunity to give the character of Tiana depth and a dimensional space. I’m honored and excited. And I just feel like, ‘Yes, I’m ready. Let’s do this.’”
Apparently, “the ride will also be a love letter to the city of New Orleans” as Princess Tiana and Naveen (as well as their friends from the bayou, like Louis the alligator) set out to celebrate the Mardi Gras in the swamps of Louisiana.
Concept art for the Princess and the Frog attraction. One of the more modern Disney princesses, Princess Tiana, will supposedly be hosting a Mardi Gras with Prince Naveen and Louis the alligator, as well as her other friends in the bayou. Credit: Disney
“When I think about what this project means to my parents, there’s that aspect. And then when I think about the young people, there’s just the full gamut, multi-generational impact. We are taking our responsibility very seriously,” Carter told Essence. “I feel privileged and honored to be in a driving seat where I can help influence the choices that we make because like I said, we have a big responsibility and we plan to deliver.”
Are you excited about the Princess and the Frog ride that is coming to Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort?
