When The Princess and the Frog debuted in 2009, it marked Walt Disney Animation Studios’ return to hand-drawn animation with a heartfelt tale set in New Orleans. Audiences met Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), a young woman determined to open her own restaurant, and Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos), whose fateful encounter with Dr. Facilier (Keith David) transforms him into a frog. A single kiss sets Tiana on the same path, leading to a bayou journey filled with music, magic, and friendship.
The film is remembered for introducing Disney’s first African American princess, along with a soundtrack celebrating jazz and Creole culture. Over the years, Tiana has become a central figure in Disney theme parks. She regularly greets guests, appears in parades and shows, and now stars in Tiana’s Bayou Adventure—the reimagining of Splash Mountain that opened in 2024 at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This new attraction continues her story after the events of the movie, immersing visitors in New Orleans’ food, music, and traditions.
But it’s not only Tiana who has been brought to life in the parks. Her adversary, Dr. Facilier, has long been a highlight of Halloween celebrations, thanks to his dramatic presence and haunting musical number. At Walt Disney World Resort, he even takes center stage in the new Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After! show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which debuted earlier this year in the former Lightning McQueen Racing Academy space.
Recently, however, Facilier’s park look has undergone a significant change. First seen at Oogie Boogie Bash in Disney California Adventure, the updated version has now reached Tokyo Disneyland. The design tones down several familiar elements, including his tooth necklace and the skull detail on his hat, leaving him with a simpler costume compared to past iterations.
While many Disney characters appear differently in the parks than they do in films, this change has stood out. Over the years, some fans have discussed voodoo’s portrayal in the movie and how Disney seems to have changed its stance in the years since the film's debut. When Disney shared details about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in 2023, for example, Mama Odie (Jenifer Lewis) was introduced as the “Bayou Fairy Godmother,” rather than the “Voodoo Queen of the Bayou,” as Louis the Alligator (Michael Leon-Wooley) calls her in the film.
Disney has not provided confirmation about the reasoning behind Facilier’s revised appearance, but the evolution reflects the company’s ongoing approach to storytelling—both on-screen and in its parks around the world.
Dr. Facilier needs to be added into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure immediately. It was a failure not including him originally.