Creators of Music for ‘The Princess and the Frog’ Attraction Revealed

Disney has made an exciting announcement that has generated significant anticipation among fans and visitors. They have unveiled the musical talent behind the highly-anticipated new attraction, “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure,” which is set to open in late 2024 at both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

The music for this attraction will be produced by two remarkable talents who have deep ties to New Orleans, the heart and soul of “The Princess and the Frog.” PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard, both hailing from New Orleans, have been entrusted with crafting the captivating soundscape that guests will experience throughout their journey in this enchanting attraction.

PJ Morton, a multi-Grammy-winning artist, and the keyboardist for Maroon 5, brings his musical prowess and soulful style to this project. Terence Blanchard, a renowned jazz trumpeter and composer, returns to Disney to lend his brilliance, having contributed to the music and voice work of the original film. Both artists have left an indelible mark on the music industry, with PJ Morton boasting four consecutive years of Grammy wins and a staggering 19 career nominations as an independent artist, while Terence Blanchard has been honored with seven Grammy awards for his contributions to jazz and his virtuoso trumpet skills. Terence’s involvement in the original film, where he played all of Louis the Alligator’s trumpet parts, adds a delightful layer of nostalgia to this collaboration.

Disney shared its excitement about the partnership, stating, “PJ and Terence will help us score a lyrical love letter to the region that first inspired our endeavor with Princess Tiana.” In addition to their work on the film’s original songs, they will compose a new original song and craft fresh interpretations of beloved classics from “The Princess and the Frog.”

The announcement builds on Disney’s commitment to authentically bringing the magic of “The Princess and the Frog” to life in the form of an immersive attraction. They previously revealed that Anika Noni Rose, who voiced Tiana in the original film, would reprise her role for the attraction, along with Jenifer Lewis as Mama Odie and Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis. The addition of these original voice actors adds an extra layer of authenticity to the experience.

The attraction promises to be a dazzling and immersive journey into the vibrant world of “The Princess and the Frog.” The concept art shared by Disney showcases some of the ride’s distinctive scenes, complete with zydeco-style tunes, a genre deeply rooted in Louisiana culture, which evolved from a unique blend of rhythm and blues. Throughout the adventure, Tiana, along with her friends old and new—such as the jazz-loving alligator Louis and a band of charming critters including an otter, rabbit, raccoon, beaver, turtle, and more—will convey the significance of zydeco music, celebrating the blending of sounds and styles from diverse cultures. The aim is to invite all guests to join in on this joyous celebration of music and culture.

The attraction was unveiled with great fanfare at the 2022 ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans, a location that is particularly fitting as it is also Princess Tiana’s hometown. The reimagined ride takes place after the events of the film, with Tiana, Naveen, and Louis hosting a one-of-a-kind Mardi Gras celebration where everyone is welcome. This celebration will be accompanied by original music inspired by the film, further immersing guests in the enchanting world of Tiana and her friends.

Disney’s team of Imagineers has gone above and beyond to ensure that “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” is a love letter to New Orleans. Charita Carter, executive producer of relevancy activations for Walt Disney Imagineering, expressed, “In many ways, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is a love letter to New Orleans. Like the musical city that inspired this attraction, Tiana’s second act is about a community working in harmony to achieve something extraordinary. She reminds us of an immutable truth we can all relate to: ‘If you do your best each and every day, good things are sure to come your way.’ And that’s a melody we can all sing along to!”

Aside from the musical aspect, the attraction also comes with significant visual updates. Previously known as Splash Mountain, it featured characters from “The Song of the South,” a film criticized for its racist and offensive depictions of Black people and its misrepresentation of Southern culture in the 1800s. In addition to the rebranding, Princess Tiana will receive a new look for the ride. Her outfit will be inspired by the styles and trends of the 1920s, reflecting the historical accuracy of the era. Ida Muldrow, a costume designer for Disney Live Entertainment, emphasized, “Tiana was equally at home in the bayou as she was at a banquet. We wanted her look to reflect that and be a compliment to the story’s setting.”

Furthermore, Disney has paid meticulous attention to Tiana’s hair, ensuring that it reflects the versatility and beauty of Black women’s hair. This attention to detail underscores Disney’s commitment to inclusivity and authenticity in their storytelling and character design.

In sum, “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” promises to be a captivating and culturally rich attraction, celebrating the magic of “The Princess and the Frog” while paying homage to the vibrant culture and music of New Orleans. With the involvement of musical legends PJ Morton and Terence Blanchard, along with the return of the original voice actors, this attraction is poised to be a memorable and immersive experience for all visitors, inviting them to join in the celebration of music, friendship, and the enduring spirit of Princess Tiana.

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