We recently reported that Disneyland and Walt Disney World announced the retheme of Splash Mountain from Song of the South to The Princess and the Frog. The new attraction will showcase the lovable and popular Disney Princess Tiana as she and Louis prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.
This is a huge change from what the attraction is now, as its current theme is controversial.
Related: Will Princess Tiana Be Human or Frog in Splash Mountain?
The official Disney Parks statement for the retheme of Splash Mountain in Walt Disney World and Disneyland reads:
Today we are thrilled to share a first glimpse of a project Imagineers have been working on since last year. Splash Mountain – at both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom park in Florida – will soon be completely reimagined. The theme is inspired by an all-time favorite animated Disney film, “The Princess and the Frog.” We pick up this story after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure – featuring some of the powerful music from the film – as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance.
Tiana is a modern, courageous, and empowered woman, who pursues her dreams and never loses sight of what’s really important. It’s a great story with a strong lead character, set against the backdrop of New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou. In 1966, Walt himself opened New Orleans Square when it became the first new “land” added to Disneyland park, so it feels natural to link the story and the incredible music of “The Princess and the Frog” to our parks.
But with not many details surrounding the retheme other than the above official announcement, it has left many wondering who else from The Princess and the Frog would be appearing in the ride. We know Princess Tiana and Louis will be included as the ride will follow both of them on a musical adventure, but who else could we see along the way?
One Instagram user @philanderc85 had a great idea of including two major characters who brought life to the film — Charlotte and Mama Odie! He began his caption with:
Since Tiana is heading on over to the back west side of the park, I think it’s time for more characters from her film to make an appearance and I couldn’t think of two greater choices than Charlotte and Mama Odie!
These two are incredibly fun characters that are full of energy. Their “all over the place” energy would be perfect for interactions with children and adults by the new attraction.
Charlotte La Bouff
The Instagram user went on to write:
Charlotte is one of my favorite side characters in the film. She’s so unique in the fact that she is both spoiled and wealthy but not evil in any way. She became this way due to her father giving her everything as a child, but her ditzy, diva personality is something we all fell in love with despite her acting self centered most of the time. She compliments Tiana perfectly despite the two having almost no similarities and being from completely different backgrounds. One of the many reasons I love their friendship. I can already imagine the hilarious dialogue she would come up with while meeting families.
Mama Odie
Philander also included why he thinks the voodoo priestess should make an appearance:
Mama Odie is just as fantastic in other ways. The kindly old voodoo priestess is eccentric and spunky, but also a fantastic sage, more than willing to give out advice in her own creative ways to those in need. The easily distracted, zany grandparent archetype would be excellent for meet and greets as well since she could give “interesting” advice about how to continue your day while in the parks. She could also carry around her special wand as well, similarly to the Fairy Godmother and grant her own special wishes for kids.
While I have zero clue as to wether or not these two will be making an appearance in the parks in any way, (Charlotte is part of a show on Disney Cruise Line) it would really be wonderful to see these amazing characters brought to life in the parks. Would like to see Charlotte and Mama Odie wandering around Tiana’s new attraction?!
And More!
The comments kept coming in as some agreed with this Disney fan while others shared their own thoughts and “must have” character appearances — several rooting for our favorite little lightning bug, Ray!
“You gotta have Ray Ray in there too,” one commenter wrote. Another said, “Yes to all of it!!! I love Lottie for all those reasons too. Even tho she had a very privileged life she never was mean or hateful. I love her and Tiana! They NEED….BETTER have Ray in there!! I love that little lightening bug.”
You can take a look at Philander’s full Instagram post here:
More Than Just the Attraction
But what if Disney didn’t just include these two characters within the attraction — What if Disney brought these two characters to the parks as a meet and greet?! How fun would that be?
Disney could make an entire section of the park as Mama Odie’s Tree where you could go inside and actually meet Mama Odie and get her autograph. Or if they build a Tiana’s Place restaurant, maybe Charlotte could join Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen roaming around the area to meet with fans and Guests.
What do you think? Should Disney include these characters within the attraction? What about meet and greets? Let us know in the comments below.