Over the years, Disney Experiences have introduced slight variations to many characters when they make the transition from screen to stage, but one of the most striking changes is now seen with Dr. Facilier. Known as the Shadow Man in The Princess and the Frog (2009), the character has recently appeared in a toned-down outfit at Tokyo Disneyland.
This updated appearance follows its debut at the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure, and photos shared by WDWNT on Instagram show how different it is from last year’s version. His tooth necklace is gone, his suit is simplified, and the skull emblem that sometimes adorned his hat is absent. The new design continues a long tradition of Disney adapting character looks for live settings.
Facilier, voiced by Keith David in the original animated film, remains one of Disney’s most memorable villains. His smooth-talking charm, haunting “Friends on the Other Side” musical number, and shadowy powers cemented him as a fan favorite. Guests can see him in stage shows, villain events during Halloween seasons, and most recently at Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After! in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which replaced the Lightning McQueen Racing Academy.
Released in 2009, The Princess and the Frog introduced audiences to Tiana, Disney’s first African American princess, voiced by Anika Noni Rose. The story, set in 1920s New Orleans, celebrates jazz, Creole traditions, and the vibrancy of the city. Alongside Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos), Tiana’s journey through the bayou offered a modern take on a classic fairy tale.
Since then, Tiana has become a fixture at Disney theme parks worldwide through meet-and-greets, stage shows, and parades. The character now headlines Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, a reimagining of Splash Mountain that opened in 2024 at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The attraction continues her story beyond the film and highlights the music, food, and spirit of New Orleans.
While Disney has not confirmed any reasoning behind Facilier’s updated appearance, some fans have noted changes in how the company presents voodoo in relation to the film. When announcing Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, Disney described Mama Odie (Jenifer Lewis) as the “Bayou Fairy Godmother,” rather than the “Voodoo Queen” nickname given by Louis the Alligator (Michael Leon-Wooley). These shifts have sparked conversation about how the studio frames elements of the story within its parks.
How do you feel about the changes made to these characters in the parks? Let us know in the comments down below!
Author
Since Dr facilier outfit is toned down. Can we beg the Disney imagineers to update Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride with Lawrence and Dr facilier? While they’re at it include the pink spoonbill birds, lady butterflies a blue bird and and other critters to fill in the empty spaces. Also they should tell us the story of Tiana and the 1927 Mississippi flood showing Naveen and Louis arguing and to have us guests find flood victims people, have the spirit of Dr facilier at the dropoff singing friends on the other side and let us see Tiana serving gumbo soup to refugees in the red Cross camps before the Tiana’s palace party finale. That would be a ride I will go on. I don’t like the beta version Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride. There’s nothing to look at I want a ride update now.