Disney introduces first black princess doll

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Princess Tiana, Disney’s first-ever black princess character and star of the upcoming animated film ‘The Princess and the Frog,’ became the face of a new toy line this month.

Tony Award-winning actress and singer Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Princess Tiana, helped unveil the line, which includes dolls, playsets and dresses, at a sneak preview event at the American International Toy Fair in New York.

In addition to toys, there will also be an extensive line of ‘The Princess and the Frog’-inspired apparel, accessories, home décor, consumer electronics, school supplies and personal care products arriving to retailers nationwide this fall, Disney said. In malls across North America and Canada, more than 220 Disney Stores will also celebrate the debut of Princess Tiana and ‘The Princess and the Frog’ with window displays and merchandising.

Tiana is Disney’s first new princess in more than 10 years. The company said she would join fellow princesses Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas and Snow White.

‘The Princess and the Frog’ is a fairy tale set in New Orleans that is scheduled to be released during the holidays. Voice talent includes Oprah Winfrey and John Goodman.

-- Andrea Chang