(July 10, 2009) Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are combining forces at this year's National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Annual Convention and Career Fair to present an exciting lineup of entertainment, including a sneak preview of special footage from Walt Disney Pictures' animated comedy adventure, "The Princess and the Frog," and the debut of Disney's newest princess, Tiana, voiced by Tony Award(R) winning-actress Anika Noni Rose.

Rose will also perform a song from "The Princess and the Frog." The performance and the sneak peek of select footage from the upcoming film are part of the NABJ Convention's "NABJ Presents" event on Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Tampa Waterside Marriott Hotel and Marina.

"Disney's magic is in full-force again this year and we are especially thrilled they have chosen the NABJ Convention to highlight 'The Princess and the Frog,'" said NABJ President Barbara Ciara. "We are also proud of Disney's involvement in the African-American community through multiple initiatives including Disney's Dreamers Academy. And we are pleased that convention attendees are offered the opportunity to experience the theme parks of Walt Disney World Resort first-hand."

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will unveil Princess Tiana live and in-person, just as she will appear to park guests, at the NABJ Convention -- two months before her scheduled debut at Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Park in California.

"This is the first time anyone will see the new princess," said Craig Dezern, vice president of Global Public Relations for Disney Destinations. "We're excited for NABJ attendees to see first and first-hand our newest Disney princess."

The two-and-a-half hour event also will highlight some exciting additions to Walt Disney World Resort, including:

• the re-opening of the iconic Hall of Presidents attraction in Magic Kingdom featuring the likeness of President Barack Obama as a new Audio-Animatronics figure;
• the American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios;
• Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey -- an innovative career inspiration program that includes interactive workshops, motivational talks, hands-on creative experiences and fun for high school students;
• re-branding Disney's Wide World of Sports complex with ESPN to welcome thousands more young athletes to compete in Central Florida;
• a spectacular performance highlighting What Will You Celebrate? -- in which Disney Parks on both coasts help guests turn personal milestones into magical Disney experiences.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts took the stage at the 2007 NABJ Annual Convention in Las Vegas with performances by American Idol finalist Paris Bennett and comedian George Wallace followed by a breathtaking display by acrobats from the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil. This year, NABJ warmly welcomes Disney's return as a Platinum-level sponsor in what is sure to be an attendee favorite.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures presents the "The Princess and the Frog," an animated comedy adventure set in the great city of New Orleans. From the creators of "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin" comes a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose), a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana. "The Princess and the Frog" marks the return to hand-drawn animation from the revered team of John Musker and Ron Clements, with music by Oscar(R) -- winning composer Randy Newman.

The NABJ Annual Convention and Career Fair is the largest gathering of minority journalists in the country. The 2009 Convention takes place at the Tampa Convention Center and Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina Aug. 5 - 9, and welcomes workshop hosts, speakers and sponsorship from Google, Microsoft, ESPN, CNN, Bloomberg and many others. More information is available at NABJ.org.

An advocacy group established in 1975 in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the nation, with more than 3,500 members, and provides educational, career development and support to black journalists worldwide.

-- Posted July 10, 2009