Essence.com caught up with Rose to chat about landing her dream job, seeing herself in animation and how she hopes to switch things up for her next, big role.

ESSENCE.com: What was your initial thought when you heard there was going to be a Black animated princess?
ANIKA NONI ROSE: Oh my God, I was thrilled. [Working with] Disney has been my dream, so I just focused on getting the part and when I did, I called home screaming! [laughs] There’s no reason why a girl from Connecticut would end up being the first Black Disney princess.

ESSENCE.com: Well, there’s no reason why not, either! Weren’t Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and Tyra Banks being considered, too?
ROSE: I read that they were, but I don’t know any details. Ultimately, that didn’t matter to me because I was competing against me. As an actor, if you spend so much time thinking about how many other people are coming into a room, you’ll psyche yourself out before you even get there.

ESSENCE.com: How did you feel when you saw Tiana on the big screen for the first time?
ROSE: When I saw Tiana, with my expression on her face, in color, standing in the moonlight, surrounded by sparkles–I was truly undone! I’ve been crying for a year– seriously.

ESSENCE.com: What does it mean to you to be making history?
ROSE: The largesse of it all didn’t hit me [in the beginning], but when they unveiled the doll to me, I remember thinking, “There’s a doll, based on me and the work I’ve done, that’s going to be here for these little girls–and she’s glamorous.” This movie is showing the world a different picture of Black America, which is phenomenal. It’s just phenomenal.

ESSENCE.com: What were your feelings about the initial criticism surrounding the film, specifically relating to the prince not being Black and the firefly being a bit…ethnic?
ROSE: I was surprised by some of the things that the community took issue with, especially considering the amount of negativity that’s in the world about us, on TV and film. But I think it’s really about us not ever having this happen before and wanting to have some control over our image, because we so rarely do. There’s a lot of humor in the film. There are also a lot of touching moments that I think are very genuine and it’s all been done with such love, which you can see in the details. You can see it in Tiana’s little, round nose and in how she moves…and that firefly’s funny!

ESSENCE.com: So, what can we expect from you next?
ROSE: Well, I’m co-composing a musical for Broadway. I’m reading a lot, too, and I’m always looking for books that are a possibility to make. I’d love to do some foreign films and also, an action movie where I could wear a boot–a heel–and beat somebody’s butt. I’d be 5′2″ and just punching and kicking…in leather! [laughs]

The Princess and the Frog opens nationwide TODAY!

Source: Essence.com

We are a few weeks away from the premiere of the highly anticipated Disney animation, “The Princess and the Frog.” Get a quick peak before you take your little princess. Not only will she love it. You will love it too.

Last month I had a chance to meet Princess Tiana at Disney World during her debut. Check out the pictures and video.

You still have time to get your limited edition, “Princess and the Frog” bath and body products from Carol’s Daughter. The Magical Collection is selling like hotcakes. Put in your order now for holiday gift giving.

Yes, I’ve admired Snow White and Cinderella growing up, but now little girls of color have a princess in their own image and I think it is a beautiful thing. So beautiful that when my husband pointed her out to me across the walkway I hurried (in awe) to stand in line to take a picture with her like I was a little princess.

For the last two years, every time I visit Disney I’ve looked for Princess Tiana’s existence. From the princess shops to the gift shop at my hotel, I’ve watched her come about slowly, anticipating the items I would pick up for…well…myself. As women, we all have a little princess that lives within us and now I have a few Princess Tiana collectibles to remind me.

Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” hits theaters nationwide December 11th. Will you be there? I know I will!

By the time we were finished wine tasting, pairing and just straight up drinking we stopped in England for our favorite….the authentic fish and chips. They are to die for…if you ever get a chance to go to EPCOT you have to stop in England for the fish and chips…no one does it better. They are melt in your mouth good!

We shared a table with a couple and their young child (our little one loved it) from Miami and we chatted for a couple of hours about life, family and our love for Disney. OK, we found out we weren’t the only ones that took that three hour drive every few months.

Overall, it was a wonderful weekend. Our little one got to go to his favorite place in the whole world, Animal Kingdom. From the safari ride to digging for dinosaur bones he had it all covered. And was tired enough afterwards to chill in the stroller and let mommy and daddy kick up their heels. Its been a tough year! We usually take in a few demonstrations but this year it was more about being carefree…plus…we will be back next year.

As we toasted to great times in the most magical place while watching the the sun dance over the lagoon setting over the World Showcase, you can feel the Disney Pixie dust in air before the Illumination Fire Works show. Ahhhh…..getaway! CHEERS!

Enjoy a few pictures of our favorites. Do you have a Disney story?