Awesome Fun Facts About Disney’s ‘The Princess Diaries’
Can you believe that its been 15 years since Mia Mignonette Thermopolis Renaldi charmed the world in The Princess Diaries 2? Considering that the films are still on regular DIsney+ rotation in my household, its safe to say that they’ve definitely withstood the test of time. To celebrate the anniversary of this beloved franchise, Disney has revealed a handful of fun facts about the films that you may not have known about!
So brush up on your Princess Diaries trivia and be sure to wow your friends during family game night!
Both of The Princess Diaries Films Mark The Motion Picture Debut Of Some Well-Known Actors and Actresses
The stuff of Hollywood legend, the story goes that when Anne Hathaway was auditioning for the lead role in the film, she accidentally fell out of her chair. But instead of blowing the audition, it was one of the reasons why he chose her to be Mia. It also starred Mandy Moore (who would go on to voice the role of Rapunzel in Tangled) as Lana, the snotty cheerleader. Chris Pine (Into the Woods) also made his motion picture debut in The Princess Diaries 2 as Lord Nicholas Devereaux.
The Princess Diaries Marked Julie Andrews’ Return To Disney
How’s this for a reunion! The Princess Diaries marked the first time that Julie Andrews returned to Disney since Mary Poppins back in 1964! It was the opportunity to work with Garry Marshall that enticed her back into the studio!
Both Princess Diaries films Were Produced By Whitney Houston
This is a fact that surprised even us! According to D23, Disney’s official fanclub, In 1997, Houston starred in The Wonderful World of Disney presents Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. She would then go one along with Debra Martin Chase and Mario Iscovich to produce both of The Princess Diaries films as part of her production company BrownHouse Productions. There’s a story that both Julie Andrews and Whitney Houston actually sang “Happy Birthday” to Garry Marshall on the Princess Diaries set.
The Princess Diaries Was Filmed At A Practically Perfect Location
For the filming of Princess Diaries, Disney chose the perfect setting, The Walt Disney Studios lot was familiar territory for Julie Andrews considering that she filmed the original Mary Poppins there! To make it even better the were both filmed on Soundstage 2! Having Andrews back in house was a celebratory occasion and featured Roy E. Disney, Richard M. Sherman and Dick Van Dyke.
Anne Hathaway Had Over 50 Costume Changes In The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Talk about a wardrobe! Gary Jones who was the costume designer for The Princess Diaries 2, had selected more than 50 outfits for Mia Thermopolis to wear n the films. He also said that the red dress worn by Mia on her 21st birthday was inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s frock in Funny Face.
Julie Andrews’ Song Was the High Point of Princess Diaries 2
Julie Andrews fans rejoiced at the moment in Princess Diaries 2 when she saying the song “Your Crowning Glory.” It marked the first time Andrews sang in a film after having throat surgery in 1997. The song was performed with Asana (played by Raven-Symone) and Andrews apparently had a hand in composing the song. The banter between the Queen and Asana was apparently Andrews idea!
Julie Andrews Did Her Own Stunts
In Princess Diaries 2 there is the famous mattress-surfing scene. The moment was inspired by a story Anne Hathaway told Garry Marshall about mattress surfing at her friends house. When it came time for Andrews to be in the scene she actually mattress surfed without a stunt double!
Director Garry Marshall Snuck In References To Pretty Woman
There are a few Pretty Woman Easter Eggs in The Princess Diaries. The most obvious one is that Hector Elizondo you played Joe the chauffeur also appeared in Pretty Woman as Barney Thompson. Marshall also pays homage to Pretty Woman in the scene where Mia does breaks a glass and set’s a guests sleeve on fire. The butler, played by Allen Kent says “It happens all the time.” He also delivered the same line in Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts makes a similar gaffe at the restaurant.
A Stan Lee Cameo?
Oddly enough, YES! Stan Lee actually makes a cameo in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. Be on the lookout for him as a guest at Mia’s wedding.
The Country of Genovia Isn’t An Actual Place
For those wondering if Genovia is a real place the answer is no! It was created to be an amalgamation of kingdoms found in France, Spain and Italy. The palace was actually built at Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch and was an enormous set piece.
Relive the magic of both Princess Diaries films on Disney+ now! Also be sure to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates!
Thinking about a visit to Disney? Getting started is easy! Simply fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels.
Find articles like this helpful? Then why not consider working with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner? As an agent with MickeyTravels, I’ll be on hand to assist you with everything from finding your perfect package to helping you plan lots of special touches to make your visit truly magical. Best of all my services are absolutely FREE. Get in touch at 1.800.801.4025 via email at mroden@mickeytravels.com or follow along on Facebook