It's a Brave new world...

with a Brave new princess…

Merida, the latest in a decades-long lineage of Disney Princesses (and the first in a Pixar branded film), makes her official film debut in just a few days, and the film, and it’s ginger heroine, have been heavily promoted in the parks for the past few weeks.

Like many new face characters, Merida made a few test appearances at an off-the-beaten-path part of Epcot before moving to her new digs in the Magic Kingdom.

The Fairytale Garden area (most recently the home to the Rapunzel meet-and-greet, and prior to that Belle told her story here) has been transformed into the Meridia meet-and-greet…

Outside the Fairytale Garden prior to the doors opening

Outside the Fairytale Garden prior to the doors opening

Details abound in the small space…

An errant arrow

while one of Merida’s friends aids young archers in developing their skills.

The feisty young Princess meets her fans…

and introduces them to three little bear cubs who are hanging around.

And will even give an archery lesson if asked…

and Miss Bonnie took the opportunity to improve her form.

The cubs seem to approve

Not surprisingly, the Merida merch machine is already in full swing…

the cart nearby the meet-and-greet is full of Brave goodies, and more is available in the shops along Main Street.

But the Brave in-park promos don’t stop in the Magic Kingdom…

in Epcot along the Rose Walk path there is a giant, detailed sand sculpture (which now seems Disney de rigueur for any new film).

See the Hidden Mickey?

Right next to this edifice is the Highland Games Tournament.

The decidedly low-tech events are designed with the younger set in mind, but it sure seemed that there were plenty of “big kids” trying their hand at the games of skill.

After spinning a wheel to find out which family you will represent…

you got to give archery a shot, flip a “Haggis” and toss a “Cake” (there’s your requisite food references for this post)…

and wind up with the Caber toss.

Across the walkway posters promote the film…

giving a brief into to the plot.

And in the name of synergy…

Adventures by Disney has a trip to Scotland inspired by Brave.

As the opening of any Pixar film is usually something to celebrate (considering their track record of fab films), we’re looking forward to finally seeing Brave on the big screen, and the in-park promos have done nothing but enhance this desire… let’s hope that this new Princess lives up to the hype… we’ll see very soon…