Wondering who the real Disney Princesses are? And what it truly means to be part of the “Disney Princess” franchise? You’re in the right place to find out!
In this article, I’ll explain what the Disney Princess franchise is. You’ll discover the list of official Disney Princesses, the ones who aren’t, and how Disney decides which characters join this category. Why are some heroines recognized as Disney Princesses while others are not? I’ve also included a FAQ to answer the most common questions.
Introduction to the Disney Princess franchise
The Disney Princess franchise was created in 2000 to bring together and promote the most popular and iconic princesses from Disney animated films.
This franchise highlights female characters who embody values such as courage, kindness, and adventure.
It was designed to expand the Disney universe and offer a range of merchandise, films, and experiences, while strengthening the identity of the Disney Princesses.
Since its creation, the franchise has evolved, adding new princesses while preserving the timeless and magical spirit that defines Disney.
The list of official Disney Princesses
Snow White
First appearance: 1937
Film: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Cinderella
First appearance: 1950
Film: Cinderella
Aurora
First appearance: 1959
Film: Sleeping Beauty
Ariel
First appearance: 1989
Film: The Little Mermaid
Beauty
First appearance: 1991
Film: Beauty and the Beast
Jasmine
First appearance: 1992
Film: Aladdin
Pocahontas
First appearance: 1995
Film: Pocahontas
Mulan
First appearance: 1998
Film: Mulan
Tiana
First appearance: 2009
Film: The Princess and the Frog
Rapunzel
First appearance: 2010
Film: Tangled
Mérida
First appearance: 2012
Film: Brave
Moana
First appearance: 2016
Film: Moana
Raya
First appearance: 2021
Film: Raya and the Last Dragon
The list of unofficial Disney Princesses
Discover the list of Disney princesses who are not part of the Disney Princess franchise. Although these characters are considered princesses in their respective films, they were not included in the official lineup:
Vanellope von Schweetz
First appearance: 2012
Film: Wreck-It Ralph
Elsa
First appearance: 2013
Film: Frozen
Anna
First appearance: 2013
Film: Frozen
How Disney Princesses are chosen
The selection of Disney Princesses is not a fixed process:
In 2000, when the Disney Princess franchise was created, Disney decided that only six princesses would be part of the original lineup: Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, and Jasmine.
In 2006, Pocahontas and Mulan were added to the list following a popularity contest.
This decision sparked debate, especially regarding Mulan, whose status as a princess doesn’t follow the traditional criteria.
Over the years, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, and Moana were added based on their film releases, further expanding the official princess lineup.
Why some characters become Princesses and others don’t
The criteria that determine who deserves the title of princess are sometimes unclear.
For example, Mulan, who comes from a humble background, is part of the lineup, while characters like Anna, Elsa, or Vanellope, who might seem like obvious choices are excluded.
Pocahontas, the daughter of a tribal chief, and Moana, the daughter of a village chief, also have somewhat ambiguous statuses.
The inclusion of a heroine in the Disney Princess franchise seems to depend on a mix of popularity, the character’s story, and narrative choices.
The exact reasons behind these decisions are not always clear, which adds a touch of mystery to the Disney Princess universe.
To learn more
Who are the official Disney Princesses?
The official Disney Princesses are: Snow White (1937), Cinderella (1950), Aurora (1959), Ariel (1989), Belle (1991), Jasmine (1992), Pocahontas (1995), Mulan (1998), Tiana (2009), Rapunzel (2010), Merida (2012), Moana (2016), and Raya (2021).
Who are the other unofficial Disney Princesses?
Among the many princesses that emerge from Disney worlds, some capture the audience’s hearts without holding the official Disney Princess title. These include Vanellope von Schweetz (2012) and the royal sisters Elsa and Anna (2013). But the list of unofficial princesses goes even further, featuring iconic figures such as Tiger Lily (1953) from “Peter Pan,” Leia Organa (1977) from Star Wars, Kiara (1998) from “The Lion King II,” Mei, Su, and Ting-Ting (2005) from “Mulan II,” and the brave Raya (2021) from “Raya and the Last Dragon.”
Why is Mulan an official Disney Princess?
Mulan became an official Disney Princess after a popularity contest in 2006, even though her commoner status may seem unusual compared to traditional royal conventions.
Are there specific criteria to become a Disney Princess?
The criteria generally include being a main character in a Disney or Pixar animated feature film, as well as the character’s popularity and impact on the target audience.
How are the Disney Princesses celebrated?
The Disney Princesses are celebrated in many ways, including through merchandise, parades, and magical meet-and-greets in Disney theme parks. In addition, each year, World Princess Week spreads its magic across Disney parks worldwide, giving fans the chance to celebrate the enchanting legacy of their favorite heroines.
Will new princesses be added in the future?
It’s likely that new princesses will be added in the future, depending on the release of new animated films that capture audiences and meet the criteria set by the Disney Princess franchise.
The Disney Princess world map
