The Royal Disney Line-Up (and a Few Surprising Missing Names!)
When you think of Disney Princesses, who comes to mind first?
Maybe it’s Cinderella running from the ball, Ariel dreaming of the human world, Belle seeing beyond appearances, or Rapunzel discovering the floating lanterns. For generations, Disney’s leading ladies have inspired us with stories of kindness, courage, adventure and finding your own path.
But did you know that not every Disney princess is actually an official Disney Princess?
It sounds strange, but Disney has a very specific royal line-up. Being born royal (or even being incredibly popular!) doesn’t automatically guarantee a place.
So… who officially gets to wear the crown?
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👑 The Official Disney Princesses
Snow White
Film: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
The original Disney Princess and the one who started it all. Snow White brought Disney animation into a new era and remains one of the most recognisable characters in the world.
Gentle, optimistic and kind-hearted, she proves that sometimes the quietest characters leave the biggest legacy.
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Cinderella
Film: Cinderella (1950)
Possibly one of the most iconic princesses ever created. With her glass slipper, pumpkin carriage and unforgettable transformation scene, Cinderella represents hope, patience and believing that circumstances can change.
She remains one of the most collected Disney characters, with countless beautiful figurine designs celebrating her magical story.
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Aurora
Film: Sleeping Beauty (1959)
Elegant, graceful and instantly recognisable, Aurora may have limited screen time compared with some later princesses — but her impact is huge.
Her story introduced us to one of Disney’s greatest villains too: the magnificent Maleficent.
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Ariel
Film: The Little Mermaid (1989)
Ariel marked the beginning of the Disney Renaissance era and brought a very different type of princess.
Curious, adventurous and determined to explore beyond the world she knows, Ariel remains a firm favourite among collectors — especially with pieces featuring her underwater world.
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Belle
Film: Beauty and the Beast (1991)
Belle showed that being different was something to celebrate.
A reader, a dreamer and someone who valued kindness over appearances, Belle became one of Disney’s most beloved princesses. Her golden ballroom gown is still one of the most famous Disney looks ever created.
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Jasmine
Film: Aladdin (1992)
Independent and strong-willed, Jasmine challenged expectations of what a princess “should” be.
She wanted freedom, choice and a life beyond palace walls — and her confidence helped make her a fan favourite.
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Pocahontas
Film: Pocahontas (1995)
Inspired by a historical figure, Pocahontas brought themes of understanding, bravery and connection with nature.
Her story stands apart from many traditional fairy tales and added something very different to the Disney Princess collection.
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Mulan
Film: Mulan (1998)
Now this is where it gets interesting…
Mulan is officially a Disney Princess — despite not technically being a princess at all!
She wasn’t born royal and didn’t marry royalty, but her bravery, loyalty and heroism earned her a place among Disney’s royal line-up.
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Tiana
Film: The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Hard-working, ambitious and determined, Tiana brought us a princess with a dream she was prepared to work for.
Her beautiful 1920s New Orleans setting also gives her one of the most distinctive styles in the Disney Princess collection.
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Rapunzel
Film: Tangled (2010)
Creative, funny and endlessly optimistic, Rapunzel quickly became a modern Disney favourite.
Armed with a frying pan, magical hair and a huge amount of determination, she showed that princess stories could be adventurous, emotional and hilarious.
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Merida
Film: Brave (2012)
Merida broke the traditional princess mould.
No prince, no romance-focused storyline — just independence, family, courage and one very impressive head of curly red hair!
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Moana
Film: Moana (2016)
Although Moana famously says she isn’t a princess, Disney disagreed!
A natural leader and explorer, Moana represents bravery, identity and discovering who you are.
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Raya
Film: Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
The newest member of the official Disney Princess family, Raya is a warrior with a story centred around trust, unity and protecting her people.
She continues the modern trend of princesses being defined by their actions rather than just a crown.
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Wait… Where Are Anna and Elsa?
This surprises a lot of people!
Despite being actual royalty, Anna and Elsa from Frozen are not official Disney Princesses.
Why? Mostly because Frozen became such a huge success that it grew into its own separate franchise. Elsa also became a queen rather than remaining a princess.
So technically… Mulan is a princess and Elsa isn’t. Disney logic at its finest!
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Why Does the Official Line-Up Matter to Collectors?
For Disney collectors, the official princess collection often inspires some of the most beautiful figurines and designs.
From Jim Shore Disney Traditions pieces with their folk-art patterns, to the elegant Disney Showcase Couture de Force collection, each princess has been reimagined in countless styles.
Some collectors choose one favourite princess.
Some collect a particular range.
And some of us… well, we just keep finding “one more” piece that somehow needs a home!
(We’ve all been there.)
Whether your favourite wears a crown, carries a sword, reads books, explores oceans or talks to dragons — Disney’s princesses continue to remind us why these stories stay with us long after childhood.
After all, a true princess has never really been about the crown. ✨
