The magic of Disney Princesses is in full bloom once again as Disney invites fans of all ages to celebrate the stories, characters and adventures that have inspired generations.
There is something timeless about the Disney Princess legacy. While every generation might have a different princess they first connected with, these characters have continued to encourage young viewers to dream bigger, discover new worlds and find the courage to write their own stories.
And even when those younger fans grow up, that magic does not simply disappear.
That idea is at the heart of this year’s World Princess Week, as Disney celebrates its iconic princesses with new content, entertainment, experiences, products and more. Built around the message “Once a Princess, Always a Princess,” this year’s celebration looks not only at the stories that have inspired generations, but how fans carry those connections with them into adulthood — and eventually introduce them to another generation.
Leading this year’s festivities is the all-new Once A Princess, Always A Princess: A Disney Short Film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Alex Prager.
The heartfelt short follows two young girls living in neighboring apartment buildings who form a friendship through their shared love of Disney Princess stories. Their imaginations transform ordinary moments into adventures inspired by some of Disney’s most beloved worlds before the story jumps forward and finds the friends sharing that same princess magic with their own daughters.
And Disney went all out bringing those childhood dreams to life.
Rather than relying entirely on digital effects, the production used handcrafted miniature-style “bigature” castles inspired by Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin and The Little Mermaid, along with custom puppets, hand-painted matte backgrounds and practical effects. Even the score received the royal treatment with a 56-piece live orchestra.
But one short film is only the beginning of this royal celebration.
Fans can also stream Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration, which brings together the largest collection of Disney Princess talent ever assembled. The event features an incredible lineup spanning different eras of Disney storytelling, including Brandy, Paige O’Hara, Susan Egan, Jodi Benson, Halle Bailey, Auli’i Cravalho, Catherine Laga’aia, Lea Salonga, Judy Kuhn and Anika Noni Rose.
For younger princess fans, there is even more new content arriving throughout the week.
New episodes of Sofia the First: Royal Magic are part of the celebration, while LEGO Disney Princess: Magical Mayhem makes its Disney+ debut on August 21. The new animated adventure brings Ariel, Jasmine, Mulan, Moana, Rapunzel, Snow White and Tiana together when their attempt to care for animals during a rainstorm becomes a little more magical — and chaotic — than expected.
Disney+ is also putting its royal library front and center with a refreshed Princesses Collection, a dedicated always-on Princesses Stream and special anniversary spotlights for favorites including Beauty and the Beast and Moana.
Yet World Princess Week is stretching far beyond the screen.
Disney and Make-A-Wish are once again bringing some real-world magic to families with Disney Princess wishes around the globe. An all-new miniseries will also highlight families’ connections to these stories and the lasting impact of their wishes. Disney notes that it has granted thousands of princess-themed wishes over the years, making them among the most popular requests from children facing critical illnesses.
Fans will also find new ways to celebrate online and in person. TikTok is launching a World Princess Week Search Hub, an Easter egg featuring all 13 Princesses and collectible digital Princess cards in select markets. Angel City Football Club also joined the celebration with Disney Princess Night, featuring themed activities and a halftime performance from Anika Noni Rose.
Perhaps one of the most interesting additions announced during D23 is an entirely new Disney Princess Experience.
Currently in development, the immersive experience will allow fans of all ages to venture through worlds inspired by Rapunzel, Tiana, Belle, Moana and Ariel as part of a magical quest filled with music and interactive discoveries.
The Disney Parks are joining in as well, with princess-themed attractions, entertainment and food available around the world. Disneyland Paris recently added the Disney Princess Cavalcade to Disney Adventure World, celebrating the adventurous spirits of Moana, Rapunzel, Tiana and Raya.
And naturally, there is plenty of new merchandise arriving to bring some of that magic home.
Disney’s growing Princess collection stretches from toys, fashion and beauty to home décor and accessories. New offerings include Mattel transformation dolls and JAKKS Pacific’s upcoming interactive Dance with Me Belle doll, alongside Pandora jewelry, Tangled-inspired Loungefly bags, Disney Store costumes and new bedroom décor.
Readers are not being forgotten either. New publishing offerings include Margaret Owen’s Rootbound: A Tangled Novel, Disney Princess Cookie Party with more than 50 recipes and Disney Mystery Coloring: Princesses.
From music and movies to books, toys, parks and entirely new experiences, World Princess Week is bringing together nearly every corner of the Disney kingdom.
Because while the dresses, castles and happily-ever-afters might be part of the magic, these characters have endured for something much bigger. They have grown alongside generations of girls who found something of themselves in their stories.
And no matter how many years pass, there is always room for a little courage, adventure, imagination — and perhaps a bit of princess magic.
After all, once a princess, always a princess.
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