Is Ariel a Disney Princess? Unraveling the Mermaid’s Reign

Yes, Ariel is absolutely a Disney Princess. She is a core member of the official Disney Princess franchise, a marketing juggernaut that has captivated audiences and defined a generation’s perception of fairy tales since its inception. But her place within this royal court is more than just a title; it’s a testament to her enduring popularity, her impact on Disney animation, and the evolving definition of what it means to be a “princess.”

The Crown Fits: Ariel’s Status as Official Royalty

Let’s be unequivocally clear: Ariel is not just associated with the Disney Princess line, she is a foundational member. Her image graces merchandise, she’s featured prominently in group promotional materials, and she participates in official Disney Princess events at the theme parks and beyond. Disney has consistently and explicitly recognized her as one of their signature princesses. There’s no ambiguity here.

Beyond the Title: The Mermaid’s Impact

Ariel’s significance goes beyond simply bearing the title of “princess.” She represents a turning point for Disney animation. The Little Mermaid (1989) is widely credited with sparking the Disney Renaissance, a decade of critical and commercial success that revitalized the studio after a period of relative decline. Ariel, with her rebellious spirit, her powerful singing voice (thanks to Jodi Benson), and her compelling desire for something more, resonated deeply with audiences.

Red Hair, Green Tail, and a Bold Spirit

Ariel wasn’t your typical damsel in distress. While she did need rescuing at times, she was primarily driven by her own curiosity and ambition. She dared to dream of a life beyond the sea, actively pursued her goals, and made her own choices (even if those choices had significant consequences). This proactive nature helped pave the way for future Disney Princesses who were even more independent and empowered. She is a strong-willed character and one of the things that makes her a modern princess.

Navigating the Depths: Common Misconceptions

Despite her firm position within the Disney Princess pantheon, there are often questions and discussions surrounding her inclusion. Some fans might quibble with her initial naiveté or the choices she makes. However, these very flaws make her relatable and human (or, well, mermaid). It’s important to remember that Disney Princesses, while inspiring, are also complex characters with their own vulnerabilities.

FAQs: Charting the Waters of Ariel and the Disney Princess Franchise

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify Ariel’s position and the broader context of the Disney Princess franchise:

1. What are the official criteria for becoming a Disney Princess?

Officially, the criteria haven’t been explicitly and publicly laid out by Disney. However, based on the princesses included in the franchise, there are generally accepted characteristics. They typically include:

• Being a female protagonist in a Disney animated feature film.
• Having a royal lineage through birth, marriage, or acts of heroism.
• Having a signature song.
• Having animal friends.
• Having a significant level of screen time.
• Having a distinctive appearance and marketable design.

2. How many official Disney Princesses are there?

As of the current date, there are 13 official Disney Princesses: Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, Pocahontas, Mulan, Tiana, Rapunzel, Merida, Moana, and Raya.

3. Why isn’t Tinkerbell a Disney Princess? She’s a fairy, isn’t that royalty?

While Tinkerbell is a beloved Disney character and has her own successful franchise, she doesn’t meet the established criteria for a Disney Princess. She wasn’t the main character of a Disney animated feature film (she starred in Tinkerbell-specific animated movies), and lacks a clear connection to a traditional definition of royalty.

4. Is Elsa a Disney Princess? What about Anna?

This is a very common question! While Elsa and Anna are undoubtedly popular and central to the Frozen franchise, they aren’t officially part of the Disney Princess lineup. They have their own separate Frozen franchise which is arguably more valuable to Disney than the Disney Princess brand.

5. Why was Tinkerbell initially included, then removed from the Disney Princess line-up?

The Disney Princess franchise has evolved over time, and characters have been added and removed based on changing marketing strategies and consumer demand. Tinkerbell was briefly included at one point but was ultimately deemed a better fit for her own separate branding.

6. How does Disney decide which characters to include in the Disney Princess line-up?

Disney’s decisions are primarily driven by market research, consumer demand, and brand consistency. Characters included in the line-up need to resonate with audiences, be marketable across a wide range of products, and align with the overall image and values of the Disney Princess brand.

7. Why is Mulan a Disney Princess even though she isn’t technically royalty?

Mulan’s inclusion is often cited as an example of the franchise’s evolution beyond strict adherence to traditional royalty. She earned her status through her bravery, selflessness, and her act of saving her nation, demonstrating that heroism and strength of character can be just as valuable as lineage.

8. Is Vanellope von Schweetz a Disney Princess since she was crowned in Ralph Breaks the Internet?

While Vanellope is hilariously dubbed a princess, her status is more of a comedic element within the Wreck-It Ralph universe and doesn’t translate to official Disney Princess recognition. She is a princess of Sugar Rush but not a princess of Disney.

9. How does being a Disney Princess impact a character’s legacy?

Being part of the Disney Princess franchise significantly elevates a character’s profile and ensures their continued relevance. It guarantees their inclusion in merchandise, theme park attractions, and promotional campaigns, solidifying their place in popular culture for generations to come.

10. Are there any benefits to being an official Disney Princess?

From a character perspective (if they were real, of course!), the benefits would likely be a life of privilege, influence, and adoration. From Disney’s perspective, the benefits are enormous revenue streams generated through merchandise, licensing, and theme park experiences.

11. Can new Disney Princesses be added in the future?

Absolutely! Disney is always creating new animated films with compelling female leads. If a character meets the general criteria and resonates with audiences, they could potentially be added to the official Disney Princess lineup. This is common for new movies.

12. What is the future of the Disney Princess franchise?

The future of the Disney Princess franchise looks bright. As Disney continues to create diverse and empowering female characters, the franchise is likely to evolve and adapt to reflect changing societal values and audience expectations. The inclusion of princesses from different cultural backgrounds and with varying personalities demonstrates a commitment to representing a wider range of experiences.

The Undersea Verdict: Ariel’s Reign Continues

Ariel, the mermaid princess with a fiery spirit and an unyielding curiosity, remains a cornerstone of the Disney Princess legacy. Her impact on Disney animation and her enduring popularity solidify her place as a timeless icon. While questions and discussions about the Disney Princess criteria will undoubtedly continue, one thing remains certain: Ariel will continue to reign as a beloved member of the royal court for many years to come.