From Mickey Mouse to Mulan, from Maleficent to Moana, folks young and old love Disney characters. And without a doubt, some of the most enduringly popular characters are the Disney Princesses. In fact, their royal highnesses are so beloved that Disney dreamt up a global celebration in their honor. Since August 2021, Disney Parks around the world have paid tribute to all things Disney Princess with royally inspired sweets, special entertainment, and even the coronation of the newest Disney Princess, Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon.
But what sorts of regal activities will be on offer at the Disney theme parks for World Princess Week 2023? Bust out your tiara and put on your finest gown as we delve into the best ways to party like a Disney Princess for World Princess Week this August.
World Princess Week: What Is It and Where to Celebrate
Ok, first things first. What exactly is World Princess Week? Each year in August (World Princess Week 2023 runs from August 20 to 26), a royal takeover comes to Disney Parks across the globe featuring everyone from Cinderella and Ariel to Tiana and Merida. Guests can tuck into tasty treats styled after Disney royalty (princess-y cupcakes and DOLE Whip, anyone?), rub elbows with the likes of Aurora and Rapunzel, watch their favorite Disney Princess films during Movies Under the Stars at the Disney resort hotels and so much more.
But World Princess Week isn’t just about Disney’s classiest leading ladies. It’s also the perfect opportunity for aspiring royals of all ages to crown themselves queen or princess for the week and treat themselves to a regal makeover, grand hotel stay or royal character dining experience. What’s more, World Princess Week is about valuing and embodying the qualities that make the Disney Princesses so gosh darn loveable, like compassion, kindness, courage and determination. Sounds like a pretty good excuse for a party to us!
Now that you know what this Disney Princess Week is all about, let’s talk about all the ways you can celebrate these storybook starlets at Walt Disney World and Disneyland.
How to Have a Royally Good World Princess Week at Disney World & Disneyland
Hear ye, hear ye! World Princess Week is right around the corner and, with it, a whole kingdom full of royally fun activities and entertainment to enjoy. Here’s how you can celebrate in an appropriately grand fashion at the Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts this year.
1. Â Treat Your Taste Buds to Some Disney Princess-Inspired Sweets
Whether it’s Halloween or Valentine’s Day, Christmas or Thanksgiving, Disney goes all out for holidays, especially when it comes to food, and that includes World Princess Week. Throughout August, Disney Princess fans and foodies alike will be able to sample a selection of limited-time treats themed after their favorites.
At Magic Kingdom Park in Walt Disney World, for example, the Aurora Cone at Storybook Treats in Fantasyland takes inspiration from the memorable battle between fairies Flora and Merryweather over the color of Sleeping Beauty’s dress (“Make it pink! Make it blue!), with strawberry DOLE Whip and blue soft-serve swirled together in a blue sugar cone. At Edelweiss Snacks in Disneyland’s Fantasyland, meanwhile, guests can try the Ariel-inspired Purple Pineapple Shell Macaron. For the complete list of World Princess Week snack selections, check out our foodie guide.
2. Â Mingle with the Disney Princesses During a Majestic Character Meet-and-Greet
Naturally, one of the best ways to celebrate the Disney Princesses is by coming face-to-face with your favorites during Disney character meet-and-greets. Regardless of who you’re meeting, the princesses definitely have the gift of gab, especially when talking about their stories. As a result, meeting the Disney Princesses are easily some of the most memorable character interactions. Of course, since these tend to be pretty popular, they can take a decent chunk of time out of your day. However, for wannabe royalty, we think it’s definitely time well spent.
Keep in mind that, for the most part, the Disney Princesses aren’t out and about greeting guests constantly throughout the day. They need their beauty rest, after all. So, the easiest way to check which princesses are holding court each day is by looking at either the My Disney Experience app for Disney World or the Disneyland app. Here you can see a list of all the princesses currently making an appearance, as well as where you will find them.
Of course, there are a few character locations where princesses make appearances basically all day long. One of those is an extra-special meet-and-greet happening at Walt Disney World. In Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Ariel from the live-action version of The Little Mermaid will be welcoming guests to be part of her world over in Animation Courtyard. (Don’t worry—she’s also greeting guests over in Fantasyland at Disneyland Park, too.) Places where Disney Princess can be found throughout the day include:
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- Princess Fairytale Hall – Cinderella, Tiana and two visiting princesses (typically Rapunzel and Elena of Avalor)
- Ariel’s Grotto
Epcot
- Royal Sommerhus in World Showcase’s Norway Pavilion – Anna and Elsa
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Animation Courtyard – live-action Ariel
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Character Landing – Moana
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
- Royal Hall
3. Â Eat Like Royalty with Disney Princess Dining Experiences
The only thing more magical than getting to meet your favorite Disney Princesses is being able to do that while also enjoying some royally tasty food. That’s right. Thanks to Disney Princess dining experiences, you can have your cake and eat it, too—literally. Similar to character meet-and-greets, these regal character meals give you plenty of opportunities to mingle with a star-studded cast of princesses. Best of all, depending on which princess meal you choose, you may have the opportunity to take advantage of several royal appearances. As a result, not only are these a ton of fun, but they can also help to save you some time, as you can check several princesses off your must-see list without having to wait in long line after long line.
On top of that, the restaurant may even immerse you in the princesses’ stories with a highly themed dining room, making your meal even more enchanting. Keep in mind that these character dining experiences can happen differently from resort to resort and even restaurant to restaurant. At Disney World, princesses typically come straight to your table, allowing some one-on-one time with you and the rest of your party. However, at Disneyland’s one and only princess meal, you will generally need to go to them instead. Either way, we think Disney Princess dining is a fun (and delicious) way to celebrate World Princess Week. Just keep in mind that the regal guestlist is subject to availability. Princess dining experiences at Disney World and Disneyland include:
Walt Disney World
- Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot’s Norway Pavilion – Enjoy a Scandinavian-inspired family-style meal alongside appearances by princesses like Ariel, Aurora, Belle, Cinderella and Snow White
- Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland – Indulge in an upscale American-style prix-fixe breakfast, lunch or dinner in Cinderella Castle and tableside visits from Ariel, Aurora, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White
- Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Be transported to an enchanted forest while enjoying a prix-fixe menu of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs-inspired dishes and appearances by Snow White, the Evil Queen, Dopey and Grumpy
- (Bonus!) Be Our Guest Restaurant – Step into the story of Beauty and the Beast at this French-inspired restaurant which boasts elaborately designed dining rooms styled after the animated film and possible sightings of the Beast
- (For the Adults) Enchanted Rose – Sip on a cocktail in an elegant hotel bar inspired by the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast
Disneyland Resort
- Disney Princess Breakfast Adventures at Napa Rose in Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel – Greet the morning with a decadent three-course breakfast and appearances by princesses like Mulan, Belle, Jasmine, Cinderella, Aurora, Rapunzel, Ariel, Tiana and Pocahontas
4. Â Channel Your Inner Disney Princess with a Royal Makeover
They say that imitation is the highest form of flattery. So, why not show your favorite Disney Princess that you’re her biggest fan by dressing up like her for the day? For young aspiring royals (guests between ages 3 to 12 only), one way to do this is with a pixie dust-powered transformation at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Here, one of the fairy godmother’s apprentices will make your little princess or prince’s dream a reality with a special hairdo, regal accessories and, if desired, even an elegant princess dress. By the time the magical metamorphosis is over, they’ll be all set for the ball—or, at the very least, a fun-filled day of princess meet-and-greets and other royal fun.
Too old for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique? Not to worry! You can still embrace your inner princess with a creative Disneybounding outfit inspired by your favorite Disney royal. Or keep things simple and opt for a princess-themed t-shirt or even a glittering tiara.
5. Â Step Into Their Stories with Disney Princess-Inspired Attractions
Want to really feel as if you’ve waltzed right into a storybook? Then you’ll definitely want to check out the many rides and shows at Disney World and Disneyland that are inspired by the whimsical worlds of the Disney Princesses. During these Disney attractions, fairytales come to life as you follow in the footsteps of your favorite princesses, tracing their stories from their humble beginnings to the grand finale. Rides and shows themed after the Disney Princesses include:
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- Enchanted Tales with Belle – Join Belle and Lumiere as they reenact the story of Beauty and the Beast in this intimate live retelling
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – Jump in the saddle of Cinderella’s horse (the one with the gold ribbon wrapped around its tail) on this classic merry-go-round ride
- The Magic Carpets of Aladdin – Soar like Jasmine over the rooftops of Agrabah on this easy-going spinning ride
- Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid – Go under the sea during this colorful voyage that follows Ariel’s voyage to the human world
- Mickey’s Magical Friendship Faire – Watch royal friends from Frozen, The Princess and the Frog and Tangled take to the stage with Mickey and the gang
Epcot
- Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along – Sing along to some of the greatest hits from the film during this 15-minute movie led by Mrs. Potts (also known as Angela Lansbury)
- Frozen Ever After – Set sail through Arendelle in this slow-moving boat ride that follows the story of Anna and Elsa
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Beauty & The Beast Live on Stage – See the colorful world of Belle and The Beast comes to life during this Broadway-style stage show
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration – Enjoy a flurry of songs and stories in this humorous retelling
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
- King Arthur Carrousel – Admire illustrations inspired by the story of Sleeping Beauty as you gallop around this old-fashioned merry-go-round
- Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough – Take a tour through Sleeping Beauty’s story during this self-guided open house of Princess Aurora’s castle
- Snow White’s Enchanted Wish – Join Snow White and her seven little friends in this original dark ride that has been around ever since Disneyland’s opening day
- Storybook Land Canal Boats – Enjoy a leisurely boat ride past fairytale scenes from the likes of The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Frozen and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- Storytelling at Royal Theatre – Delight in a lighthearted retelling of beloved Disney Princess stories like Tangled or Beauty and the Beast, starring the princesses themselves
California Adventure
- The Little Mermaid – Ariel’s Undersea Adventure – Journey fathoms below in this vibrant dark ride that features scenes and songs from the movie
6. Â Be Dazzled by Disney Royalty in a Princess-y Parade or Nighttime Spectacular
Along with all of the rides and stage shows, you can’t go to Disney World or Disneyland and not experience one of the thrilling parades or nighttime spectaculars. Best of all, many of these can’t-miss entertainment offerings also feature appearances by the Disney Princesses. However, remember that due to their popularity, you’ll need to plan ahead and find a seat early if you want a front-row view of the magic. Parades and nighttime spectaculars featuring Disney Princesses at Disney World and Disneyland include:
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
- Disney Adventure Friends Cavalcade – See adventurous Disney Princesses like Mulan, Moana, Merida, Pocahontas, Jasmine and Elena parade past during this lengthy character cavalcade
- Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade – Be amazed by whimsical floats and costumes, as well as appearances by such princesses as Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, Ariel, Tiana, Rapunzel, Anna and Elsa, during this Fantasyland-inspired parade
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Fantasmic! – See Mickey Mouse take on some of Disney’s greatest villains while also reliving some memorable princess moments starring Moana, Elsa, Mulan and Pocahontas
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
- Fantasmic! – Watch Mickey Mouse battle it out in a fight of good versus evil, complete with appearances by Disney royalty like Ariel & Prince Eric, Beauty & the Beast, Rapunzel & Flynn Rider and Jasmine & Aladdin
- Magic Happens Parade – Keep an eye out for princesses like Cinderella, Aurora, Moana and Tiana during this enchanting parade that pays tribute to some of Disney’s most magical moments
California Adventure
- World of Color – ONE – Watch vibrant projections of scenes from Moana, Mulan and Pocahontas blossom to life on massive water screen
7. Â Get Your Beauty Sleep in a Princess-Themed Disney Hotel Room
Sleep like royalty in a grand guestroom at select Disney hotels. The pixie-dusted fun doesn’t need to end when you leave the theme park at the end of the night. Certain Disney resorts offer rooms styled after some of your favorite Disney Princesses. Of course, there aren’t too many of them available. So, be sure to make your reservation early to take advantage of these storybook accommodations. Disney resort hotels with regal rooms include:
Walt Disney World
- Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort – Moana-inspired rooms with nods to Moana and her animal friends, Pua and Hei Hei, as well as a giant accent wall themed after Maui’s tattoos
- Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside – Royal Guest Rooms hosted by Princess Tiana filled with regal Easter eggs inspired by various Disney Princess movies
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid-themed rooms overflowing with immersive accents like coral-shaped furnishings and a seashell-like headboard
- Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort – Bright and airy 5th-sleeper rooms lightly inspired by The Little Mermaid with themed artwork and an aquatic color scheme
Disneyland Resort
- Disneyland Hotel – Fairytale Suite resplendent with luxurious fabrics and silhouettes, as well as princess-inspired artwork, a Sleeping Beauty Castle mosaic and even an appearance by Tinker Bell
8. Â Enjoy a Disney Princess Movie Under the Stars
Although you certainly can be a guest at one of the Disney World hotels above, you don’t need to be staying at a princess-y Disney World resort to take advantage of this next Disney Princess Week idea. (In fact, you technically don’t even have to be at Disney World at all.) Throughout the week, hotels at Disney World show al fresco Movies Under the Stars. Films shown during this completely free activity usually vary. However, during World Princess Week, Movies Under the Stars usually offer showings of Disney’s many princess films. So, even though you’ve left the parks, you can keep the magic going all the way back to your resort. Can’t make it to Disney World during Disney Princess Week? Never fear! Just fire up Disney+, make a bowl of popcorn and have a Disney Princess movie marathon from the comfort of your couch.
9. Â Pose Like a Princess in Front of a Disney Castle
For those who have ever wished they could live in a castle just like Aurora and Cinderella, this is your chance. Ok, so you won’t be able to actually call Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella Castle home. However, you can pretend that it’s your palace by taking a picture in front of it. So, throw on your tiara and strike your very best princess pose.
10. Â Take Home Some Disney Princess-Style Swag
Don’t want the fairytale fun of Disney Princess Week to end? Fortunately, thanks to a whole new world of princess-themed merchandise like shirts, mugs, books, dolls, dresses and so much more, the magic can keep going long after you return home. Go on a royal shopping spree at gift shops throughout Disney World and Disneyland to find the perfect princess-inspired souvenir to take back with you.
Well, Disney Princess fans, we’ve reached the royal conclusion of the best ways to celebrate World Princess Week at the Disney Parks. Are you heading to the theme parks for Disney Princess Week? Let us know in the comments! If not, don’t worry! You can still get in on the regal celebrations at home with this Disney Princess Activity Book, which features crafts, recipes, games and more—no tiara, fairy godmother or pricey theme park ticket required. Speaking of Disney tickets, learn how you can save on your next vacation with our Disney discounts.
