Make way for Prince Ali all the Disney Princesses because the Walt Disney Co. is kicking off a yearlong event to celebrate strong Disney women.
The Ultimate Princess Celebration will highlight the courage, kindness, and adventurous spirit of all the Disney Princesses with exciting experiences, new music, amazing toys, must-have merch, and a campaign that gives back to kids in need.
Cue the music! Recording artist Brandy, the original live-action Cinderella herself (from The Wonderful World of Disney, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella), will record the anthem of the celebration — a new song called “Starting Now,” launching on May 21. Fans can watch the music video for the song in Disney Princess Remixed — An Ultimate Princess Celebration, a musical special premiering this August on Disney Channel. Like the previous Disney music specials, this half-hour show will feature reimagined renditions of classic Disney songs performed by Disney stars and celebrities. After its premiere, the special will head to Disney+ for fans to rewatch it as they please. Walt Disney Records is also launching a curated playlist full of classic Disney Princess songs to listen to any time.
Book lovers can dive into a collection of short stories from Disney Publishing Worldwide. Tales of Courage and Kindness features 14 original stories meant to inspire kids to create a kinder world by showing how the Disney Princesses (and queens Anna and Elsa) are each kind and courageous in their own way. Some of the voices of the Disney Princesses — including Mandy Moore (Rapunzel from Tangled), Auli‘i Cravalho (Moana from Moana), Anika Noni Rose (Tiana from The Princess and the Frog), and Kelly Marie Tran (Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon) — will read stories from the collection on princess.disney.com. Tales of Courage and Kindness is available for free download beginning today through the end of August.
Disney is partnering with Starlight Children’s Foundation to create Disney Princess- and Frozen-themed hospital gowns for courageous kids, as well as deliveries of toys, books, and games to keep kids busy during their hospital stay. Starlight Gowns offer personalized alternatives to traditional hospital attire to give kids a sense of comfort and normalcy.
Fans can expect new princess-themed toys and collectibles from Hasbro, Jakks Pacific, The LEGO Group, Just Play, Funko, and Huffy launching all throughout the year. There’s something for the adult Disney fans, as well, with apparel, beauty, and accessories from Adidas, Coach, Chaser Brand, Hanna Andersson, Enchanted Disney Fine Jewelry, Besame Cosmetics, Popsugar, and more.
Later this year, Disney Concerts will debut a live, nationwide tour, called Disney Princess – The Concert. The show will celebrate all the Disney Princesses with the help of Broadway stars and animated film icons in a combination of storytelling, animation, and song. Susan Egan, Laura Osnes, Courtney Reed, and Aisha Jackson will star in this concert experience, sponsored by Pandora Jewelry. The tour will kick off on Nov. 1.
We can’t wait for the Disney Princesses to step into the spotlight all year long!