Tiaras and Dreams: Embracing World Princess Week

As World Princess Week comes to an end, let’s reflect upon some of my family’s favorite Disney Princesses and what they teach us about life. There is so much to be learned from each and every one of their stories if one looks beyond the tiara and delves into the actual plot.

Growing up in the ’90s, the number of Disney princesses was nowhere near as high as it is today. Belle was my favorite for a very long time. I loved that she had brown hair similar to mine, she owned more than one outfit, and her library was pretty impressive. As I got older, my preferences and storyline changed a little. My new favorite princess became Mia Thermopolis from The Princess Diaries. Any quirky teenage girl can find a kindred spirit in Mia, and I, an oddball with glasses and braces, did exactly that. Minus the whole princess thing, unfortunately.

Once my girls were born, our house went through many princess rotations, and I welcomed each one happily. Each time they watched their favorite Disney princess movies on repeat, they were taught one of these valuable lessons:

• Belle: teaches kindness and to not judge a book by its cover
• Mulan: teaches to be bold and challenge the world
• Merida: teaches us to choose our own path
• Anna of Arendelle: teaches selflessness and compassion
• Snow White: teaches good vs. evil
• Tiana: teaches perseverance
• Rapunzel: teaches us that if something is destined to happen, it will
• Moana: teaches us to follow our heart

When we are at Walt Disney World, we love meeting some of our favorite princesses in their country of origin in EPCOT. There are a few princesses, such as Cinderella, that only do meet and greets at a restaurant or at Fairytale Hall in Magic Kingdom. All others are at scheduled times throughout the day, details of which can be found in the My Disney Experience app.

When we’re really in a princess mood, we’ll book our stay in a princess-themed room at resorts like the Polynesian or Port Orleans Riverside, or even Art of Animation. Then of course we dine at some of our favorite princess character meals. But that will be for another post.

World Princess Week reminds us that every individual possesses unique strengths and the potential to make a positive impact. Let’s continue to celebrate the princesses within us and those around us, empowering each other to shine brightly.