Disney launched its Disney Princess consumer-products line in 2000.
The line brought together a group of leading female characters from Disney animated films under one merchandising identity. Rather than marketing each heroine only with her individual movie, Disney created a shared brand that could support toys, clothing, books, accessories, home goods, and live experiences.
The original brand strategy helped connect characters such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Ariel with a broader retail audience. Disney later expanded the official lineup and developed related products for newer characters, including those from films such as Tangled and Brave.
The Disney Princess brand is not identical to every female Disney character. Membership in the official lineup is determined by Disney’s branding strategy, so characters commonly described as princesses by fans are not automatically part of the consumer-products line.