Disney Princesses

Let's face it, in the world of Disney, princesses are a big thing. Right up until 1989, there were only three official princesses. Those being Aurora (also, erroneously, known as Sleeping Beauty), Cinderella and, of course, Snow White. Then during the Second Disney Renaissance there was a massive boom in the interest of princesses. Ariel from 1989's The Little Mermaid was a great character. She spearheaded the reemergence of the Disney Princess. Belle came next in The Beauty and the Beast, swiftly followed by Jasmine from Aladdin and the titular characters Pocahontas and Mulan.

For a long time, there were only three official Princesses

Then, along with Disney's films, the presence of the princesses faded. That was until 2009's The Princess and the Frog, where the likeable Tiana was introduced. This became the second reemergence, with Rapunzel from Tangled and Merida (Brave) joining the swelling roster. 
Then of course in early 2014, Frozen's Anna and Elsa will join, bringing the number to thirteen. I expect we'll probably have another before 2025 too.

The Pre-CGI Princesses

I, personally, like the princesses. They are all different and unique in their own ways, even if a lot of them share the same goals. Also, each of them have their own style which sets them apart from the rest. For Instance, Ariel has deep red hair and Rapunzel's hair is immensely long. Then of course there are the dresses. Going into a Disney shop, I could easily name the dresses which match to each character. Snow White has those recognisable flared sleeves and Cinderella's dress is grand and luscious. Their unique fashion's make them even more iconic. 
If you went up to someone on the street and asked them to name a Disney Princess, everyone could name at least one. The majority of people could name many more I'm sure. 

The Traditional and Contemporary Princesses

 As of early next year, when Anna and Elsa are inducted into the Disney Princess pantheon, there will be thirteen Disney Princesses, six of which will be contemporary. This proves that they have an enduring charm and popularity, which many characters don't have.
However, I myself have been confused as to why a few characters haven't been added to the revered selection. I understand how Tinkerbell is part of the much less prestigious Disney Fairies franchise, but to me she'll always be a princess. You could argue that Megara and Esmeralda could join the set too, despite neither of them being proper princesses. That being said, Pocahontas isn't really a princess and neither is Mulan. 
In short, I love the concept of the whole Princess franchise and how each character remains to be relatively distinct, but I do think it has some flaws. I cannot fault that all eleven of the characters are likeable and endearing to all the little girls out there and I'm sure Anna and Elsa will be two solid additions to the franchise.

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