Stepping into Walt Disney World for the first time is an unforgettable experience. Everything feels magical, From enchanting music to sweet treats wafting from Main Street Confectionery.
For many young visitors, the highlight of their trip is meeting the Disney princesses. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the glass slippers of a Disney princess, you might be wondering how to make that dream a reality. Becoming a Disney princess isn’t just about wearing a ball gown and waving regally. It requires talent, dedication, and meeting specific qualifications.
If you’re ready to bring these beloved characters to life, here are 12 essential steps to becoming a Disney princess at Walt Disney World.
12. Submit Your Application
The first step to becoming a Disney princess is applying for the role of a “face character.” These performers embody Disney’s iconic princesses without wearing a full headpiece or mask.
Applications are submitted online through the official Disney Careers website. Once you’ve submitted your application, you may receive an invitation for an audition. Be sure to check your email regularly for updates.
11. Prepare for Your Interview and Audition
If selected, you’ll undergo an audition process that may include multiple rounds of interviews and performance assessments. These auditions typically require candidates to demonstrate:
- Acting skills: Embodying a specific princess’s mannerisms, personality, and speech.
- Improv skills: Quick thinking to stay in character when interacting with guests.
- Dance and movement: Some roles require performers to participate in parades and stage performances.
- Vocal clarity: Speaking in character and delivering lines engaging and animatedly.
While singing is not always required, strong communication and improvisation skills are essential.
10. Meet the Height and Age Requirements
Disney maintains specific physical requirements for princess roles:
- Height: Between 5’4” and 5’7” to maintain character consistency.
- Age: Candidates must be at least 18 years old.
These height and age requirements ensure that performers can accurately represent the animated characters.
9. No Visible Tattoos While in Costume
Disney maintains strict appearance guidelines for its performers. To preserve the authenticity of the characters, no visible tattoos are allowed while in costume.
If you have tattoos in areas that will be exposed while wearing a princess costume, you may need to use cover-up makeup.
8. Resemble a Disney Princess
While acting ability and personality are crucial, physical resemblance to a Disney princess significantly increases your chances of being cast.
Disney looks for performers with:
- Similar facial features to the animated character.
- Appropriate eye and hair color (wigs are used for most characters).
- A warm, friendly smile and expressive eyes.
If you resemble multiple characters, you may have a greater chance of being selected.
7. Complete Disney’s Princess Training Program
Once hired, new performers must complete an intensive training program to perfect their character portrayal. This includes:
- Watching the princess’s film to understand her story, relationships, and personality.
- Learning the character’s signature mannerisms, gestures, and expressions.
- Mastering autograph signing to ensure consistency across all princess performers.
- Practicing make-up application to match the character’s on-screen appearance.
Disney’s goal is to create a seamless and magical experience for guests.
6. Stay in Character at All Times
Disney princesses never break character. As a performer, you must:
- Speak as if you live in your princess’s world.
- Avoid discussing modern technology or pop culture references. (For example, Cinderella wouldn’t know what an iPhone is.)
- Be knowledgeable about your character’s backstory so you can answer guest questions authentically.
5. Master Improvisation and Guest Interaction
Interacting with guests is one of the most rewarding but challenging parts of the job. You’ll need to be quick-witted and always in character, especially when faced with unexpected questions.
For example, guests may ask, “Belle, what has Maurice invented recently?” or make playful remarks that require a clever response.
Additionally, some guests may be disruptive or ask questions meant to trick you. Your job is to handle every situation with grace, maintaining the magic for everyone involved.
4. Demonstrate Patience and Professionalism
Playing a Disney princess means engaging with thousands of guests daily, many of whom have waited in long lines for a magical moment with you.
This requires:
- Patience: Understanding that children may be shy, tired, or overwhelmed.
- Professionalism: Remaining cheerful and kind, even when faced with difficult guests.
- Grace under pressure: Ensuring that every guest interaction feels special.
3. Maintain Role Confidentiality
Disney enforces strict confidentiality policies regarding character portrayals. Performers are not allowed to disclose which characters they play, and this applies to conversations, social media, and written communication.
Keeping this secret preserves the illusion that each Disney princess is the only version of herself.
2. Commit to the Role for at Least One Year
Becoming a Disney princess isn’t a short-term gig. Disney typically requires character performers to commit to at least one year of employment.
While contract lengths may vary, be prepared for long-term dedication to the role.
1. Be Prepared for Florida Weather
Walt Disney World is located in hot, humid Florida, and princess performers are often required to work outdoors in full costume.
Weather conditions can include:
- Heat and humidity: Expect high temperatures, especially in summer.
- Rain: Sudden downpours are common in Florida.
- Cold snaps: While rare, winter can bring occasional chilly days.
Regardless of the weather, the show must go on. You’ll need to be comfortable performing in all conditions.
Is Becoming a Disney Princess Your Dream?
If you’ve always imagined bringing a beloved Disney princess to life, following these steps will help prepare you for the audition process.
With talent, dedication, and a little bit of Disney magic, you could be the next Cinderella, Ariel, Belle, or Tiana’s enchanting guests at Walt Disney World!
So, are you ready to make magic? Start your journey today!
