Disneyland Resort is making another change to its entertainment lineup, and this time, two Disney princesses are disappearing from the park’s regular character offerings.
For many families, meeting Disney characters is one of the biggest reasons to visit Disneyland. Whether it’s getting a picture with Mickey Mouse or meeting a favorite princess, these interactions can become some of the most memorable parts of a vacation.
However, Disneyland regularly changes which characters appear throughout its parks, and not every meet-and-greet remains available forever.
Now, two princesses have ended their regular appearances, including one who has been greeting Disneyland visitors for more than three years.
Disneyland Removes 2 Princesses From Its Lineup
Disneyland Resort has ended meet-and-greet appearances for Elena of Avalor and the live-action version of Ariel from The Little Mermaid (2023).
Both characters previously appeared at Disneyland Park, although guests could find them in different locations.
Elena of Avalor had been meeting visitors outside Royal Hall in Fantasyland as part of the resort’s Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month celebration.
The princess, who comes from Disney’s animated television series Elena of Avalor, offered families an opportunity to meet a character who isn’t always available at Disney’s theme parks.
However, those appearances have now ended, and Disneyland has not announced when Elena might return.
Meanwhile, another popular princess has also disappeared from her longtime meeting location.
Ariel’s 3-Year Disneyland Experience Ends
The live-action version of Ariel has also stopped greeting guests near “it’s a small world.”
Disneyland introduced this version of Ariel in May 2023, around the release of Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid(2023), starring Halle Bailey.
Unlike the animated version of Ariel, this character wore the blue dress featured during the film’s “Kiss the Girl” sequence.
Disney even created a special themed area for the meet-and-greet, featuring several details inspired by Ariel’s underwater world.
The location included maps, a cabinet filled with treasures, King Triton’s trident, and Scuttle.
These decorations helped bring the live-action movie into Disneyland, allowing visitors to interact with a version of Ariel they had recently seen on the big screen.
After more than three years, however, that regular character experience has come to an end.
It’s worth mentioning that Disneyland’s decision does not mean the animated version of Ariel has been removed. The change specifically involves the live-action interpretation.
Will These Disney Princesses Return?
Disneyland has not announced permanent retirements for either character, meaning future appearances remain possible.
Disney frequently adjusts its character schedules throughout the year, especially when seasonal celebrations end or entertainment offerings change.
Elena’s departure follows her appearances during Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, while Ariel’s meet-and-greet had continued since 2023.
Neither character currently has an announced return date.
Guests planning upcoming Disneyland vacations should check the Disneyland app for the latest character schedules and locations.
However, Disney notes that not every character appearance is necessarily listed in the app, so unexpected encounters may still happen.
For now, Disneyland visitors will have two fewer princess experiences to choose from as the resort continues adjusting its character lineup.
