Credit: DisneyDisneyland Resort is making another change to its character lineup, and guests hoping to meet some of their favorite Disney princesses may be disappointed.
Meeting Disney characters has always been a major part of the Disneyland experience. From classic favorites like Cinderella and Snow White to newer additions, these encounters give families a chance to interact with characters they’ve watched on screen for years.
However, not every character appearance lasts forever.
Disney regularly adjusts its entertainment offerings, sometimes introducing new characters while removing others from its daily schedule. These changes can happen with little warning, leaving guests to discover that a familiar face is no longer available.
Now, two Disney princesses have reportedly disappeared from Disneyland’s character meet-and-greet lineup, including one who has been greeting visitors for more than three years.
Disneyland Removes 2 Princesses From Character Lineup
According to multiple reports, Disneyland Resort has ended regular meet-and-greet appearances for two popular characters: Elena of Avalor and the live-action version of Ariel from The Little Mermaid (2023).
Both characters previously greeted guests at Disneyland Park, although their appearances took place in different areas.
Elena of Avalor had been meeting visitors outside Royal Hall in Fantasyland as part of Disneyland’s Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month offerings.
The character, who stars in Disney’s animated television series Elena of Avalor, has become a recognizable princess among younger Disney fans.
Her appearance gave visitors another opportunity to meet a character who isn’t always included in the traditional Disney Princess lineup.
However, with the heritage celebration coming to an end, Elena’s scheduled appearances have also reportedly concluded.
Disney has not announced when she might return for another meet-and-greet opportunity.
Meanwhile, another princess has disappeared from a different section of Disneyland Park.
Ariel’s Disneyland Appearance Comes to an End
The live-action version of Ariel has also ended her regular meet-and-greet appearances near “it’s a small world.”
Unlike the animated Ariel, who has been part of Disney’s character offerings for decades, this version of the character was inspired by Halle Bailey’s portrayal in Disney’s live-action The Little Mermaid (2023).
Disneyland first introduced the live-action Ariel meet-and-greet in May 2023, around the theatrical release of the film.
The character wore the blue dress featured during the movie’s “Kiss the Girl” sequence, giving visitors an opportunity to interact with a different interpretation of the beloved mermaid.
Disney also created a themed meeting location near “it’s a small world” that included several recognizable details from Ariel’s story.
Guests could spot a collection of treasures, maps, King Triton’s trident, and even Scuttle as part of the surrounding display.
These additions helped make the experience feel like more than a standard character photo opportunity.
For guests who enjoyed the live-action adaptation, the meet-and-greet offered a chance to see that version of Ariel brought to life inside Disneyland.
Now, more than three years after her debut, those regular appearances have reportedly ended.
It’s important to note that this change specifically involves the live-action version of Ariel. It does not mean Disney has removed the animated version of Ariel from its character offerings.
Why Is Disneyland Removing These Characters?
Disneyland has not provided a detailed public explanation for the two departures, and there is no indication that either character has been permanently banned from returning.
Character appearances regularly change throughout the year based on seasonal celebrations, entertainment schedules, and other operational decisions.
In Elena’s case, her recent appearances were connected to Hispanic and Latin American Heritage Month, making the conclusion of that celebration a possible explanation for her departure.
Ariel’s situation is somewhat different.
Her meet-and-greet began in 2023 as Disney introduced audiences to the live-action version of The Little Mermaid(2023). Although she continued appearing long after the movie’s release, her regular Disneyland appearances have now come to an end.
Disney has not confirmed whether the character will return for special events, seasonal offerings, or future entertainment changes.
For now, visitors should not assume either princess will be available during their next Disneyland vacation.
What Disneyland Guests Should Know Before Visiting
These departures serve as another reminder that character meet-and-greets aren’t guaranteed, even when a character has been appearing at Disneyland for several years.
Disney can adjust character locations, schedules, and availability without announcing every change in advance.
Guests hoping to meet a particular princess should check the Disneyland app during their visit for the most current character information.
However, the app doesn’t always include every possible character encounter, meaning surprise appearances may still happen throughout the resort.
Visitors can also speak with Cast Members about character availability and potential meeting locations.
For families planning a Disneyland trip around a favorite character, checking availability ahead of time can help prevent disappointment.
While Elena of Avalor and live-action Ariel have ended their regular appearances, that doesn’t necessarily mean their stories at Disneyland are finished.
Disney has brought characters back after extended absences before, and future entertainment changes could create opportunities for either princess to return.
Until Disneyland announces otherwise, however, guests should consider both meet-and-greet experiences unavailable as part of the park’s regular character lineup.
For longtime Disney fans, the departures mark the end of two distinctive character experiences, at least for now.
