Aurora – The Third Official Disney Princess

Princess Aurora, who also goes by Sleepy Beauty or Briar Rose, is the 3rd official Disney Princess! She was featured in Walt Disney Products 16th animated feature film, Sleeping Beauty.

Princess Aurora was based on the princesses in both Charles Perrault’s fairy tale “Sleeping Beauty” and the Brother’s Grimms’ retelling of the story “Little Briar Rose”.

The film, which was released in 1959, was actually a huge failure. It was such a failure and Aurora received so many negative reviews that Disney didn’t come out with another princess for 30 years until Ariel, the princess featured in The Little Mermaid.

Aurora (Sleeping Beauty)

Sleeping Beauty Synopsis

Upon birth, Princess Aurora was cursed by the wicked Maleficent to die on her 16th birthday by pricking her finger on a spinning wheel.

The good fairy Merryweather was able to adjust the curse so that instead of death, Aurora would only fall into a deep slumber – only to be awakened by the kiss of a prince.

In order to protect her from the curse, Aurora’s parents sent her to the woods to live with the good fairies Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. The fairies changed her name to Briar Rose in order to hide her from Maleficent.

Maleficient ends up finding Aurora and leads her to a room, causing her to prick her finger and fall asleep. Of course, everything turns out ok in the end. This is a Disney movie, after all!

Who is Aurora’s Prince?

Prince Philip is Aurora’s prince.

What to ask Aurora when you meet her at Disney World!

Who voiced Aurora in the Disney movie?

Aurora was voiced by singer Mary Costa. Aurora has the smallest amount of speaking parts of any main characters in Disney’s animated films. She had only 18 lines total!

Interesting enough, Mary Costa’s southern accent almost cost her the role as Aurora, even with so little lines! Since Sleeping Beauty’s Aurora needed to have a British accent, producers weren’t sure she could perform the part.

Mary ultimately proved she could sustain a British accent and the part was hers! You can hear Mary’s accent in the video below.

Sleeping Beauty Characters

  • Prince Philip
  • Aurora is also known as Briar Rose and Sleeping Beauty.
  • The fairies in Sleeping Beauty are Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather.
  • Maleficinet is the wicked witch.
  • King Stefan is Aurora’s father.

Sleeping Beauty Fun Facts

Sleeping Beauty was released in 1959. Due to a mixed reception and a poor performance at the box office, this was the last adaptation of a fairy tale until 1989 and the release of The Little Mermaid.

7 Fun Facts About Disney Princess Aurora:

  1. The voice of Aurora was professional Opera singer Mary Costa. She sang for JFK’s memorial service!
  2. Aurora’s body type and features were inspired by Audrey Hepburn.
  3. Aurora is only in Sleeping Beauty for 18 minutes! While only being on screen a short time, every moment is memorable due to the beautiful animation and the voice of Mary Costa.
  4. Princess Aurora is the first princess to have a name that is different from the title of her film.
  5. Aurora doesn’t speak at all in the second half of the film!
  6. Aurora is also known as Briar Rose and simply, “Sleeping Beauty.”
  7. Walt Disney did not want Aurora to be compared to Cinderella and Snow White so he worked to give her a completely different face with more angles.
Aurora with girls at Disney World

What songs does Aurora sing?

Sleeping Beauty (Princess Aurora) sings “Once Upon A Dream.” Marcy Costa sings this song.

What to ask Aurora at Walt Disney World:

What to ask Aurora when you meet her at Disney:
1. Ask her if she ever uses a spinning wheel.
2. Ask her if she takes naps.
3. Ask her if she ever sees Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather.
4. Ask her if she likes the name Aurora or Briar Rose better.

Aurora Quotes

Here’s some of the best Aurora quotes!

  • “They say if you dream a thing more than once, it’s sure to come true.”
  • “Oh, dear. Why do they still treat me like a child?”
  • “Aunt Flora, and Fauna, and Merryweather. They never want me to meet anyone. But you know something? I fooled them. I have met someone.”
  • “Well, he’s tall, and handsome, and so romantic. Oh, we walked together, and talked together, and just before we say goodbye, he takes me in his arms, and then … I wake up.”
  • “But we’ve met before.”

Official Disney Princesses

How well do you know all the Disney princesses? Who is your favorite? Check your Disney princess knowledge here:

If you’ve ever wondered what your old Sleeping Beauty VHS is worth, head here!

Author

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  • Katie Peterson

    Katie has been visiting Walt Disney World since she was a little girl. She loves the magic of Disney and knows that all it takes is a little pixie dust to make your Disney trip special!

    Katie is married and has three kids. She has loved taking her kids to the most magical place on earth. Over the years of visiting Disney World she has learned some tips and tricks to help make your trip the best it can be. She is excited to share those ideas with you!

    When Katie isn't writing about Disney she enjoys hanging out with her family, hiking, and watching chick flicks. Katie's favorite Disney princess is Belle.