If you’ve ever found me humming “Part of Your World” while handling daily chores, or daydreaming of “A Whole New World,” you know exactly who I am: a total Disney Princess girlie at heart. My childhood, and honestly, my everyday life, is anchored by the timeless stories of these princesses like Ariel, Jasmine, and Moana. They taught me how to dive into the unknown, stand up for what I believe in, and sail toward my wildest dreams.

Disney Princesses reunion on one stage; from Left: Anika Noni Rose, Paige O’Hara, Susan Egan, Lea Salonga, Catherine Laga’aia, Auli’i Cravalho, Brandy, Jodi Benson, Halle Bailey, and Judy Kuhn

So, when the news dropped about the Disney Princess Ultimate Concert Celebration at D23 2026, I was already on an emotional rollercoaster. Fans around the world were treated to a star-studded concert bringing in together iconic Disney Princesses from animated classics, live-action adaptations, and Broadway stages. It was truly the largest gathering of Disney princesses ever put together.

But watching it unfold from my TV? Let’s just say I was an absolute wreck. I honestly wish I could have been right there at Disney California Adventure to witness the magic in person. Watching it on my screen made me cry so hard. The nostalgia, the powerhouse vocals, and the sheer beauty of it all completely overwhelmed my heart. If watching it from thousands of miles away had me reaching for tissue after tissue, I can only imagine what kind of magic it was live. What more if I was actually there?! It’s safe to say my inner child was screaming.

Seeing icons like Brandy (our incredible Cinderella!), Jodi Benson (the voice of my beloved Ariel), and Paige O’Hara all on one stage was a dream come true. Watching Jodi perform “Part of Your World” alongside the live-action Ariel, Halle Bailey, bridged the gap between classic animation and new magic so perfectly. And seeing Auliʻi Cravalho and Catherine Laga’aia bring Moana’s unstoppable spirit back to the stage reminded me why the ocean is calling all of us.

Two princesses, one legendary voice. 🎶✨ Loving this subtle style tribute—wearing Jasmine’s iconic color in a Mulan-cut look! Only the one and only Lea Salonga could pull off honoring both of her iconic Disney characters so effortlessly. Pure Pinoy pride on the global stage! 💙⚔️🧞‍♂️

But the moment that really broke my emotional dam? Seeing my forever favorite Disney Princess, the one and only Lea Salonga grace that stage. As a Filipina, I’ve always held her close to my heart. She is definitely a Disney LEAgend. Whether she’s soaring through “A Whole New World” or pouring her soul into “Reflection,” she carries the grace, strength, and resilience of every Filipino fan watching from around the world. Seeing her up there with her fellow princesses filled my heart with an overwhelming wave of Filipina pride.

The Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration kicked off with Brandy, who starred in the 1997 adaptation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella—singing “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from the 1950 classic.

Disney Legend Paige O’Hara (the animated Belle) and incoming Disney Legend Susan Egan (Broadway’s original Belle) teamed up for “Belle Reprise” and “Something There.”

Jodi Benson shared the stage with live-action Ariel star Halle Bailey for a moving duet of “Part of Your World.”

Auliʻi Cravalho took the stage to perform her iconic anthem “How Far I’ll Go,” before pairing up with Catherine Laga’aia, who plays the character in the live-action adaptation, to debut the new song “Along the Way.”

The Filipina icon Lea Salonga, the singing voice for both Jasmine (Aladdin) and Mulan, joined Brandy for “A Whole New World” before delivering a solo of “Reflection.”

The evening also featured a powerful performance of “Colors of the Wind” by Judy Kuhn, the original singing voice of Pocahontas.

Additionally, Disney Legend Anika Noni Rose brought down the house with a rendition of “Almost There” as Tiana from The Princess and the Frog.

For those of us who grew up with these movies, no matter how old we get, these aren’t just characters, they are old friends who taught us how to navigate the world. Even though I experienced this magical reunion through a screen, the reminder was just as powerful, the magic never really fades. It just grows, changes, and continues to inspire us to wear our crowns with courage, grace, and most importantly, with kindness.

Did you catch the concert stream too? Let me know in the comments and let’s gush (and cry!) together! 👑✨

PS. To the princesses who raised me, cheers! Once a princess, always a princess.

Photos are from Luke Strege, Disney, Disney Parks