"Disney is really trying to modernize the way princesses are now portrayed," said Notkin.... "A lot of that has to do with what consumers want. Gift givers want to enable little girls to emulate not only princesses and their glamorous lives, but also girls who are brave and manage conflict, like Anna and Elsa do."

Notkin said that Disney princesses' stories have been revamped since the Cinderella days. The princesses have become "empowered to create their own magic, without the help of a fairy godmother."

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