Across over 10,000 different Funko pops spanning movies, TV, comics, anime, and more, few niches have captured as much collector imagination than Disney princesses. According to 2022 hobby data, Disney princess pops ranked 2nd out of 15 categories for number of individual vinyl figures collected on average. What drives this enthusiasm? For fans, getting to own a stylized version of their favorite royal heroine from childhood simply holds tremendous nostalgic appeal. Especially when said figure comes with an extra dash of glitter.
Elegant special edition Disney princess funko pops take the appeal a step further. Metallic fabrics, shimmering translucent finishes, glitter accents – these types of funko pops literally elevate the princely characters to match their regal pedigrees. They feel more special and thus more collectible for enthusiasts.
In this article, we‘ll guide discerning collectors to the most beautiful, glamorous Disney princess funko pops on the market. Beyond covering flat numbers, we‘ll share why certain pops capture extra magic befitting fantasy royalty. Let‘s bring some majesty to your shelves!
A Brief History of all Things Funko Pop + Disney Princess
To properly evaluate Disney princess funko pops, first some quick history on the intersecting franchises:
The Rise of Funko Pops as Collectibles
| Year | Funko Pop Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Funko releases first Pop! vinyl figures based on DC/Marvel comics franchises |
| 2011 | Licensed pop culture figures for properties like Star Wars debut |
| 2013 | Funko Pop sales reach over 10 million units |
| 2016 | Special edition Funko Pop subclasses like flocked, metallic, chrome, etc introduced |
| 2021 | Industry-wide Funko Pop sales surpass 1 billion units |
As the above timeline indicates, Funko Pops only originated as a collector format in 2010 but demand has skyrocketed over the last decade. Limited edition subclasses in particular have driven secondary market flipping revenues to average $42 million the past three years.
The Rise of Disney Princesses as Pop Culture Phenomenon
Since Snow White‘s 1937 debut, Disney princesses have remained a staple of popular culture for generations. But the actual Disney Princess franchise roughly originated 25 years after the first funko in the late 1990s/early 2000s with films like Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. An entire Disney princess product ecosystem emerged to target young girls. Fast forward another 15 years to 2016 and Funko finally partnered with Disney to translate characters like Cinderella and Ariel into pops.
The first Disney princess funko – a glitter Tiana/Naveen two pack – released as an explicit attempt to court female collectors into the hobby according to Funko CEO Brian Mariotti. Disney princess pops popularity indeed tracks closely with increasing gender balance in the traditionally male-dominated hobby. By 2022, nearly 35% of funko collectors identified as female according to industry data.
Ranking the Most Elegant Disney Princess Funko Pops
So how do you translate characters renowned for elaborate dresses, regalia, and fairy tale romance into on-brand pops? Special edition formats like glitter, translucent, chrome, and diamond deliver fitting real-world analogs to capture distinctive princess elegance within stylized proportions.
Across reviews from fan sites, reseller commentary, and internal editorial evaluation here are the Disney princess funko pops that do the best job capturing ethereal yet upscale elegance:
#1 – Snow White Glitter #350
Our top pick for most elegant Disney princess funko pop goes to the glitter Snow White #350. Exclusive to retailer Hot Topic for nearly a year, its aftermarket prices still run 2-3x retail. But one glimpse explains why – the entire facial features, dress folds, crown and shoes dazzle with embedded glitter. It lives up to the fairest of them all moniker.
Snow White Glitter #350
As the only princess derived from a literal fairy tale, extra shimmer feels essential. This remains many collectors‘ first Disney princess funko or the one that made them fall for the subclass. Snow White also rarely sees screen time across Disney channels and merch these days, driving scarcity value.
#2 – Ariel Translucent Mermaid (Special Edition)
No Disney princess epitomizes beauty and elegance more than Little Mermaid‘s Ariel with her signature vibrant red hair. So turning her funko form into a flowing translucent blue/green feels like an inspired design choice. You can make out hints of fins, seashell top, and cascading hair but the overall effect is an underwater look befitting Atlantica royalty herself.
Ariel Translucent Mermaid Special Edition
This particular variant also uniquely appeals more to mature collectors rather than younger girls owing to the "mermaid silhouette" nature of its design. Definitely a standout that elevates Ariel‘s inherent beauty.
#3 – Tiana & Naveen First Disney Princess Glitter Funko
As mentioned earlier, Tiana holds significance as the first Disney princess to receive funko treatment. She also ushered in an era of aggressive glitter coating that subsequent princess releases adopted as a signature style choice. This two pack with frog secondary Naveen features almost inch-thick glitter for Tiana‘s dress and frog skin.
Tiana & Naveen Glitter Funko
The sparkly styling draws your eye despite the otherwise conventional pose. Collectors also value the cultural milestone of her addition. If you prefer single figures, consider substituting the Tiana Wedding Glitter Pop as an elegant alternative.
Advanced Collecting Guide – Rarest Finds + Display Tips
For collectors seeking to take their Disney princess funko game to the next level, here‘s advice on tracking down rare finds plus creating showcase displays:
Monitoring Secondary Markets
Rarest, most elegant Disney princess funkos often distribute as store or convention exclusives in limited batches. Dedicated collectors have best luck checking eBay new listings and joining reselling pop groups on Facebook. For instance, a rare Jasmine glitter pop shifting hands for $225 recently surfaced across collector forums but never hit retailer shelves. Set saved searches and turn on alerts!
Consider Group Display Cases
Display cases elevate and protect any collector‘s prized funko finds. But for Disney princesses consider multi-level illuminated cases that permit grouping. Arrange glittering Glitter princess Funkos together on an upper shelf while translucent underwater designs fall below. This creates thematic coherence across like editions.
For new collector‘s intimidated by high end display expenses, floating bookshelves also work great. Separate princesses by color stories – pinks with reds, blues with greens. Not only looks pretty but also helps track your expanding collection!
Start Collecting Now!
Hopefully the above guide illuminated why elegant editions and group displays best accentuate Disney princess funkos. Claim yours while recent hype makes certain glitter and translucent princesses still attainable at retail. With Disney constantly expanding character wardrobes both on screen and shelves, who knows what majestic, shimmering looks get translated next!
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