Despite a strong a prior aspect of romancing Disney, Mulan nevertheless retains similarities with the legend.

The major differences:

 
 In animation, it is Fa Mulan calling Ping, Hua Mulan and not having a Mu. Mulan does not, moreover, have a little brother except a dog name "Little Brother".

 The true identity of the young woman at Disney, is discovered by his brothers in arms before the end of the war and not several years later. And the Emperor of China does not pay court. br />
 The chief barbarian enemies is called Shan-Yu in the film. In history it is actually the famous Khan, chief of the Huns from Mongolia. Note that the Fa Mulan's horse is named "Khan."

 Naturally, the heroine does not commit suicide at the end of the feature film, and wed the captain Li in the second film.

 Disney has also embellished the legend of magic and romance, with a dragon and lucky cricket, highlighting the beliefs and the importance of ancestors in a family of that time.