Super Mario 3D World comes packed in with four different characters to play as, Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad. However, as was revealed, you can also play as the Princess from Super Mario Galaxy, Rosalina.
You'll have to get through a good chunk of the game to unlock her, but getting her is fairly easy.
First you'll need to gain access to the Star World. Then just head to Stage 2 which is cleverly titled "Super Galaxy" as a homage to Super Mario Galaxy, and Rosalina will join the crew and be a selectable character.
Her special ability is a Spin Attack.