Disney and their cult-classic movies were a basic foundation of my childhood, and I like to think I turned out just fine. There has always been much controversy regarding children, specifically little girls, watching Disney movies and ending up with negative ideals because of them, but I like to think that there is much to be gained.
1. Disney increased my imagination.
One day you could be Cinderella, and the next you could be Peter Pan. Because of Disney, my imagination had no limit, including that of gender. In middle school I decided my lifelong dream was to be Cinderella at Disney World, so I could help bring children's dreams to life. The magic knows no limits.
2. Mulan taught me that in a man’s world, women can still conquer.
Mulan was easily the best warrior. Although she was not immediately recognized for her success as a woman, she proved the world wrong. She was the catalyst for change, and that is a very important lesson to teach our youth.
3. Beauty and the Beast taught me that love is patient and sees beyond appearances.
Belle and Beast were such an unlikely couple, but what mattered was the heart within. Think about Belle teaching Beast how to read. While he grew frustrated with himself, she remained patient for his benefit. When he opened his heart up to her, she was the kind person he truly was.
4. Aladdin taught me that riches are not a matter of the heart.
Aladdin thought that Jasmine liked Prince Ali because he practically had gold shooting out of his ears. In reality, she much preferred the kind and loving street rat to the pompous prince he claimed to be. Money cannot buy love.
5. The villains taught me that doing the right thing will bring the better outcome.
Being the "good guy" may not mean that everything goes your way, but doing what is just and kind will bring far more happiness and positivity than doing things for selfish reasons ever will. The villains' biggest weakness is that their motives are only to benefit themselves, and they would go to any length to achieve what they want.
6. Peter Pan taught me that growing up doesn't mean leaving behind childish joy.
Growing up and growing old are inevitable, but that doesn't mean you have to outgrow imagination or the happiness that comes with the simplicity of being a kid. With faith, trust, and pixie dust, your imagination can soar.
7. Lilo & Stitch taught me that family isn't confined to those who share blood.
David, to me, is the ultimate Disney Prince, regardless of his lack of status. He treats Nani and Lilo like his own family, even if Nani doesn't reciprocate his romantic feelings. And Stitch may be an alien experiment, but he became a part of their family.
8. Snow White taught me that being kind can soften even the grumpiest of hearts.
Snow White brought in kindness to the home of the Seven Dwarfs, and even Grumpy felt the pain of loss when they believed her to be dead.
9. Rapunzel taught me that life is better outside your comfort zone.
Too often we stick to what is comfortable and what is familiar to us because we are afraid of what life may bring with change. Although "Tangled" wasn't released until I was in high school, it is one of my favorites, and you can't deny that it is one of the more progressive Disney films. Rapunzel is a bad a** and there's no getting around it.
10. Cinderella taught me how to dream.
You have to have dreams and goals, especially when you aren't satisfied with the way life has been going for you. I learned that a dream is a wish my heart makes, and that I have to have faith in what I want for that dream to come true.
11. Tiana taught me how to achieve that dream.
Tiana took Cinderella's life lesson one step further and taught me the importance of going after my goals. Without a bit of elbow grease, your dreams will remain a glimmer of hope, rather than a reality. Be a go-getter, not just a goal-setter.
12. Sometimes you just need a little magic.
Overall, Disney movies just bring good vibes, and I firmly believe that not watching Disney movies deprives you of a little bit of magic in life, and I don't see why anyone would voluntarily do that. By teaching little kids the positive morals coming out of these stories, you are bringing in much more magic than harm.
