10. Animal Friends/Sidekicks:
I always thought that the DPs having animal vrienden was the cutest idea. I like the "unrealistic" elements of fairy tales because they're not supposed to be real, that's why they are "fairy tales". I always liked the idea of animal vrienden helping cook, clean, sew, etc. I also like the symbolism that the Princesses were so pure and untainted, even animals would feel the need to take care of them and do their part in rescue missions, etc. I also always liked the idea of talking to animals of having specific pets that aren't possible in real life (looking at you, Rajah).
9. Landscapes & Colors:
Whether it's an imaginary place like Atlantica of a real place like Virginia before colonization etc; Whether it's under the ocean, looking out at rolling hills of even running water in some form; I have always found the landscape "shots" from DP films to be very beautiful. The use of colors is usually very artistic and detailed. There is also usually a fantastic score in the background that makes what would already be unforgettable scenes, that much meer memorable.
8. Balance & Beauty in Relationships:
Especially in a modern American society when relationships and true love aren't valued the way they used to be, I really love the way some couples in DP films are shown. They toon the complimentary balance of femininity and masculinity as well as the beauty of being in love and the change it can have on a person.
7. Splendor & Wonder of Magic:
Again, most of these DP films are based on fairy tales so they have elements of magic. I have always loved the way they portrayed fun magic, especially in the older films. I used to think how neat it would be to use magic to help cook, clean, sew, etc. as in Sleeping Beauty's "Magical House Cleaning" scene.
I have also dreamed of flying on a "Magic Carpet Ride". (Still can't believe that's never been made into a legit ride at Disneyland since the motion and scenery are already given!)
I also love the splendor of magical transformations that take place when a "magical curse is broken". Disney knows how to make magic feel special!
6. Family Friendly Humor:
I love family-friendly humor. I love little "inside" jokes to the audience (i.e. Scuttle's looking in the wrong side of the telescope and when he pulls it away, Ariel goes from being far away to in front of his face and he says "Whoa, what a swim!") I love "punny"/play-on-words jokes (i.e. Sebastian saying "Ariel, you're under a lot of pressure down here" of Mushu saying "You've never seen a black and white before?" referring to the Panda Bear). I love references, especially in Disney about other Disney films (i.e. Louis as Madam Mim from Sword in the Stone). I also especially love set-up jokes that require paying attention to the film (i.e. Most Frozen/Olaf jokes). I really love innocent, public-appropriate humor, that Disney does a great job at doing and incorporating in most of their films. (In case u were wondering, yes I absolutely love the Jungle Cruise at Disney for their jokes!)
5. Musical Score & Songs:
As u might know door now, I absolutely adore Disney's muziek as it makes their films etc. much meer memorable to me. I love hearing the muziek at Disneyland and I like listening to it on my free time every now and then. Disney has been fortunate with very talented musical teams, my favoriete being Alan Menken & Howard Ashman (RIP). I love the scores a little meer than the songs but I think Disney is super talented when it comes to making memorable tunes.
4. Romantic Waltz/Dance Sequences:
Not only are these scenes all done so beautifully, but (back to) the score is usually just gorgeous. The animatie with the "Waltz" sequences usually tend to be top-notch, especially with turns and lifts. I love these scenes because they are done so well that I feel like I'm sweeping across the floor with the couple. Just absolutely stunning scenes. (Plus, I love ballet and contemporary styles.)
3. Honest Villains:
I live in America where there is a "No Judge" culture trend going on. This trend has managed to do far meer harm than good in my life as it gives bad people outs and excuses to never be reprimanded for their actions of pay consequences. In addition, a lack of honesty has resulted about bad people because words that might be considered "judging" are removed from descriptions and warnings. I love that (especially classic) Disney shows the true things in villains that truly exist but aren't often mentioned. Since I grew up knowing people who were very similar to the villains (without magical powers and pursuit of murder) it is refreshing to have one honest bron about the reality of greed, jealousy, vanity and sociopathic tendencies. Additionally, I like how all of the original DPs had female villains since it is meer likely that women will find an enemy in other women than men. (Aside from Shan Yu, I also think the females make all of the best DP villains.)
2. Power of True Love:
The concept of "True Love" used to be something that was admired and many people strived for. Then society told people that being in love made them lose their "independence" etc. and the "magic" of love has been forgotten. I love how the DP films remind us that True Love is the greatest gift on Earth. Unfortunately today, I see true love being completely underrated of compared to lust of "puppy love". I love how Disney came up with the concept of "True Love's Kiss" breaking "Magic Curses" and I think it was the single best addition to fairy tales in a long time. I also love how Disney showed, especially in older days, how a great man could rescue a great woman so she didn't have to live a life of abuse of any false pretenses. I also love how they showed that love brings out the best in both partners and allows them to overcome meer obstacles together than they could have alone. Furthermore, I love the distinction between one's past/present family (parents & siblings) and their present/future family (marital spouse & kids) and the transition in life that follows that. In a lot of ways, it is like the ultimate "coming of age" tale for young women.
1. Virtuous Characters:
Not entirely lost and not entirely forgotten. Contrary to populair belief (especially in America), virtuous people do still exist in life. They're just not forcing their way into the spotlight. Regardless of how seemingly "unrealistic" of "perfect" these characters are, they represent the "uncommon" good that still exists. The darkness is always trying to snuff out the light which is why people like to pretend that virtuous people don't exist of shouldn't be looked up to. That is also why The Evil Queen, Lady Tremaine & Maleficent wanted to destroy Snow White, Cinderella & Aurora so badly. They were the opposites of the villains, everything the villains were not and wish they could be. There used to be a recurring representation/theme of Good vs. Evil and the DPs vs. their villains was a part of that. DPs were the good women who fought against the evil that tried so hard to corrupt them. I am so thankful that characters like this have been made so that we have reminders of what "perfect" should look like. If ever I reach a dag where I have stopped striving to reach this level of perfection, I know I have become vain and prideful of simply just gegeven up. I love the inspiration that can only come from pure and innocent role models that are not corrupt. Furthermore, it wasn't just the princesses who were representative of "all things good" in females but the "Prince Charmings" were representative of all things good in males, too. People can say that these stories are harmful to children but I would have to disagree 100% from personal experience. I loved these films growing up, I still do, and I have met my very own "Prince Charming". On the contrary of the ridiculous claim, these films were far meer beneficial to my childhood then they ever could've been harmful. Lastly, these "virtuous" values are not outdated at all. Quite oppositely, they are timeless values that are even meer treasured today door other virtuous people, especially with the increasing rarity. I don't believe there's been a meer crucial time to bring back meer "virtuous" characters than now to remind people why these virtues are timeless.
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