Disney Misconceptions I'm Tired of Hearing

I'm someone that's been an avid Disney fan for as long as I can remember. As such, I've seen the movies more times than I can count and have been to Disney World as many times. My house is flooded with Disney clothing, Disney memorabilia and Disney video games. So, as someone that loves Disney more than most things in life, it bothers me when people talk negatively about it. Or better yet, when I constantly hear misconceptions about the movies that couldn't be further from the truth. So, in an effort to fix that problem, I've decided to finally put it out there and hopefully educate people a little more about what gives me an endless amount of joy: Disney movies.

Misconception #1: Ariel only wanted to become a human because she met Prince Eric.

That is so incorrect that I can't even handle it. In the beginning of the movie, Ariel is swimming around with Flounder in a sunken ship looking for human things that she eventually brings to Scuttle. Scuttle helps "teach" her about human things and after that, she has an argument with her father about her fascination with humans. She even sings "Part of Your World", her "I want" song, before she even lays eyes on Eric for the first time. Eric didn't make her want to be a human. It was only after meeting Eric that she obtained the means to become human. If she'd had the opportunity before meeting him, she would've taken it.

Misconception #2: Cinderella's only dream was to find a man.

When we first meet Cinderella, she is asleep and eventually she gets woken up to start her work day. She tells the mice and birds that she had a wonderful dream that she can't share with them because it wouldn't come true. She then sings "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes". Even as she's singing, she never divulges her dream. Therefore, she NEVER states that her dream was to get married or find a man. In actuality, her dream was probably to escape her horrific lifestyle. And when she does go to the ball, she only wanted a night out. And heck, she deserved one. Her intention was to have fun, not settle down. That night just ended up giving her more than she ever could've anticipated.

Misconception #3: Snow White was a weak princess. 

Sure, Snow White isn't what is considered a "modern princess" but that doesn't make her weak. There are so many different kinds of strength in the world and they all should be appreciated. Snow White's strength was her positivity and optimism. Think about it. After the huntsman tried to kill her but then decided to let her go, she gets lost in the forest and is extremely scared. She'd just learned that her stepmom was so jealous of her that she was willing to kill her for it. She could never go back home and she'd never be safe if the queen knew she was out there. And yet, instead of dwelling on the negativity, she starts singing a song to the animals to cheer herself up. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she chooses to pick herself up and move on, eventually finding the 7 dwarves' cottage. It is extremely easy to only see the negatives in life. It takes real strength to push past it and still see the world as a positive and beautiful place. So although Snow White isn't traditionally strong, that doesn't mean that she isn't strong. She is strong, just in her own way.

People love to give Disney princesses a lot of flack and I don't understand why. Their stories are about love, kindness and bravery and they're meant to bring people joy. So I hope that reading this has helped people realize that Disney princesses should be cut a little slack. They're so much more than women that just want to get married even though that's what people constantly try to portray them as.

-Chelsea

My Favorite Walt Disney Quotes!

I've proclaimed that Walt Disney is my hero and inspiration numerous times. He took a dream that he had and never gave up on it. By doing so, he's created magical places, experiences and mediums of entertainment that impact and influence people of all ages. He's not my hero just because he created Disneyland or makes cute movies. He's my hero because he taught the world that it's okay to have and pursue seemingly impossible dreams and that it's okay to let out your inner child.

He is what I aspire to be: successful, creative, humble, wise and unwilling to "grow up".

So I thought that it would be fun to let you all know what my favorite quotes from Walt Disney are! You've probably heard a few of them before but I think that it's important to be reminded of them every once in a while! Plus, I love any excuse to expose my "Disnerd" side!

1. "All of our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."

2. "There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates' loot on Treasure Island."

3. "You may not realize it at the time, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing for you."

4. "The way to get started is to stop talking and begin doing."

5. "Why worry? If you've done the very best you can, worrying won't make it any better."

6. "When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably."

7. "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

8. "Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age and dreams are forever."

9. "That's the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up. They forget. They don't remember what it's like to be 12 years old."

10. "Happiness is a state of mind."

11. (I saved my favorite quote for last!) "If you can dream it, you can do it!"

I actually have, "If you can dream it, you can do it" above my bed. It's a wonderful thing to wake up to in the morning. It reminds me that my dreams will come true. I just have to make it happen! There's no limit to what people can accomplish, especially with a vivid imagination!

I hope that this brought a smile to your face!

-Chelsea