The magic of Walt Disney is that in many cases he brings to life stories and myths that have been with us for centuries. He imbues them with fresh life, draws us in with spectacular artwork, and touches our very soul.
Cinderella and her Gown
One of the most powerful moments in the Cinderella story. Cinderella has been kind, gentle, and sweet despite the dinginess of her life and the cruel mistreatment by her stepmother and stepsisters. She has clung to what is important to her - honor and respect. Finally, as a reward for all her good efforts, her godmother brings her into a new, easier life, one where she can be respected and cared for by others. This is not all just "given" to Cinderella. She worked hard - extremely hard - for years in order to earn this good karma.
Cinderella and the Prince
Cinderella talks quietly with the Prince underneath the moon. To me this is a critical part of the Cinderella story. He connects with her. He appreciates her gentle nature, her kindness and her joy at life. These traits that she has carefully nurtured through adversity and rough life are what bring her everything she wants in the end. It is because she is still sweet and kind that he is drawn to her. It is because of her strength despite all that life threw at her that she finds her true love. She never gave up hope.
Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite Disney tales. The heroine, Beauty, doesn't have an easy road. The beast can be quite prickly and cranky. But Beauty shows him over time that there's a different way to be, that they can have love and joy and contentment in their lives. By staying patient, and understanding, and unwilling to let bad behavior slide, she forges a new path for them both.
Alladin
A classic Romeo-and-Juliet scene on a balcony, with the stars twinkling overhead and the whole world asleep. Alladin looks into the eyes of the woman he adores, and all else becomes lost in the world. A delightfully romantic scene where all is shown in that one look.
Mickey and Minnie
From the very beginning there was Mickey and Minnie, the plucky little mice who have an up-beat attitude and smile for everyone. They know that moping and whining will rarely get a person anywhere. Instead, it's friendship, loyalty, and a can-do attitude which bring joy to the world and peace to the heart.
Lady and the Tramp
Lady and the Tramp touches your heart with its all-too-common tale. They come from completely different worlds. Their friends and family don't understand why they're drawn to each other. But what they see is not the trappings of wealth and fame, but the souls and hearts of each other. It doesn't matter that he is poor. All that matters is that he cares for her, he respects her, and he will treat her right. That, in the end, is what really matters.
The Little Mermaid
Ariel is the one nobody pays much attention to - except to scold her. She longs for something different, something exciting where she can have dreams and fantasies come true. And then she falls deeply in love with a human, and all she wants is to be by his side, a part of his world.
