While growing up, Disney princesses were a constant in my life. Watching the movies, playing dress-up, and singing their songs in the car shaped my childhood. Each princess represents something different — bravery, kindness, independence, love, or resilience.
The story of Belle from Beauty and the Beast may be my personal favorite because of the music and story, but not everyone agrees. According to Jacob Mash, a senior mass communication and English major, and Jim Smith, associate professor of mass communication and graphic design, two other princesses stand out.
When asked who their favorite Disney princesses were, Mash stated, “Probably Moana — simply because I find her to be one of the strongest and most well-developed characters in a Disney movie.”
Due to her strong narrative, Mash elaborated on how Moana stands out compared to other princesses. “She was one of the first Disney princesses to not require a love interest, and it revealed that these movies did not need one to be successful in their storytelling,” he said. “She’s not perfect — she’s learning, but that’s also because she’s young. She proves herself to be incredibly capable of more than her family or even herself realized,” he continued.
Smith revealed that his favorite Disney princess is the one who started it all — Snow White. “It was the first Disney movie I ever saw,” he said. When asked how he became familiar with the princess, he shared, “I was in elementary school. That was before you could rent a movie, and I remember they showed the film at my school.”
When asked why he chose Snow White, Smith highlighted her kind attributes. “She has a nurturing quality about her. I really liked the way she interacted with the seven dwarfs,” he said.
Both Mash and Smith made compelling choices, in my professional Disney-watcher opinion. Although their favorites come from different eras of Disney history, both were quick to defend their choices. As Mash put it, “Moana’s such a great character that does not need a live-action remake to ‘improve’ her.”
Although Mash’s response is a strong one, Smith showcased an excellent point. “Snow White is the original Disney princess and the prototype for all those to come after,” he said.
Whether your favorite Disney princess showcases independence like Moana or kindness like Snow White, one thing is certain — she represents something meaningful to the person who grew up with her. And much like my own love for Belle, these favorites remind us that Disney magic looks a little different for everyone. There is something sweet, yet almost kind, about it — you know?
Photo provided by: Jim Smith