The Disney Princess franchise is well known and loved by so many. This admiration goes back all the way to 1937 when the first princess movie by Disney was released, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. This iconic media franchise has had a huge impact on a lot of young girls. 

Ever since I was little my favorite Disney Princess has been Cinderella because I absolutely adored her radiant blue gown and glass slippers, as well as the magical tale of her meeting her prince; but more recently it’s been, Belle. Mainly because I look a lot like her, but I’ve always looked up to her. 

Princess Belle is definitely a fan favorite among Disney Prince enthusiasts.  

“She was the first Disney princess to truly have her own voice,” eighth-grader Makenna Baca said. “She was willing to risk everything she had in life to save her father, poor Belle needs to suffer through a provincial (life) with Gaston and I admire her for how she does it, her kindness, she won’t get thrown around by the beast/she’s not afraid to say no to him, she was the only person able to see past appearance and take a chance on the beast.” 

Princess Belle is my favorite because she stays true to who she is, wherever she is. In a castle, with a big terrifying beast and talking houseware, or in the little town in France where she feels she doesn’t really belong. She doesn’t try to change who she is to fit in, and she always stays true to what she believes to be good and stands up for herself. 

Another popular opinion when it comes to favorites is Moana. Moana is a very eager teenager who sets out on her own to save her island that is dying when her grandmother (Gramma Tala) passes away, but she passes on a story that Moana believes to be why her island is dying. Against her parent’s wishes, she sets off and successfully restores health on her island. 

Moana is a very loved princess, a lot of the time we find that we can relate to these princesses and see ourselves reflected in them, which I think is a big part of our personal connection with these fictional stories. 

“I can relate to her because I have a very strong relationship with my parents,” freshman Emma Miller said. “They can be protective of me at times because they only want what’s best for their daughter.” 

Along with Moana, Miller said that she loves and can relate to Rapunzel. 

“I used to have extremely long hair and it got so tangled all the time, ” Miller said.

Miller described how the movie has turned into a core memory for her and her mom. 

“I loved that movie because the first weekend it came out, I was so little and my mom took me to see it, just me and her and that was always a heartfelt memory for me.”

So many girls, including myself, have grown up watching these movies and looking up to these princesses wanting to be them. These movies have been so influential on us and they did not disappoint in the life lessons. 

“It serves me right for wishing on stars. The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work.” –Tiana, The Princess, and the Frog

“And yet, through it all, Cinderella remained ever gentle and kind. For within each dawn she found new hope that someday her dreams of happiness would come true.” –Narrator, Cinderella

“You control your destiny, you don’t need magic to do it.” –Merida, Brave

“You don’t lose hope, love. If you do, you lose everything. –Mrs. Potts, Beauty and the Beast

“You don’t have time to be timid. You must be bold, daring.” –Lumiere, Beauty and the Beast

“Remember, you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine.” –Snow White, Snow White, and the Seven Dwarfs

“How dare you! All of you! Standing around deciding my future?! I am not a prize to be won!” –Jasmine, Aladdin

“Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one.” –Grandmother Willow, Pocahontas

“Now, come have a nice cup of tea, dear. I’m sure it’ll work out somehow.” Fauna, Sleeping Beauty 

These are just a few of the things that Disney Princess movies have said that have stuck with me and I hope will continue to impact young girls as they grow up.