Casey's Top Ten Disney Animated Movies and Characters

I bet you have asked yourself, "Well, if this Casey chick really likes Disney so much, just what ARE her favorites anyhow?" Well, I shall do my best to answer these questions right now! However, my lower favorites have a tendency of swapping out and around sometimes, but my most favorites are usually pretty consistent.

 

Let's start with movies, shall we?

TOP TEN ANIMATED DISNEY MOVIES (not including Pixar)

This list was surprisingly incredibly difficult to narrow down. In fact, things might switch around in my brain quite soon; it's hard for me to put things in order this way. Many of the movies that started out in the top five, or so I thought, ended up in the bottom five by the end of my typing. :) So many of my favorites such as Alice in Wonderland, Dumbo, Pinnochio, and even Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs as well as so many others did not make the list simply because they are not written as well as some of the others. It makes me super sad to have to list movies in order like this, because the numbers seem so limited! I tried to combine my list to both Casey's film critique as well as emotional effect and sentimental attachment. (It took a lot of self-convincing to put Peter Pan where it is; I wanted it to be much closer to the top, but I had to talk myself out of it because in all honesty, there are better movies. But I couldn't put it any lower than it is without feeling guilty!)

A special shoutout must go to The Tigger Movie. There was no room for this movie on my list, but I love this movie way more than I ever thought I would. It's terribly wonderful. Literally those two together. I watched it for my first time just this past Monday, and it's already become one of my favorites. It's dreadful. But it has an incredible emotional impact.

Well, here goes. Here's my list. Please keep in mind that the things stated here are completely my sole opinions. I don't want to offend anyone. If you disagree, that's cool, you're probably smarter than me or have a different emotional background. :) Enjoy.

10. THE FOX AND THE HOUND

The Fox and the Hound has been one of my favorites since I was a child. I love its message about friendship, but this movie utterly breaks my heart each time I watch it. This movie is definitely one that stays with you. Sadly, because the movie itself isn't as great as others, it has been lowered to number ten.

9. ALADDIN

What a charming tale! I am quite fond of Disney's rendition of the story. And of course, who doesn't love Robin Williams, eh? This movie is always a fun one to watch, no matter how old you may be. MAKE WAY FOR PRINCE ALI!

8. PETER PAN

I am completely bewitched by the story of Peter Pan. I'm quite obsessed, actually. Peter Pan was and still is my hero. Probably more so now, as I more absolutely do not want to grow up the closer I get to it. I had and still have a big crush on him as well! As much as I would love to place this movie higher on the list for its sentimental value, it is not written as well as the others, and the music isn't quite as catchy. Sad, but true. However, the 2003 Universal Studios live action version of Peter Pan starring Jeremy Sumpter is probably my favorite movie ever. So I highly recommend that you watch it. ;)

7. MULAN

Mulan's journey leads her and those around her to grow in ways they didn't know they could. So many of the characters experience a change that helps the audience to relate to and sympathize with the characters, and feel a connection to the story. Also, you must admit, the difference in the relationship between General Shang and Mulan compared to the romantic relationships among so many other Disney couples brings a lighthearted and realistic feeling to the film. It makes the characters and the story that much greater! When Mulan is finally recognized as the hero she is, it is easy to cheer along with the diegetic crowd! In fact, I am usually brought to tears at this moment of the story with the knowledge of Mulan's past experiences, as the exposition of the film so clearly demonstrates. It makes this final moment that much more meaningful. Mulan is indeed a classic.

6. HERCULES

Few moments in Disney movies are as epic as when Hercules emerges in front of Hades near the end of the film- glowing with Godlike power and carrying Meg's soul. Zeus says perhaps the most memorable line of the film, which also happens to be the main message of the story: "A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart." With its exciting and catchy music and lovable characters, it is a timeless and entertaining movie indeed.

5. THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME

Let's be honest, it is a dang good movie. And the fact that the ending is not completely as happy as it had the potential of being as a Disney movie, makes the movie that much greater. The music is epic, the screenplay is rather well done in my opinion, and although this may sound weird coming from me: I couldn't be happier with the sadness and destruction. Bah! Luckily it's just a movie. :) Quasimodo's actions make any female audience member love him, even if Esmeralda does not. He doesn't need a woman to be a success. :)

I think the exposition does a good job of introducing the characters. Only a few minutes into the movie, we already understand a lot about the characters that we will see most. I really like Quasi's friendship the gargoyles,  and I love that it seems like he's imagining all of it whenever we see it from another point of view. For example, after they sing "A Guy Like You," Quasi sees beautifully draped red fabric and shining stone statues, but the moment Esmeralda enters the room, we see it as the mess that it truly is. Earlier in the film, Frolo's line "Can stone talk?" responded by Quasi's "No, it can't." emphasizes Quasimodo's loneliness. I love it!

Of course, then the sequel came around and ruined everything that the original had created. Oh well. :) It's a cute movie though, and I am a big Jennifer Love Hewitt fan, so I'll stop talking now.

4. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

I can't help it- I cry every time. I absolutely LOVE the animation in this film; every time I watch it I just can't help but smile. Gaston is hilarious, but I hate him. But I love him. Sheesh! Plus, I have a sentimental attachment to this film, since not only was Belle my favorite princess as a child, but also the fact that I performed as Mrs. Potts when my high school did this musical my junior year. It ended up being the best role (in my personal opinion, based on the amount of work I put into it and the rewarding feeling) that I have ever had the chance of portraying!

Anyway, that fateful moment at the end always kills me. I love it! :)

3. THE LION KING

This movie has been on the top of my list since I was a little girl. It was my favorite movie in the world. Until my love of The Little Mermaid came to be, I suppose! And when The Lion King 2 came out, I was so proud of my six-year-old self for being able to pick out the melody to "We Are One" on the piano! :) Simba is my hero. He is so cool. He overcame so much to become the rightful king of Pride Rock. I adore him! And growing up, whenever I took one of those "What Disney Character Are You?" quizzes at a Disney park, I was always Nala! Until my most recent trip to Disneyland, that is, in which I was Alice (which I am perfectly happy with, although I was a little bummed that I wasn't Ariel;)! I LOVE THE LION KING.

2. TANGLED

For once in my life (well, since after The Lion King was no longer my favorite), The Little Mermaid had some REAL competition. As obsessed as I am with Ariel and her story, Tangled was such a great movie that- although Ariel still would have been my favorite princess- it was thisclose to being my new favorite Disney movie. But I just couldn't accept that emotionally. Anyway, Tangled is written extremely well, in my opinion. Lines are quick and witty, and the characters are very likable and have stories that are deep but easy to follow. The music and vocal talents are suited very well for their roles and the sound and look that Disney wanted to achieve.

1. THE LITTLE MERMAID

Surprise, surprise. I'm OBSESSED with The Little Mermaid, so if ya haven't guessed that it's my favorite Disney movie, then sadly, you don't know enough about me. ;) Although I understand if you thought it was Snow White, as she is a close second. Ariel is my favorite, but I do consider Snow White to be "my" princess.

I adore mermaids in general (even the evil, creepy ones- there's a kind of mystery and magic about them), and I especially really admire Ariel's bravery in her story. She didn't allow herself to doubt- she trusted her heart and had complete faith that things would turn out for the better in the end. The things she sacrificed- her family and her voice- to even have a CHANCE with the one she loved... Wow. I don't think I could be that brave. My voice and my family are my prized possessions, and I don't think I could give them up without some kind of assurance from my Heavenly Father.

I think my personality is the most like Ariel's of all the Disney Princesses. But I'll let you be the judge of that. I LOVE THE LITTLE MERMAID! :)

TOP TEN DISNEY CHARACTERS (animated humans)

I hope you enjoy the pictures of my sister and me with the characters that we met at our most recent Disneyland trip (they are the second picture shown for most of the characters- the first pictures I just found on the Internet)!

1. ARIEL (Disney park priority: 7)

Refer to above paragraph about my love of Ariel. :) Her Disney park priority is so low because I have met her so many times, and there are just honestly other face characters that I would rather spend most of my time with. Anyway, yup, I'm obsessed with Ariel; she's beautiful, has an amazing, gorgeous voice, and Sierra Boggess (one of my favorite actresses) did a super job in her debut as Ariel on Broadway.

2. PETER PAN (park priority: 1)

Peter Pan has Disney park priority of number one (as in I would IMMEDIATELY STOP EVERYTHING AND SCREAM AND SHOVE THROUGH PEOPLE (except, I wouldn't want to hurt anybody... I suppose I'd have to wait my turn...) TO GET TO HIM AND INEVITABLY START CRYING AND FALL ON HIM IN THE BIGGEST HUG EVER AND WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SPEAK IF I EVER EVER EVER WERE TO SEE A GLIMPSE OF HIM WALKING AROUND THE PARK. My heart would jump out of my throat- and if I saw him [not in a parade] but didn't get to meet him, then I would never stop crying for the rest of my Disney trip. It would take me forever to get over it. True story.) because I have NEVER MET HIM!! He is my hero and I have never met him! I have tried so hard and searched far and wide for him but he is never out whenever I go to a Disney park! And I am heartbroken. He is my hero. He is my favorite face character in existence (yes, even more than Ariel if I were to meet him in person). I am super super sad that Spieling Peter does not work at Disneyland anymore though... He was my all-time favorite. (He married Care Bear Wendy/Alice/Tink- did you know that? So cute!!:) Peter Pan is so wise and courageous for his age. I often find myself wondering what Peter Pan would do if I am ever in an uncomfortable situation. :) He inspires me.

That's the closest I've ever been to Peter Pan!! ^^^

3. SNOW WHITE (park priority: 8)

Snow White is my princess. :) She has such a kind, optimistic heart and I am so incredibly lucky that I have gotten to portray her at Enchanted Events. It is my dream to be Snow White at a Disney Park, and hopefully that dream can soon come true! She is SO much fun. She is, in my opinion, much more fun to portray than a lot of the other princesses- because she's such a character! It's so much fun to focus on my movement and my voice when I portray her- and I've trained myself to never EVER have a dull facial moment! She's so exciting and energetic. I ADORE HER. I know many people do not like Snow White, but she makes me so happy I can't even express it. So please, I'd appreciate it if you'd hold back your negative Snow White comments while around me. :) I am insanely picky on Snow White face characters though (as I am for practically all other face characters- I'm just especially harsh on Snow Whites. Even finding a good picture to post here took me forever.), and most of the time I am not completely satisfied!

4. TINKER BELL (park priority: 3)

Tink. She is so spunky and cute and smart! Although Disney did change her character a bit when making the Tinker Bell movies to make her more likable, I actually don't hate the changes (except I do hate that Terence is her best friend and not Peter Pan- even though I do like Terence. Why hasn't Tink even MET Peter Pan in any of the Tinker Bell movies??). But I do really appreciate it when she would show her true character. Tell me, what would Disney magic be without Tink? I am determined that my first daughter will be named after Tinker Bell (no, that's not actually going to be her name. But her name will represent Tinker Bell. You'll see;) for one moment especially: in Peter Pan, when Tink drinks the poison for Peter and saves his life. That kind of sacrifice is what true love and friendship is all about. It touches my heart. I love her so much. And I will forever be grateful that she saved my hero!! Even though she can be a brat sometimes, you have to understand that she is a fairy and it is in her nature to be mischievous sometimes. Besides, you just can't stay upset with Tinker Bell. :)

5. RAPUNZEL (park priority: 4)

From the moment I first saw Tangled, I have absolutely loved Rapunzel. She is quite similar to Ariel in a lot of ways, and perhaps that is why! Anyway, yeah, I thought Disney did a great job with Tangled. So I kinda love her. That is all.

6. BELLE (park priority: 10)

I reeeeeeeeally admire Belle. Who wouldn't? Being able to fall in love with the Beast by looking past all of his negative qualities? Plus, you've got to admire the Beast himself for overcoming his habits and being willing to change for Belle. That's a hard thing to do. Belle was my favorite when I was little, but I'm pretty sure it was just because I looked the most like her I suppose. But anyway, I love her, she's an inspiration.

7. ALICE (park priority: 6)

Alice, isn't she fun? Her curiosity, her imagination, her intelligence- that's why I want to name one of my future daughters after her! Although she sometimes lacks patience and often has a short temper- nobody is perfect. I have a patience problem myself! When I took the Disney character quiz in the Sorcerer's Workshop at Disneyland recently, it said I was the most like Alice! I couldn't be prouder. I adore her! She is wonderful. So fun.

8. WENDY (park priority: 2)

Oh, Wendy. First of all, I'm insanely jealous of her. Second of all, she's adorable! I would love to meet her. Someday, I will. She inspires me because of her faith and trust in Peter Pan, her wonderful storytelling talent, her relationship with her brothers, and her maturity and wisdom for her young age!

9. MAD HATTER (park priority: 5)

My goodness! The Mad Hatter is simply hilarious! I am so incredibly lucky and happy that I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting him when I last went to Disneyland! I simply love him. I already posted my picture with both Alice and the Mad Hatter, so if you need to refer to it again, it is above!

10. PINNOCHIO (park priority: 9)

Pinnochio is fairly new on my top ten list! Over the past couple of years, I have developed such a love for him! He is a child, and he had to learn the importance of honesty and making the right choices, but boy did he learn his lesson. And thank heavens for the wonderful Jiminy Cricket! :) Pinnochio is so fun and cute. Yay!

TOP TEN DISNEY ANIMALS (to save you time, I won't write an explanation on each of these. I can't guarantee how accurate this list is- it is SO hard for me to put things in order like this.)

1. MICKEY MOUSE
2. SIMBA
3. TIGGER
4. POOH BEAR
5. DUMBO
6. PUMBAA
7. STITCH
8. THUMPER
9. MARIE
10. FLOUNDER

Well, I suppose that's all for now! Just so there aren't any other questions- my favorite villain is the Evil Queen, and my favorite ride at Disneyland is Splash Mountain (Pirates of the Caribbean is a close second)! Thank you for your time, and remember: these are just my humble opinions! Have a magical day! :)

Suspend Your Disbelief

“When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.”

-Walt Disney

Let me try to put into words just what Disney means to me.

A couple of weeks ago, my father asked me why I love Disney so much. But before I tell you my answer, let me tell you his response to the same question. He said: “It makes me feel young again.” A completely valid reason. I totally understand what he means, and completely respect that. Disney does indeed make one feel young again. I know I feel reconnected with my childhood when I fawn over the princesses and get butterflies in my stomach on the Disney park rides! Disney has brought a smile to an infinite number of faces throughout time, many claiming that Disney makes them feel young again. I completely agree with this statement. But why, you may ask, do I personally love Disney so much?

Disney gives the world something to believe in: magic. And, in the words of a friend of mine, “In a world with no magic, that's precisely what you need.” Look around you. The world is a scary place. Disney is like a sanctuary. Disney gives you hope that you can honestly trust the good in others. Good is magic. Trust is magic. As Peter Pan once said, “All it takes is faith and trust, and just a little bit of Pixie Dust.”

Not only does Disney influence you to find the good in others and in all situations, but it also helps you to believe that there is magic in the world we live in every day. If you were to view the world around you as an innocent young child does, you can find the beauty and wonder in so many things that we take for granted. Take, for instance, flowers, waterfalls, or even the sky. The clouds. Aren't they simply perfect? Absolute beauty. Disney helps us to recognize the beauty and magic in the world around us.

Disney has given me the sincere desire to find true magic. At the park, we witness so many “magic tricks.” If you suspend your disbelief for just a moment, you might find yourself believing that Mickey Mouse is actually a sorcerer, that an evil witch really can transform into a dragon, and that dragons actually do exist! You could find yourself believing in fairies and mermaids, and believing that Tinker Bell is indeed flying through the air and creating the fireworks that you are witnessing. Believe that you are actually meeting the REAL Cinderella, and that you are indeed talking to a giant, cuddly, yellow Pooh Bear, who lives in the Hundred Acre Wood, and is best friends with a boy named Christopher Robin and a wee, cautious Piglet. Believe that when you wish upon a star, your dream will come true. Let yourself trust that good can conquer evil, that justice will reign supreme, and that true love's kiss really can break any spell.

Disney convinces you to believe in the power of true love, and that true love alone is more powerful than any evil. THAT is magic. True love is magic. Do you know how lucky you are when you find that one special person that you want to spend eternity with? Do you know how many people spend their whole lives searching, and never find that person? I would gladly give up my voice- my prized possession- just as Ariel did, to be with my loved one forever. Wouldn't you? The kind of love worth crossing oceans for. Worth walking a thousand miles- just to get a glimpse of the one you love. That is true magic.

Of course, I must address my fellow bronies in saying that “Friendship is Magic.” ;) Disney also teaches this principle in so many of its stories.

You see? Kids alone don't get all the fun when it comes to Disney. Adults can experience its magic just as kids can! I challenge you to suspend your disbelief next time you encounter something Disney related. I promise you, it is much more fun that way. Disney is indeed the “happiest place on earth.”

Princess of Broadway

"If you can't see the bright side, polish the dull side."

-Sharpay, Disney's Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure

All my life, all I've ever wanted to do was perform. For as long as I can remember, I rehearsed from day to day with one goal in mind: Broadway. Even as a wee child, whenever I went to the movies with my parents, I would go down to the area in front of the giant screen and dance to the music that was playing in the theater. But that's the ironic part, because if there is anything that is keeping me from reaching my dream, it is my lack of dance training. I have never had a dance class in my life.

The good news is that since my life is beginning to begin to begin (haha, see what I did there), I can start to make decisions on my own and take the steps that I need to to be able to achieve my dream. One of those decisions is taking plenty of dance classes in college. This fall I plan on enrolling in both ballet and tap classes. Hooray for taking advantage of college! I am majoring in Musical Theatre, and I am so excited to begin my career.

The first step of my career: an internship at Utah Festival Opera and Musical Theatre! I will begin this internship at the end of May- before I even graduate from high school! I am nervous to be living away from my parents for the first time, but I know that my brother and sister-in-law (and fetus niece;) will keep me in good hands. I know that I am in for one heck of an opportunity though, working every day from 10 am to 10 pm. I am super excited to more fully experience what I want to do for the rest of my life! Muahahaha!

Perhaps the most important thing to have in the world of le theatre is a positive attitude! And well, I'd say that I think I'm pretty qualified... I have worked SO hard for half of my life to keep things on the bright side! I mean, you are definitely not going to get all of the jobs you audition for. In fact, you'll probably hardly ever get any of them. I have already experienced this to some extent! So it's important to focus on what you learned from the experience, and improve for next time! Focus on the positive. No tears. Keep your chin up and keep telling yourself how close you were!

Or even if you weren't close- everything happens for a reason. Just remind yourself that the Lord has something better in mind for you! I am a daughter of God, a princess, and I know that my Heavenly Father wants me to be happy. He has the most AWESOME plan in store for me, and if I stay faithful to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I am promised to be blessed! I know that my Heavenly Father puts me through trials that he knows I can handle. Obviously, the jobs that I don't get- it's all for a reason! Because if I WERE to get those jobs, it would mess up His plan for me! And I would miss out on a job that I'm SUPPOSED to have for some BIG HUGE REASON- like meeting my spouse or making a difference or something! So there's no way ever in the whole EXISTENCE that I should be upset about not getting an acting job. I just have to trust the Lord and let Him guide me on my path to the future.

Hopefully, somewhere in that future, Broadway is involved. That'd be cool. Then I'll be a daughter of God, fulfilling her dream. A princess of Broadway.