As a little girl Disney movies have always been part of my life. What I didn’t realize back then is each of those characters teaches us something. From Disney Princesses to our favorite sidekicks they all have an important life lesson associated with them. Understanding these meanings has given me a greater appreciation for, not only the movies themselves, but for the role they played in my childhood.

In this new series I’ve created I’m going to share with you the life lessons of the most popular Disney Characters.

Disney Princesses

Disney Princesses are controversial and cause people to question the stereotypes princesses display, however I believe it is also important to take into perspective how these princesses influenced girls of their time. When each of these princess movies came out in their respective time period they portrayed the realities of that time period while also having feminist main characters. Take Snow White for example which was released in 1937 during the Great Depression, the movie reflects this difficult time period by displaying idealized, compliant femininity, domestic labor, and more. It also portrays the female characters as caretakers, mirroring the time period’s focus on home life, while offering a cheerful, musical escape from the harsh socioeconomic realities of the world. Although this paints the movie in a harsh light Snow White is still considered to be a feminist and strong-willed character since she acts on her situation, controls her narrative, and uses kindness to create a nurturing, orderly, and safe community, displaying her power through her leadership and compassion.

The first Disney Princess I want to mention is one that is a little less known: Tiana. Tiana had a dream, she taught us that when you have a dream you don’t sit around and wait for it to happen.  YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN. Tiana gave everything she did 110% and made her dreams a reality, teaching us that success is earned through hard work, determination, and persistence rather than just wishing on a star. Tiana is an important Disney Princess since she is the first African American Disney Princess, providing needed representation for kids and setting a new standard for the movies. Tiana is a Disney Princess defined by her work ethic, ambition, and independence, destroying the stereotype by achieving her own dream through hard-work rather than magic or prince-dependent rescue.

Mulan, another Disney Princess who is often looked over or not considered a “true” Disney Princess. Mulan taught us to keep going and prove to everyone who doubted you that you are capable of doing it. To rise above what is expected of you, that true strength is defined by character, bravery, and intelligence rather than gender, challenging traditional stereotypes and gender roles. She also taught us that while you might struggle with something it is important to persevere through the difficulties because nothing real in life ever comes easily. Fun fact Mulan and General Li Shang are the only non-royal Disney couple in the Disney Princess franchise.

One of my personal favorite Disney Princesses: Elsa. Elsa is relatable in more ways than one and has taught us so many valuable lessons. In the first Frozen movie Elsa became the Queen of Arendelle but never seemed to enjoy the responsibility or role, in the second movie she decides to step down from her role as Queen to follow her true destiny. In my opinion, the main thing Elsa taught us is, that if your life is going in a direction you don’t feel is right for you, change it. She has taught us that it is okay to walk away and to be your true self. On top of this throughout the first movie Elsa attempts to push down and hide part of herself saying, “Conceal, don’t feel, don’t let it show.” However, throughout the movie Elsa quickly learns how difficult it is to hide your true identity. Teaching us that it’s important to accept your unique talents and identity, and that anyone who truly loves and values you as a person won’t care about your differences.

Cinderella is another popular princess who tends to be looked down upon, tilted as a “damsel in distress.” While she did have a horrible life before Prince Phillip found her, that doesn’t make her a damsel in distress. She learned to adapt to her situation and although she was treated cruelly everyday she still managed to be kind to others and her animal friends, despite having every right to be bitter. In the live action version the lesson of being kind is expanded upon to include having courage. The lesson of “have courage and be kind” has always stuck with me and many others as it is a lesson that is relatable to most if not all. Her story demonstrates having a good heart, staying hopeful, and working hard lead to rewards, highlighting how inner strength and compassion are more powerful than anger and hatred.

Merida has always been one of my favorite princesses, although, rather unknown and forgotten about. What I love about Merida is she is stubborn and challenges the gender norms. She competes for her own hand in marriage and routinely gets in arguments with her mother for being “unladylike.” Unlike many other storylines and movies of the time Disney let Merida finish the film just as unruly as she was before, although on better terms with her mother. Merida taught us that we have the power to write our own stories and demonstrates the importance of balance between independence and traditions. She showed that true strength means owning your mistakes, fixing broken bonds, and that “happily ever after” doesn’t always require romance. For many girls, myself included, Merida can be seen as a role model, not only influencing the way young girls view themselves but also impacting the way they would like to be seen. She proves her independence, physical strength, and all these characteristics that most females would be too scared to show.

On the topic of strong role model princesses we have Princess Jasmine from Aladdin. What I appreciate about Jasmine is when her father was trying to marry her off, she was quick to intervene and make it clear that she would not be married off like some trophy. She taught us that it is important to make your own decisions and stand up for yourself. Jasmine truly is a trailblazer for female empowerment, demonstrating that one’s worth is not limited by a title or a man. Not only does Jasmine refuse a suitor she also changes her country’s history and laws by becoming the first ever female sultan. Unlike the other possible leaders of Agrabah Jasmine knew the people and their troubles and she led with kindness and a desire to improve quality of life for her beloved people.

One of my most favorite Disney Princesses is Belle. Belle is strong and smart and has no problem standing up for herself. She becomes the hero of her own story saving both her father, the beast, and even herself from a life she felt trapped in. Belle taught us to stand our ground and to pursue a different life when the one we are living has left us feeling trapped. On top of this Belle taught us that true beauty lies within, encouraging us to look deeper than appearances, to value intelligence, and embrace uniqueness. Although at first Belle assumed the Beast was cruel and cold hearted she took the time to get to know him even saving his life after he saved hers. This contrasts the vast majority of the townsfolk who take one look at the Beast and firmly decide that he must be gotten rid of  and that he is a danger to their way of life regardless of what anyone else said. I believe this was Disney’s attempt to confront society on our mob mentality and encouraging people to speak up even when others don’t agree.

Moana is arguable one of the best Disney Princess movies out there. Not only is Moana independent and strong but she has drive and motivation. She knew ever since she was a little girl that she was meant to be exploring the ocean. Although she was forbidden from it and was constantly pulled away she never lost sight of her true destiny teaching us to trust ourselves and our intuition and to always chase after our dreams. On top of this Moana teaches the lesson that true leadership is rooted in empathy, courage, and listening to one’s self rather than simply physical strength. Moana highlights  following your passion despite the doubt of others, honoring your heritage, and finding the resilience within yourself to preserve through failures. When Moana set out on her journey she didn’t know how to sail or to navigate the stars yet she kept going. She taught us that when you are going after your dreams, you must lead with your heart, and steer bravely.

Snow White, the first official Disney Princess. Although Snow White’s story is a little darker than most she taught us very valuable lessons that we can carry with us throughout life. Snow White teaches us about the power of inner beauty, compassion, and resilience even through difficult times overcoming vanity and jealousy, conveying that being kind and perseverant bring true happiness and loyalty. Snow White also taught us to be cautious about trusting strangers but regardless to never define a person solely by their outer beauty but also by who they are inside. While Snow White’s story seems centered around outer beauty, through the Evil Queens pursuit to be the fairest in the land, she isn’t able to compete with Snow White due to how deep Snow White’s beauty goes. It is her innocent nature, and virtues such as honesty, kindness, and compassion, that inspire animals and Dwarves alike to rush to be of service to her and each other while thriving in the process, proving she not only possesses outer beauty but also  inner beauty which is the best type.

Aurora, better known as Sleeping Beauty embodies the “golden age” of Disney princesses having the true classic princess story with an iconic “true love’s kiss.” Although to many she seems a little bit soft rather than a strong female influence she teaches us importance of keeping faith in your dreams, remaining optimistic, and maintaining a gentle, kind heart even in the midst of difficult situations. Princess Aurora is a prime example of kindness and inner strength, accepting her responsibilities to her Kingdom and her true parents, even when it means not being able to live out ALL of her dreams. Although this makes it seem like she gave up on her dreams to accept responsibility in reality she always held on to her dreams and even fulfilled some of them as she met her “true love.”

In my opinion one thing Disney does well is telling stories from the perspectives of unexpected characters such as Ariel who is the daughter of the Merking. Ariel is the first Disney Princess to not have been born as a human. Ariel taught us many lessons such as curiosity and that to pursue one’s dreams it requires bravery, passion, and, at times sacrifice. She shines a spotlight on the power of using your voice, the importance of forging your own path, and the value in stepping out of one’s comfort zone and looking beyond familiar surroundings to embrace different cultures and perspectives. I believe Ariel also demonstrates the importance of finding beauty in unforeseen places. Ariel finds wonder and beauty in items as simple as a fork, fondly calling them the goofy names given to her by her bird friend Scuttle. On top of this Ariel teaches us that sometimes things you love require sacrifice by turning herself human. In doing so, she had to face her fears and learn the mannerisms and way of a human, which I’m sure was hard teaching us to be courageous and that sometimes it’s important to take risks.

Though not technically royalty Pocahontas is accorded the respect of one and is officially regarded as a Disney Princess. Pocahontas is the first Disney Princess to have been loosely based on a real person rather than a complete fairy tale. Pocahontas taught us the very valuable lessons of respecting the natural world around us. She taught us that nature sustains us, and in turn it is our responsibility to protect it. She also taught us to listen to our haters and embrace cultural diversity by “walking in the footsteps of a stranger.” Pocahontas as a film emphasizes choosing the moral path rather than the easy one demonstrating the importance of open-mindedness in conflict resolution. She also highlights that we are all connected in one way or another and it is important to foster a mindset of collaboration and peace even in times of conflict.

Rapunzel, yet another one of my favorite Disney Princess and one whose movie has such good songs (in my opinion). Similar to Aurora, Rapunzel has golden hair, was born into her title, and was removed from her parent’s custody as a baby, only to be reunited later in life. Rapunzel is one of the stronger willed Disney Princesses using her preferred weapon of a frying pan. Tangled taught bunches of valuable lessons the main ones (in my opinion) being that life truly starts outside your comfort zone and that it’s important to overcome fear, take risks, and pursue your dreams. Rapunzel embodies positivity, creativity, and represents the power of self-discovery, conveying that inner strength and kindness can overcome all obstacles. Throughout the movie she is not afraid to stand up for herself or others when the situation calls for bravery, even willing to put herself in danger to save the people she cares about. Although throughout the film, she matures she manages to retain her fearless, innocent, and kind spirit not letting the traumatic events she experiences change her for the worse.

Anna, technically one of the unofficial Disney Princesses but who in my opinion has taught us very valuable lessons. Unlike her older sister Elsa, Anna is very eccentric, optimistic, energetic, clumsy, and far from the composed royal figure you’d expect. Anna teaches us that true love is defined not only by love at first sight but rather sacrifice, loyalty, and family. Although she faced many struggles including grief and extreme challenges throughout the movie series she exemplifies resilience, choosing to “do the next right thing.” Even though Elsa hurts Anna and their relationship Anna never gives up on her always risking her own safety to protect her big sister. This shows real love and models what real relationships should look like. Anna is more than kind and loves everyone, even though that is a fault at times, such as when she falls in love with Prince Hans who turns out to be evil. She protects and fosters her relationships with people always putting others before herself.

I hope this made you think back on these Disney Princesses with a warmer understanding of them. For me reflecting on all the lessons taught by these Disney Princesses has made me more grateful that I was lucky enough to have them as part of my childhood.

Comment below who your favorite Disney Princess is and what you think the most important lesson they teach is!

Citations:

Wiki, Contributors to Disney Princess. “List of Disney Princesses.” Disney Princess Wiki, Fandom, Inc., disneyprincess.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Disney_Princesses#Ariel. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.