I’ll say it loud and proud. I love Disney movies (note, I love Pixar movies too and they’re now owned by Disney). From my youngest years, I have delighted in Disney films, animated or live-action. These films are usually, at their core, stories about good versus evil, the power of love, and overcoming obstacles. There are many lessons learned if you pay attention.
Sure, Disney can be criticized for almost always absent moms. Think Bambi, Snow White, Cinderella, and The Little Mermaid to name a few. They are also known for sanitizing history and fictional stories alike. Think Pocahontas and Hercules. But the overall lessons taught in these films are ones we need repeated in our world today. And Walt Disney taught some pretty good lessons himself.
11 Great Lessons Found in Disney/Pixar Movies
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1. Rafiki gives some important advice to Simba in The Lion King. We should all take it to heart when dealing with painful memories.
2. This quote from Finding Nemo reminds me to never give up. Plus, I like the sound of Dori’s voice in my head…”Just keeping swimming, just keep swimming…”
3. Mrs. Potts reminds Chip that it will all turn out alright in the end. How many times have I needed that reminder in my life? How many times have you needed it in yours?
4. Here is some great advice from Edna in The Incredibles. It reminds me of the quote: “Don’t look back. You’re not going that way.”
5. Disney’s Winnie the Pooh movies are filled with great lessons. Here is one of my favorites. Be yourself and be proud of who you are.
6. There are all sorts of lessons learned in Mary Poppins. Even though the film was made in 1964 and the book it was based on was first published in 1934, these lessons still hold true today. One example is finding fun in even the most basic jobs.
7. Another of my favorite quotes comes from a Pixar movie. Up makes me cry every time I see it. Those first few minutes are brutal. But the lesson is important just the same. We’re never to old for adventure.
8. My other Pooh bear favorite is this one. It’s a gentle reminder that we are more than we think we are. Why is it that we often sell ourselves short?
9. I’ve seen this Cheshire Cat quote from Alice in Wonderland in a lot of places. To me, it speaks of knowing your path in life, or at least, having a general sense of it. But to others, it might talk to their sense of adventure.
10. Have you seen the live action version of Cinderella? It was released in 2015 and I highly recommend it. Have some tissues handy. So many great lessons in this one. Perhaps you’ve heard the “Have courage and be kind” advice Cinderella’s mother gives her just before dying. This quote doesn’t seem as popular. I don’t see it on wall art and t-shirts, but it’s also a really good one.
11. This last one is an oldie, but a goodie from Pinocchio. If only more people followed this advice, what would the world look like?
Whether or not you love Disney films, there is much to be learned from Walt Disney himself. He was a early leader in animation, color films, and, of course, in amusement parks. He had a strong work ethic and amazing creativity. Disney also surrounded himself with talented, hard-working people. I found four quotes attributed to Walt Disney that teach some important lessons.
4 Walt Disney Quotes
1. As a mother and a teacher, I agree whole-heartedly with this one.
2. I have to remind myself of this one when I feel like procrastinating. That mostly occurs with house cleaning and writing for me.
3. I’m a worrier by nature. I have spent a lot of years wasting my time worrying over things that never happened or happened anyways. I’m finally coming to a place where worrying is no longer my default setting.
4. I love the optimism of this final Disney quote. Keep moving forward. Great advice. This one really speaks to me.
I’m going to try to put this last bit of advice into action this year. I think if you keep moving forward and trying new things, it keeps you young. You’re never to old to learn something new. I plan on learning new things in 2018. How about you? What lesson from Disney do you need to put into action?
As always, thanks for reading. Please use the social media buttons to share and the comment section below to share you thoughts with me.
