My Favorite Walt Disney Movies

I was enthralled the very first time I heard the Disney sing along tape that came with a book. 3 sets of them. It was a gift for my brother but since he preferred toys over music, the Disney tapes became my property. I sang with Robin Hood, Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Snow White and so on. And thus, my love for Disney began at a young age.

Being a serious kind of a child who loved to contemplate, I always tend to think and analyze stuff. And movies were not an exception. As the clock ticked, I have found much joy and delight in singing and learning from many of the Disney animations that have become part of my growing up years. I share them here knowing that each one of us has a unique perspective; respecting our shared thoughts and feelings and differences as well.

Welcome to My Favorite Walt Disney Movies in animation!

This classic Disney movie reminds me that there are people in this world, like Snow White's stepmother, who refuses to be happy for others; incessantly obsessed with how good one looks, and how jealousy can lead one to do anything to be on top. And yet, amidst all these, I see also that a joyful spirit as shown by Snow White can draw in the best things in life - friendship, compassion, kindness and love.

So if you ever find yourself in a negative situation, just "whistle while you work" and your joy will surely change it into a positive one.

Amidst cruelty and unkindness, fairy godmothers in the form of a friend, a kind teacher or mentor, a lover, a spiritual partner, an angel, or a parent can come and show you that life is beautiful. And sometimes when you least expect it, love enters your life and transforms it magically.

If the shoe fits, will you wear it? Allow Cinderella to remind you that there is magic in the ordinary things and that gratitude can bring the miracle of love into your life.

When Mulan sang the song “reflection”, I found myself recognizing that I too always yearned to be the perfect bride or the perfect daughter and failed miserably. “Who is that girl I see staring straight back at me? When will my reflection show who I am inside?”

Mulan’s story brings me into awareness that each of us needs to discover who we really are. And it is a journey (with all its adventures, thrill, pain and joy) that we all make sooner or later. The last part in the story where Mulan and her dad had their conversation brought me to tears – for after all the triumph she experienced, at the bottom of it all, what mattered most was knowing that she was loved by her family for who she was.

Do we know who we truly are? Do we recognize that our experiences in life is part in the journey of knowing ourselves?

The beloved story of Ariel in the Little Mermaid struck me that there are really persons whose desire is so strong that they dare venture into the unknown, out of their comfort zone to discover the meaning and purpose of their lives. They are willing to defy conventions and norms; undeterred by other peoples’ reactions; and ready to put on a different pair of shoes, sacrifice certain things in the pursuit of love and joy. Are we brave enough to take that leap? How far do we go to fulfill our dreams?

Sometimes our destiny takes us on a different path – a path that may be disapproved by those we love. How do we respond to such a challenge? How do we know what is truly in our hearts? How sure are we that we are not merely responding as an act of rebellion?

The song "Colors of the Wind" is also my favorite in the film Pocahontas. I love how I am reminded to honor the earth and nature and everything in it. Are we loving God’s creation? Or are we destroying it without care?

The Genie of the Lamp seems to be the key person who brought Aladdin his luck and fortune. But this story reminded me that each person’s dream is precious. Like the Genie, persons or opportunities may present itself to us; but if we are not open to receive these blessings, they too shall pass. The world is a wondrous place to be. What is our view of the world and our life? Do we see the endless possibilities?

I am not fond of aliens so I almost skipped this movie. Fortunately, one day I decided to watch it. I was so astonished because I found myself with a tug in my heart. Actually, I was in tears. I saw how the love of Lilo transformed this hideous alien named Stitch to change.

Ohana means family and in a family nobody gets left behind. Talk about unconditional love in the home. Our families may be a little broken and it’s not perfect but if we see that it’s still good; very, very good, you would have found your priceless treasure.

Many of us go through life believing that the “beast” in us is who we are. And it is the one that is always pointed out. Belle in the story reminds me of all the angels in my life who have come and showed the beauty in me. It is seeing the dirt and yet choosing to focus and see the diamonds. Our challenge is to find that which is good in another and allow the best in them to thrive. Because there is something there…there is something there worth loving.

The story of Simba in the Lion King showed me how a tragedy, or sorrow, or pain can cause us to forget our innate goodness and greatness as we blamed ourselves for past mistakes. Are we ready to forgive ourselves? Are we ready to move on and continue to weave the threads that will contribute to the magnificent tapestry of our lives?

My last on the list but certainly not the least of my favorites is the story of Tarzan. I found solace seeing how certain situations in which we may term as “negative” could actually turn into a positive one. I found joy in seeing how man can easily adapt to situations and how love can be shared even those that are seemingly different in so many ways. Whatever race, creed and beliefs we all have, the need to be accepted, to give, to share, to belong remains to be true for each of us. Will acceptance be part of our being? Will we allow ourselves to open our minds and hearts and embrace our differences?

• Walt Disney, the founder of Walt Disney Company
• Walt Disney Pictures, Official HomePage for All Things Disney
• Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando Florida
• Hongkong Disneyland
• Disney on Facebook
• Disney Movies Guide - check out all the other great and wonderful stories that you will surely love too.