Introduction

My generation of children and many of those before me grew up with Disney everywhere. From Disney World and Disney princesses, to Disney Channel Original Movies and Radio Disney, we experienced a transition that occurs through Disney -- one that starts with watching The Little Mermaid as a toddler to shamelessly knowing every lyric to all of Hannah Montana's songs as a high schooler. Truthfully, the Disney franchise is a common experience shared by mostly everyone, which intrigues me because that means children are being similarly socialized by entertainment. We also see Disney as an obsession in a way; this idea exemplified by the Frozen fanatics that refuse to stop singing "Let it Go." For me, my obsession was Cinderella. My dad never ceases to remind me that he used to rent the movie from Blockbuster every single day when I was a kid because that was the only way to make me happy. However, my Disney experience did not end there.
I remember going on the Disney Cruise with my entire family and being amazed by the magic all around me, like the life size characters and the Mickey Mouse shaped waffles. Factor in the waterslide and movie theater on board and this was some kind of heaven. The only trip I took to Disney World did not fail to meet expectations either. Here, I rode my first rollercoaster, Space Mountain. The positive atmosphere of Disney gave me courage and its comfort from my childhood made me feel safe. Even the extreme downpour we encountered as we strolled around the park seemed like a scene from a movie; everyone was smiling and okay with being soaking wet. No one began to run or panic, everyone was at peace. Flash forward, and I'm going to watch parties for the High School Musical series where my friends and I learned the dances to each song during the commercials. Just this past summer, my sister and I cuddled on the couch many mornings watching classics like Lilo and Stitch and Mulan. My Disney experience has been one that encouraged me to be courageous in trying new things. It has connected me to those important in my life, such as my sister and my friends, as well as encouraged me to believe in something magical--something better than the world we know.
I signed up for this class to really dive into the power that is Disney. Since it is such a huge part of how I grew up, I'm interested in the impact, whether positive or negative, of Disney on children and how it influences their behavior. Additionally, I'm interested in how Disney is changing, and how the changes will affect the future generations of kids who rely on Disney for entertainment, but at the same time are receiving lessons on life and social norms. Kids love it so much, but what makes it so appealing? My only background on this topic is from my own experience, so I think it will be beneficial to hear other opinions on something that is such a huge part of our lives, from childhood to adulthood.