From powerful princesses to fearless heroines, Disney films are full of stories of brave women and girls who rise to the occasion when they face the biggest challenges imaginable. During Women’s History Month, Disney Springs® honors these beloved stories with “Celebrate HER Story,” an event that salutes strong girls and women of the past, present and future. In anticipation of the event, let’s take a look back at iconic moments in Disney films when female Characters came to the rescue.
Mulan saving the emperor
Mulan embodies courage by standing up for those she loves and by being true to herself. When China faces an attack, Mulan bravely decides to leave home, donning her father’s armor to defend her country, despite being a girl and being forbidden to serve in the army. She’s a war hero who wins our hearts by following her own.
Moana returning the heart of Te Fiti
There is only one Moana of Motunui. Who else could be bold enough to order a demigod like Maui to board her boat and sail across the sea to restore the heart of Te Fiti? Even when the odds seem against her, nothing can keep Moana from her purpose: saving her island, nature and her people.
Nala rebelling against Scar’s reign
Nala knows who’s the rightful king of Pride Rock, and she’s not afraid to say it. In The Lion King, as Simba’s childhood friend, Nala is the one who’s able to convince Simba to do the right thing after many years away. With Nala by his side, Simba is finally able to come home, stand up to Scar and take his place as king.
Tiana breaking Dr. Facilier’s talisman
In The Princess and The Frog, Tiana faces a mighty temptation from Dr. Facilier. When he offers to make her dreams come true in exchange for the enchanted talisman that falls into her hands, she stays true to the memory of her beloved father and refuses to give in. Instead, she breaks the talisman and foils Dr. Facilier’s plans to take over New Orleans.
Mirabel realizing her own power
As a member of the magical family Madrigal, Mirabel grows up thinking that she’s the only one who hasn’t been bestowed a gift. But when she sees a vision of their beloved house, Casita, in danger, she’s the one who rallies to save the day—and her family’s gifts.
Elsa reversing the eternal winter
There’s no denying Queen Elsa’s extraordinary, icy power, as much as she tries to keep it hidden. But when crisis strikes Arendelle, Elsa must learn that living in frozen isolation isn’t the answer. Love—in all its forms—is the only solution, and Elsa’s discovery (thanks to the help of her sister, Anna) ends her kingdom’s eternal winter.
Raya uniting her broken land
When the return of a mysterious evil threatens the world of Kumandra, Raya is the lone warrior who is her people’s only hope. While her mission is tracking down the last remaining dragon, Raya learns that it’ll take a lot more to heal her divided people and land, and she saves the day with her sharp wit and blade!
Merida rescuing her mother
Mother-daughter tensions come to the surface in Brave, but Merida’s the bold princess who’s able to take this challenge on. When Merida’s wish to change her mother backfires, turning Queen Elinor into a bear, Merida works her hardest to undo this enchantment and keep her family safe. Along the way, she learns a valuable lesson about mending ties and finding common ground with the ones she loves most.
Rapunzel saving Eugene’s life
Rapunzel’s desire to see more of the world changes everything. On her adventure in Tangled, Rapunzel uncovers the truth of her own identity—and of the people around her. When Eugene’s life is threatened by Mother Gothel, Rapunzel selflessly sacrifices her freedom for his life, giving up the opportunity to reunite with her real family.
Nani keeping her family together
In Lilo & Stitch, not everyone’s convinced that big sister Nani has what it takes to raise rambunctious little sister Lilo after the death of their parents. But Nani is constantly doing her best to take care of Lilo, not to mention any galactic hijinks that come their way. Come what may, Nani knows in her heart that “ohana means family,” and she’s a true heroine for keeping her loved ones together.
Rewatching and reliving these iconic moments in Disney films makes for some truly inspiring family movie nights! With the Disney Bundle, you get thousands of movies and shows from Disney, Disney and Pixar, Star Wars and more, plus access to Hulu and ESPN+. When you use your Disney® Premier Visa® Credit Card to purchase the Disney Bundle directly at DisneyPlus.com or Hulu.com, you’ll earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars.1
And for those who are planning to Celebrate HER Story at Walt Disney World® Resort, be sure to catch Fantasmic!, an extravagant open-air nighttime musical that features heroic Characters like Moana and Mulan. And keep in mind, you can save while shopping for souvenirs that honor these heroines by using your Disney® Visa® Credit Card at participating locations.23
