As I sit in my friend's house 20 minutes away from Disney World, ready to jump out of my skin with excitement, I thought now was a great time to think about my favorite Disney princess. Like many girls my age, I loved watching Disney movies growing up –– especially Disney movies that included princesses. I always thought it was so cool to watch girls rise from their situation to become something greater (and they have some kick butt songs as well). And as I grew up the question inevitably started to come, "Who is your favorite Disney Princess?" And my answer has always been and will always be, Belle. So, without further ado, I invite you to sit back and relax and enjoy reading ten reasons why Belle is my favorite Disney princess.
1. Belle loves to read!
I have always loved to read, and being able to look up to a Disney princess that was passionate about reading was a big boost to my confidence and being proud of what I loved.
2. She loves food!
Even though she seemed to go on a hunger strike, home girl knew that food was going to be a necessity!
3. She will rise up to meet you instead of expecting you to do everything
When she found out that Beast could not read, she didn't laugh. She very slyly and non-judgmentally helped him along.4. She suffers the fandom life
Belle knows this book inside and out, like any true fangirl should!
5. She has an amazing relationship with her father!
If you are an obsessed Belle fan like me, you have probably listened to the songs that are a part of the Broadway musical version and been blessed with listening to these touching words,
Maurice: No matter what the pain
We've come this far
I pray that you remain
Exactly as you are
This really is a case of father knowing best
Belle: And daughter too!
Maurice: You're never strange
Belle: Don't ever change
Both: You're all I've got
No matter what.
6. She doesn't let beauty blind her.
Personally, I never thought Gaston looked that great, but obviously everyone in town did. And because he was beautiful, he got away with a lot of stuff that he probably shouldn't. But Belle, she sees past this.
7. Belle is not the "damsel in distress."
Yes, Belle does get saved, but in the majority of the movie she is running to save someone else with little thought to her own safety. Consider the scene where she first runs away from the castle, and Beast comes and saves her from the wolves. He is badly wounded after the fight and passes out, that could have been her moment to escape, but instead she does some major heavy lifting and not only brings Beast back to his castle, but cares for him as well.
8. She stands up for herself.
When Belle believes in something she doesn't back down from her beliefs, that is a lesson that was very important for me to learn in this world that always wants you to conform.
9. Her dreams were big! And that was OK.
Belle had big dreams, and I like to think that after she and the Beast got married they went off on a long "happily-ever-after" around the world for their honeymoon! Don't tell me you can't see it!
10. She loves wholeheartedly.
