With the current issues and questions that surround us in the world today, we can get pretty caught up in it all. But there's always been one question that I've been dying to ask: Where are "That's So Raven" and "Lizzie McGuire"? Yeah, I know they're not on the air anymore. But if the Disney Channel can attack us with repeats of "Dog With a Blog," then I'm positive they can afford to slip in an episode or two of "Raven" and "Lizzie." And no, I don't mean in the wee hours of the morning.
If you grew up on the old school shows of Disney’s past, then you understand exactly what I’m talking about. Sure, kids now think that the newer Disney shows are the bee’s knees, but I’m here to enlighten everyone and hit you with the cold hard facts as to why old school Disney will forever be the superior era.
1. Before there were videos of him aggressively giving us encouragement, Disney gave us Shia LaBeouf as Louis, everyone's favorite annoying little brother.
We Disney watchers from back in the day are forever blessed that we got to experience "Even Stevens." Don't worry, Shia. All of these kids now don't know you like the older Disney watchers do, and we’re so proud of the man you’ve become. Sort of.
2. Then there was this iconic moment in television history.
Thank you, Lizzie McGuire, for not making girls between the ages of 11 and 14 feel weird about the fact that this probably happened to us. Somehow. One way or another. In some form or fashion. #istandwithlizzie
3. We were able to travel with Marnie to "Halloweentown." (Let's just forget "Halloweentown High" ever happened, OK? Thanks.)
Bingo, Marnie. Bingo.
4. We ALL wished that Boyz 'N Motion was real. True musical talent.
One Direction who? They could never live up to the majestic talent of Boyz 'N Motion.
5. Thanks to "High School Musical," we were able to witness the best love story ever. ROMEO AND JULIET COULD NEVER.
I'm definitely still not bitter over Vanessa's and Zac’s real-life break-up. Yes I am.
6. TWO WORDS: KIM POSSIBLE.
Nine more words: Call me, beep me, if you wanna reach me. I mean, come on! The theme song? The low key rooting for Kim and Ron to get together? Rufus? HOW CAN WE FORGET ABOUT RUFUS?
7. The wackiness that was "Phil of the Future."
This show had a LOT of strange happenings from the fact that his family is literally from the future or past or WHATEVER is weird in itself. Let's not forget the fact that they had a cave man take up residence in their house. An even stranger fact? Evan Peters (aka everyone's favorite from "American Horror Story") was Phil's best friend, Seth. Can't run away from your roots, Evan. Disney will always haunt you.
8. These twins right here.
For those of you who are reading this and might think that "Suite Life On Deck" was the only time the Sprouse twins were on Disney, you missed out. Big time.
9. HANNAH. FREAKING. MONTANA.
Even though most of us who watched the show way back in the day probably stopped watching up to this point, you can't sit here and tell me that this moment wasn't completely gasp-worthy.
10. Practically every single moment from "That's So Raven."
This show was, still is and will forever be a C-L-A-S-S-I-C.
This list is only a snapshot of the numerous TV shows and movies that were out around that time period. Not only did old school Disney give us spectacular humor, it also gave us a sense of connection. The characters were beyond relatable, no matter how unrelatable the premise of the actual show might have been. There was always something that made us feel like we knew these characters and watched them grow as we grew. That, to me, is a huge part of why so many of us still feel an attachment to these shows. Not only because they were great, but because we had people and not just characters to grow up with.
We got to see the future with Raven, go through the teenage years with Lizzie, keep Miley's identity hidden, invade the Tipton Hotel with Zack and Cody, get lost in space with Zenon and so much more. Even though our generation knows that our Disney era was the best, I hope that the new age Disney watchers can gain the same memories and comfort that we did, all thanks to these shows and movies.
Now, if you're still feeling the Disney blues because of the nostalgia, just remember one thing we have over the newer generation: We're still Wildcats.
