Rotten Tomatoes score: 37%

After the success of the studio's 1999 movie "Tarzan" and its soundtrack, which featured Phil Collins, Disney attempted to recapture that magic with "Brother Bear," a story of brotherly love that also included Collins' music.

However, Nell Minow of Common Sense Media called this film a "lackluster story only for kindergarteners."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 37%

Based on the folk tale of the same name, "Chicken Little" is about a fearful little chicken who becomes convinced the sky is falling. While the adults in his life dismiss him, it becomes clear that something is certainly afoot in his small town.

"When Disney can't hit a tried-and-true fairy-tale adaptation out of the park, maybe it's time to give up the ghost and get Pixar back on the phone," wrote the Orlando Sentinel's Roger Moore.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 48%

"Wish" is filled to the brim with Easter eggs referring to Disney's 100 years of magic, but the studio seems to have forgotten to add a compelling story, lovable characters, or well-written songs.

Asha had the potential to be an all-time Disney princess, but the rules of this universe are confusing, and Magnifico's heel turn seemingly comes out of nowhere.

"This fairy tale feels more like a corporate product than a magical event; it's a limp dissertation on Disney's motto that, 'When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true,'" wrote The Boston Globe's Odie Henderson.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 48%

There's not a cute animal sidekick or a show tune to be found in "Atlantis." Instead, Milo, a passionate archaeologist, unwittingly exposes the people of Atlantis to the corporate greed of the surface world in this slightly depressing story.

"It's so oppressively tedious at times that you almost wish the cast would break into a chorus of 'Under the Sea,'" wrote Lou Lumenick for The New York Post.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 52%

"Home on the Range" is a simple story of three cows who decide to take matters into their own hands (hooves?) to save their farm by collecting a bounty put on the head of Alameda Slim, a cattle rustler and thief.

Richard Roeper called it "a serviceable time-killer" on "At the Movies."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%

This cartoon is a loose adaptation of the Charles Dickens story "Oliver Twist," but instead of a down-on-his-luck orphan, Oliver is an adorable stray kitten.

For most people, this is remembered as the Disney movie with songs by Billy Joel.

"With its captivating characters, sprightly songs and zap-happy animation, 'Oliver & Company' adds up to a tip-top frolic," wrote Peter Travers for People.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 53%

Pocahontas was a real Native American woman. but her life did not follow the fairy tale story put forth by Disney. No matter how good "Colors of the Wind" is, this film is flawed and best left in the past.

"All Disney has really done in its disappointing 33rd animated feature is revive the stereotype of the Noble Savage," wrote Rita Kempley for The Washington Post.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 56%

"The Black Cauldron" is based on Welsh mythology — hence why characters have names like Princess Eilonwy and Fflewddur Fflam. It tells the story of a teenager named Taran who longs to become a hero. He gets his chance when he sets out to prevent the Horned King from using the Black Cauldron to raise an evil army.

"This is the 25th full-length animated feature from Walt Disney studios, and professionally put together as it is, many of the ingredients may seem programmed to those who have seen some of the others," wrote Walter Goodman of The New York Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 58%

In this version of the classic tale, Robin Hood and Maid Marian are foxes, his best friend Little John is a bear — who looks suspiciously like Baloo from "The Jungle Book" — and the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham is a wolf.

"The washed-out, muted colors are a mistake, and if Robin Hood is sometimes hilarious, it has little memorable magic," wrote Alan R. Howard of The Hollywood Reporter.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 62%

You'll find "Moana 2's" predecessor much higher on this list.

"Moana 2" sees the return of Moana, a newly minted wayfinder, as she tries to reconnect the people of her island, Motunui, with their ancestors from other islands. To do this, she reunites with demigod Maui on a new adventure across the sea.

"Much like the hermit crab who kicks things off by attempting to trade in his new shell for an ill-fitting larger one, there's simply not enough to fill out 'Moana 2,'" wrote Andrea Thompson for Chicago Reader.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 64%

"The Aristocats" is essentially the tale of "Lady and the Tramp," but this time with cats. Duchess, a pristine cat and mom of three precocious kittens, meets the alley cat Thomas O'Malley and falls in love.

"Before the disastrous aughts, was there a worse decade for Disney animated features than the 1970s?" asked Matt Brunson of View From the Couch.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 65%

"Dinosaur" is the story of Aladar, a dinosaur who was orphaned and then raised by lemurs. Aladar and his adopted family join up with other dinosaurs to find a safe place after a natural disaster devastates their home.

If this sounds just like the other animated dinosaur film, "The Land Before Time," to you, you're not alone.

Michael Sragow of Salon wrote, "Well, Bambi meets Godzilla again in the new computer-cartoon epic 'Dinosaur,' but the results aren't so witty."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 66%

Notably, this was the last Disney film to be released before Walt Disney's death in 1966.

"The Sword in the Stone" is King Arthur's origin story — he meets legendary sorcerer Merlin and pulls out Excalibur, the sword lodged inside the stone.

'There is still some life in the characterizations, though the animation is turning stiff and flat," wrote Chicago Reader's Dave Kehr.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 68%

In "Meet the Robinsons," Lewis is desperate to find his birth mother, who gave him up for adoption. Instead, he's brought to the future by the mysterious Wilbur, who claims he's a time cop.

"Charming as all these surface layers are — and even in 2D, it's more than passable family fare — 'Meet The Robinsons' really flowers with the extra dimension, which makes an already neato cinematic universe feel palpably inhabitable," wrote Scott Tobias for the AV Club.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 69%

"Treasure Planet" updates the setting of the famed pirate story "Treasure Island" to the future. Instead of hitching a ride on a pirate ship, Jim Hawkins hops on a spaceship — and instead of looking for buried treasure, Jim and his friends are searching for a missing planet made entirely of treasure.

"Akin to an extremely well-made Saturday morning cartoon — great for hyperactive four-year-olds or hungover students, not worth a trip to the pictures," wrote Nev Pierce for the BBC.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

At the time, "The Rescuers" was one of Disney's most popular films (even if its reputation has been somewhat diminished since its release in 1977), which is why our two favorite mice, Bernard and Bianca, returned for this film — the first sequel ever theatrically released by Disney.

This time, Bernard and Bianca are sent to Australia by the Rescue Aid Society to help a young boy who's been kidnapped.

"A gorgeously drawn myth made for plucky children and very brave mice," wrote The Washington Post's Rita Kempley.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Based on the 1831 Victor Hugo novel of the same name, "Hunchback" centers on sweet Quasimodo, a physically deformed man who is orphaned after the villainous Judge Frollo murders his mother.

To atone for his sins, Frollo adopts Quasimodo but keeps him hidden atop Notre Dame's bell tower. But when Quasimodo catches sight of Esmerelda, he vows to enter the world below.

"You're quickly won over by the movie's subversive wit, swept along by its narrative bravado and its enormous visual energy. This new 'Hunchback' is a triumph on its own terms, and on any other terms that might come to mind." wrote Joe Morgenstern of The Wall Street Journal.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 72%

Not even the A-list voice talent of Jake Gyllenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Jaboukie Young-White, Gabrielle Union, and Lucy Liu could save this movie — which isn't bad! — from flopping.

"Strange Worlds" is about the Clades, a family of legendary explorers who must venture into space to see if they can save their planet.

"So much of 'Strange World's' audaciousness is front-loaded into its concept, and so little of it comes through in the execution," wrote Alison Willmore for Vulture.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 75%

"The Fox and the Hound" is one of the rare Disney movies that doesn't have a totally happy ending. Tod, a fox, and Copper, a bloodhound, meet when they're young and become best friends. But when they grow up, they learn they're natural enemies.

It ends on a bittersweet note, as the two friends acknowledge that they probably won't see each other again, but are at peace in the forest.

"All charmingness aside, this cute but rather thinly plotted yarn exposes the cracks that were present in the pre-renaissance Disney empire," wrote William Thomas of Empire.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 77%

"Frozen II" picks up soon after where "Frozen" left off — Elsa is now queen and in control of her ice powers, Anna and Kristoff are in love, and Olaf is just happy he's not melting.

But when Elsa begins to hear a mysterious voice calling out to her, our characters leave Arendelle behind to discover the source of Elsa's power.

"The songs, perhaps not as compelling as in the original, still make the heart beat faster now and then," wrote Stephen Romei for The Australian.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

"Peter Pan" is based on the 1904 play of the same name by JM Barrie.

In it, the Darling children are whisked away to Neverland, a magical world where children never grow up, fairy dust lets you fly, and an evil captain with a hook for a hand terrorizes the seas.

But Neverland is also home to Tiger Lily and her tribe, who are drawn in the most stereotypical way possible — so much so that Disney has added an apology before the film plays on Disney+.

"It is still a lush, bright feature that happily clicks along with rollicking songs by Sammy Cahn, Sammy Fain, and others," wrote Dolores Barclay for the Associated Press.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 78%

In this story, Basil and Dawson are the mice stand-ins for Sherlock and Watson, while Professor Ratigan (a rat) is based on Sherlock's arch-nemesis Professor Moriarty.

"'The Great Mouse Detective' reflects the energy and enthusiasm of a talented group of young artists stretching their wings for the first time," wrote Charles Solomon for the Los Angeles Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 79%

"The Rescuers" focuses on Bernard and Bianca, two mice who are sent to help Penny, a young orphan who has been kidnapped by the evil Madame Medusa, who plans to use her to steal a precious jewel.

"Although not one of the studio's classics, it has warmth, humor and delightful characterization," wrote Victoria Mather for The Daily Telegraph.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 82%

"Hercules" is a loose re-telling of the Greek myth of the hero Heracles. After getting kidnapped and turned (almost) mortal by Hades' henchmen, Hercules goes on a quest to prove to his father, Zeus, and the rest of the gods that he's worthy of immortality and godhood.

"Jumps into the ancient legends feet-first, cheerfully tossing out what won't fit and combining what's left into a new look and a lighthearted style," wrote Roger Ebert.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 84%

Based on Lewis Carroll's 1865 novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," this adaptation follows Alice as she falls down the rabbit hole and meets unforgettable characters like the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and the Queen of Hearts.

"If you are not too particular about the images of Carroll and [illustrator John] Tenniel, if you are high on Disney whimsy, and if you'll take a somewhat slow, uneven pace, you should find this picture entertaining," wrote Bosley Crowther for The New York Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 85%

"The Princess and the Frog" updates the setting of the Brothers Grimm fairytale "The Frog Prince" to 1920s New Orleans. Tiana is a determined young woman who wants more than anything to open her own restaurant.

When she kisses prince-turned-frog Naveen to revert him back to humanity, the opposite happens: Tiana turns into a frog, too.

"This has a lot to commend it, and it isn't just nostalgia for the Disney past. It's a visual treat," wrote The London Evening Standard's Derek Malcolm.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

After years of criticism regarding its Disney princesses and their lack of agency, audiences were given Mulan, a young woman who secretly takes her father's place in the Chinese Imperial Army by disguising herself as a boy.

Mulan is a warrior through and through. No one could ever call her a typical damsel in distress.

"Overall, this is a lovely film, ranking with the best of Disney's animated features while taking on rather serious issues of war, honor, gender roles and family pride," wrote Moira MacDonald for The Seattle Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 86%

In "The Emperor's New Groove," David Spade stars as Kuzco, the self-absorbed, clueless Incan emperor, who is turned into a llama by his evil advisor Yzma, who wants to steal the throne for herself. To get his throne back, Kuzco must team up with the kindly peasant Pacha, whose house he has marked for destruction.

CNN's Paul Tatara called Kuzco's tale "a silly little movie that's smarter than most of the self-important features that came out this year."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

Newly orphaned sisters Lilo and Nani are struggling to adjust to their new normal when Lilo adopts Stitch, a rambunctious alien who she thinks is just a weird dog. When two agents of the Galactic Federation come looking for Stitch, chaos erupts on Kauai.

"It's one of the most charming feature-length cartoons of recent years — funny, sassy, startling, original, and with six songs by Elvis," wrote Roger Ebert.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 87%

"Wreck-It Ralph" is the story of Wreck-It Ralph, the villain in the classic arcade game "Fix-It Felix Jr." But when Ralph is sick of being the bad guy in everyone's story, he goes on an epic journey visiting other video games to become a hero.

"'Wreck-It Ralph' is a must-see for anyone who grew up playing 1980s arcade games — and their kids will love it too," wrote Larushka Ivan-Zadeh for Metro UK.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

Running at just 68 minutes long, this is an anthology film. First up is "The Wind in the Willows," which is the story of J. Thaddeus Toad, who is trying to save his home from bankruptcy.

The second story is "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," in which Ichabod Crane arrives in Sleepy Hollow and is stalked by the terrifying Headless Horseman.

Chicago Reader's Jonathan Rosenbaum called this film "engaging and lively."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

This film is based on the Rudyard Kipling book of the same name, published in 1894 — and was the last film Walt Disney himself worked on. He died during its production.

It's the simple story of Mowgli, an orphaned human raised by wolves. But when it becomes clear that the evil tiger Shere Khan will stop at nothing to kill Mowgli, a panther named Bagheera and a bear Baloo agree to take Mowgli back to the human village he came from.

"It's a slight tale, of course, and incredibly short, but the characters and songs are pretty much perfect viewing time and again," wrote Empire's Ian Nathan.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%

Six years after "Wreck-It Ralph," in which Ralph discovers that even though he's a villain in his game, he doesn't have to be a bad guy; he's on another adventure with his friend Vanellope. This time, our duo heads to the internet to find a part that's needed to fix Vanellope's game, "Sugar Rush."

"'Ralph Breaks the Internet' works because it doesn't pander, and it doesn't simplify," wrote Brian Tallerico for RogerEbert.com.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

Based on the 1912 novel "Tarzan of the Apes" by Edgar Rice Burroughs, "Tarzan" tells the story of the titular character being raised by apes after his parents are killed. Although he feels out of place, he doesn't know any different until Jane and her crew of explorers arrive at Tarzan's jungle and begin to show him a different way.

"Tarzan" is a fun time at the movies, but its lasting legacy is the multiple songs on the soundtrack written and performed by Phil Collins.

In June 1999, Peter Stack of The San Francisco Chronicle called it "so far, the most entertaining film of the year."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

"Tangled" is a classic Disney princess film, but made with modern 3D animation, a first for the studio. It tells the tale of Rapunzel, a teenager with magical hair who longs to see the world outside her tower — and when the charming thief Flynn Rider happens upon her home, she seizes the chance to break free.

"If this is what old-fashioned means, then bring it on," wrote Derek Malcolm of The London Evening Standard.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%

While it doesn't seem like it now, a Disney princess story where the true love story is between two sisters was groundbreaking. Add in some of the catchiest songs ever written by the House of Mouse and a lovable (if somewhat grating) snowman, and you have one of the studio's biggest and most beloved films, raking in more than $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office.

"'Frozen' feels like it's breaking new ground in telling a story where the women are actually in control, and where the clichés of their narratives are turned inside out, almost as a sly commentary on what has come before," wrote Jason Bailey for Flavorwire.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

For all the talk about how poorly this relationship has aged — sure, it's true love's kiss, but can someone under a sleeping curse really consent? — this movie is a wonder to look at. Maleficent, the evil witch, remains a high point of Disney's character designs.

"'Sleeping Beauty' is a masterpiece. In my opinion, it's not just the best animated film to ever come out of Walt Disney Studios, but it is also the finest animated motion picture I've ever seen, period," wrote Sara Michelle Fetters for MovieFreak.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

In the 16 years since its release, it seems like "Bolt" has been somewhat forgotten. But it's fun! It stars John Travolta as the voice of Bolt, the star of a hit TV series who doesn't realize his superpowers on the show aren't real. When he believes his owner is kidnapped — but really, it's just a cliffhanger in the show — he embarks on a cross-country journey to rescue her.

"While it may lack a certain amount of bite, there's plenty of bark to recommend this winning animated adventure," wrote The Sydney Morning Herald's Eddie Cockrell.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 90%

Everyone's favorite honey-loving bear, who starred in 1977's "The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," returned to the big screen in "Winnie the Pooh."

This time, Pooh and the rest of the Hundred Acre Wood crew team up to save Christopher Robin from a monster they're calling the Backson — in reality, Christopher Robin is just at school and will be "back soon."

"It's a pleasure to sink into an animated family movie from Disney that radiates charm with a gentleness that seems damn near revolutionary," wrote Peter Travers for Rolling Stone.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 91%

"Bambi" is a straightforward story about a young deer growing up in the forest and learning how to protect the forest creatures from hunters known only as Man.

But this film's lasting legacy is the death of Bambi's mother, which remains tear-inducing to this day, even 82 years later.

The New York Times' Theodore Strauss wrote, "In colors that would surprise even the spectrum itself, Disney's cartoon craftsmen have re-created a woodland that shimmers and glows and darkens altogether magically."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

Disney went through a rough period in the '70 and '80s — when "The Little Mermaid" was released in 1989, it was a return to form for the studio. It's a classic love story with beloved songs like "Part of Your World," "Under the Sea," and "Kiss the Girl."

"'The Little Mermaid' — impudent, grandiose, a multilevel crowd-pleaser — almost returns the Disney animated features to their glory traditions of the '30s and '40s," wrote the Los Angeles Times' Michael Wilmington.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

"Encanto" is about the Madrigal family, who each receives a magical power when they turn 5 — all except Mirabel, who was mysteriously skipped over. When the magic in their home starts failing, Mirabel makes it her mission to save her family, powers or not.

"You will be humming 'Welcome to the Family Madrigal' — expositional but infectious — all the way home. The characters are infectious, too, and well-drawn, enriching 'Encanto's' world with gifts that extend far beyond their bestowed powers," wrote Time Out's Whelan Barzey.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 92%

"The Lion King" combined breathtaking visuals, amazing songs composed by Elton John, Tim Rice, and Hans Zimmer, and an epic coming-of-age story to cruise to $978 million at the box office.

Jay Carr wrote in The Boston Globe, "Make no mistake, the magnitude of the achievement here far outweighs any shortcomings. 'The Lion King' is both populist blockbuster and royal treat."

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

"Lady and the Tramp" is another Disney film that now comes with a disclaimer due to the problematic nature of its two Siamese cats, Si and Am.

If you're able to move past that, though, "Lady and the Tramp" is simple and sweet. Lady is a dog who's barely left her house, but due to a misunderstanding, she ends up on the street and meets the stray Tramp.

Their spaghetti kiss is still being referenced to this day.

"The quintessential American love story — the one between the spoiled heiress and the spontaneous, fun-loving guy from the wrong side of the tracks — has seldom been more elegantly and entertainingly told," wrote The Chicago Tribune's Dave Kehr.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

Kelly Marie Tran stars as Raya, a young woman who goes on a quest to find the last dragon to reunite her fractured country, Kumandra.

"As an overall throwback, and as a return to the streamlined storytelling upon which Disney built its supremacy, 'Raya and the Last Dragon' is a welcome expansion of the Disney universe," wrote Pajiba's Roxana Hadadi.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 93%

"Beauty and the Beast" is based on, well, a tale as old as time: a French fairy tale from the 1700s. In it, Belle is taken hostage by a prince-turned-beast who lives in a castle filled with talking furniture.

When you take it out of context, as with many animated films, it's … weird. But songs like "Be Our Guest," "Beauty and the Beast," "Gaston," and "Belle" are all-time favorites. And the Academy agreed — it was the first animated movie to ever be nominated for best picture.

"The set pieces are narcotically pleasing, especially the Busby Berkeley-style dancing-kitchenware spectacular, 'Be Our Guest,' and the romantic ballroom centerpiece that brings Beauty and her Beast together," wrote Lisa Schwarzbaum for Entertainment Weekly.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

"Dumbo" has some problematic elements, including a flock of stereotypical crows — one of whom was originally named Jim Crow — a drunk baby elephant, and "Song of the Roustabouts."

But Dumbo's design makes him one of the cutest characters in the Disney canon, and "Baby Mine" is a tearjerker.

"Perfection, thy name is Dumbo," wrote Slant Magazine's Rob Humanick.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

"Aladdin" is anchored by the iconic voiceover performance by Robin Williams as the Genie. But there's lots of other stuff to love, like Princess Jasmine and her pet tiger Rajah, the bumbling Sultan, and the sweet "street rat" Aladdin.

While its depiction of the Middle East has been criticized, as the BBC noted, "Aladdin" remains one of the most loved Disney films of the last 40 years.

"The magical, the mystical, the mysterious — all those powers that lurk within movies but are rarely tapped are unleashed in Disney's latest magnificent animation, 'Aladdin,'" wrote Duane Byrge for The Hollywood Reporter.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 95%

"Moana" is another modern Disney princess film that eschews a love story for a story of personal growth. Moana ventures out to the sea to save her island and, along the way, learns that she's capable of leading her people and exploring the open ocean.

Victoria Luxford called "Moana" "great fun" and "a traditional Disney Princess film but with a little more depth to it, being about personal discovery and bravery" for BBC CWR.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 97%

Almost 90 years later, the tale of Snow White, her seven dwarf friends, the Evil Queen, the Huntsman, and her handsome (unnamed) prince, remains the blueprint — it was the first Disney movie, after all.

"It was the dearest picture I have ever seen. The characters were so sweet that I just wanted to hug them," wrote the Miami Herald's Elizabeth Hemphill.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

"Cinderella" is one of the most frequently adapted fairy tales of all time, but Disney's animated version of the rags-to-riches story is the most beloved. And it's been said that Cinderella's transformation was one of Walt Disney's favorite pieces of animation.

"The musical numbers woven into the fantasy are generally solid, with at least two or three likely hit tunes standing out in the half-dozen songs," Variety wrote in 1949.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

This movie did more for Dalmatians than any best-in-show title could — and its villain, the puppy-napping, fur-obsessed Cruella de Vil, is still one of Disney's best-known villains.

"Among the many contributions of Disney and his team to the cinema, this is perhaps the strangest: they have made us watch with heart in mouth the adventures of beings who exist only as the projection of photographs and colored drawings," wrote Dilys Powell for the Sunday Times.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 98%

"Zootopia" takes place in a world without humans, where anthropomorphic mammals have built their own society, complete with laws, organized crime, and tax evaders like Nick Wilde (a fox voiced by Jason Bateman).

"The fictional universe it presents — a human-free world where mammals have evolved into a bustling, civilized society — is vividly realized, richly detailed, and very funny," wrote John Nugent for Empire.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

"The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" is three shorts starring Pooh as he combats a blustery day, bees, Heffalumps, and Tigger's inability to stop bouncing.

"You'll enjoy reuniting with childhood friends, and for the next-generation fans of The Book of Pooh, this batch of honey couldn't be sweeter," wrote Entertainment Weekly's Dalton Ross.

Rotten Tomatoes score: 100%

"Pinocchio" is based on an Italian children's story from 1883. It's a heartwarming (if a bit creepy) story of a wooden puppet who comes to life after its creator, Gepetto, wishes upon a star.

Why has "Pinocchio" remained at the top of the pack? Well, "When You Wish Upon a Star" is Disney's official theme, distilling everything we love about Disney movies into a 3-minute and 15-second song.

Otis Ferguson wrote in The New Republic that "Pinocchio" is "a delight and at times will take your breath away, for the limits of the animated cartoon have been blown so wide open that some of the original wonder of pictures — wonder and terror too, as when that train roared up into the camera — is restored."

You can see Mickey Mouse at all four theme parks, and when I visit, I stop in and say hi.

I especially love seeing Mickey at Hollywood Studios because he's in his sorcerer outfit from "Fantasia."

You can also catch Mickey at Town Square Theater in Magic Kingdom, Adventurers Outpost at Animal Kingdom, and CommuniCore Hall at Epcot.

Epcot is known for its incredible annual festivals.

The first part of the year brings the International Festival of the Arts, which happens to be my favorite. You can also experience the International Flower and Garden Festival in spring, the International Food and Wine Festival in summer and fall, and the Festival of the Holidays in winter.

I love that the festivals all have food booths where I can try unique items. I also make a point to see the incredible entertainment at the America Gardens Theater, like the celebrity-narrated Candlelight Processional during the Festival of the Holidays.

Disney Springs is filled to the brim with restaurants. Most of them are great, but I tend to find myself dining at celebrity-chef-owned spots more often than not.

A few of my favorites are Chicken Guy by Guy Fieri for a quick meal, Masaharu Morimoto's Morimoto Asia for a snack at the bar, and Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' for incredible fried chicken.

I've planned some visits around chefs' special events and have been lucky enough to accidentally run into other chefs at their restaurants.

In fact, my birthday treat this year was dining at eet by Maneet Chauhan. She and her team curated a special menu of dishes, and she did an open question-and-answer session for the group of diners.

No matter what time of year I go to Disney World, I have a Mickey-shaped ice-cream sandwich.

The cookies-and-cream ice cream is a refreshing treat, and I've found that the sandwiches don't melt nearly as quickly as the equally popular Mickey premium ice-cream bars.

There are hundreds of hotels around Orlando, but I like to stay at a Disney resort when I visit Disney World.

I love the theming of the hotels, how easy it is to get to the parks with complimentary transportation, and that I'm not bursting that Disney-bubble feel.

My favorite budget-friendly hotel is Disney's All-Star Movies, and my favorite splurge option is Disney's Riviera Resort.

The All-Star Resorts are a little farther from the theme parks, but the rooms are well-appointed, and I love the nostalgia. This is where I often stayed as a kid.

Riviera Resort is ultra-luxe, and the Disney Skyliner provides direct service to Epcot. I also love watching the fireworks from the rooftop lounge attached to Topolino's Terrace.

A few new attractions at Disney World, like Tiana's Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Epcot, use virtual queues.

I always try to make reservations for these two attractions during the 7 a.m. drop on the day I want to visit the park. If I'm unsuccessful during the morning drop, I try again at 1 p.m. after I've checked into the park.

The virtual-queue option is free, so I'd much rather wake up early to use it than pay extra for a Lightning Lane line-expediting pass.

If I can't get a virtual queue spot, for some reason, I skip the attraction. I visit often enough that the extra cost isn't worth it to me — I'll be able to try again soon.

Click to keep reading Disney diaries like this one.

It's taken as a given in the industry that Paramount will pare down, as it's tried to do for years, now that its Skydance merger is imminent and the company is poised to install former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell at the helm.

Co-CEO George Cheeks has said the company is evaluating sales of assets to shave $500 million in costs, which could include BET Media and the Paramount Pictures lot. (It's already been in talks to sell BET to a group led by CEO Scott Mills.) Leaders have insisted they're keeping CBS. But Paramount's networks face the same tough market as the rest of the linear landscape.

Some see Showtime as a prime target for Starz, the cable network that's shifting to streaming with its imminent spinoff from studio Lionsgate. Starz could be on the hunt for assets to help it bulk up.

NBCU executive Mark Lazarus, who will be SpinCo's CEO, has talked it up as a buyer. It certainly has options. It could look no further than Paramount, which has already hung a for-sale sign on assets, or Warner's grab bag of channels like TBS or TLC. Another potential target is AMC Networks, the prestigious but sub-scale network and streamer (though it specializes in the type of TV dramas that have largely migrated to streaming).

SpinCo could also be a seller. Some also think SpinCo could be bought entirely by a private-equity firm further down the road. SpinCo may have to wait a couple of years to sell itself to avoid a tax liability anyway.

Warner Bros. Discovery recently announced that it would split into two divisions in 2025, signaling M&A options are on the table. One will house the growing digital streaming and studio businesses, and the other will consist of its declining legacy television networks. WBD needs the cash from its linear channels to pay down its still-considerable debt, but separating the good from the bad could help it sell some assets.

Industry insiders have predicted WBD could do anything from adding Paramount's linear channels or Comcast's SpinCo — considering Warners' debt, it could happen in a stock-for-stock swap — to selling properties like CNN that aren't core to its streaming business. And depending on how the Murdoch succession plays out, a longer-term play could be to buy Fox assets. With scale still the coin of the realm, Warners has to eat or be eaten.

Now that Lionsgate is separated from Starz, it's widely seen as a candidate for sale, something Anson Funds Management, an activist investor, is pushing for.

"I don't think they'll be independent in 2026," one banker said.

There'd be no shortage of buyers for Lionsgate, as it's one of the last independent Hollywood studios out there. Its massive library includes "John Wick," "The Hunger Games," and "Twilight."

Paramount or WBD could snap it up for its library, though they wouldn't necessarily want its distribution or management business. Legendary Entertainment (home to "Dune" and "Godzilla") and its major investor Apollo Global Management, as well as Sony, were previously said to all be interested in Paramount, so they could be potential buyers for Lionsgate. Some also see Fox in the market for a studio, as it sold its TV and movie studios to Disney in 2019.

And while Big Tech has generally preferred to build than buy, Amazon has shown an openness to acquiring, having put down $8.5 billion for MGM Studios three years ago.

That leaves the other legacy media giant: Disney.

About a year ago, CEO Bob Iger floated the idea of selling Disney's TV and cable properties like ABC, but he's since retreated from it. The company line was that Disney wouldn't get the price it wanted and that it'd be too complex to separate them from the rest of the company. Iger and Trump have also sparred in the past, and Disney could look to avoid deals that need government approval.

That said, Iger could change his mind, and now that its streaming business sees a path to ongoing profitability, he seems to have more options. Disney could entertain selling its TV networks like ABC, which it doesn't need to fuel its streaming business. And Disney, without its linear TV business, could be more valuable to a potential buyer, should it decide it's better off selling itself.

One industry player mused that Disney could sell Hulu+ Live TV, its cable-like TV package, and exit the distribution business.

Roku has been a beneficiary of the continued shift of viewers to streaming, with smart TVs in 85 million homes. Needham recently got Roku in the conversation again with a note predicting it could be sold in 2025, now that Walmart has closed its sale of TV maker Vizio. Needham analysts think anyone from Netflix to The Trade Desk could be interested in Roku as a way to build their streaming ad business, while a retailer like Target could see Roku as a way to use TV ads to drive shopping.

Lara O'Reilly contributed reporting.

Disney World is known for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, a ticketed event at Magic Kingdom, but this is the second year for Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios.

The after-hours event runs for five hours on select nights and includes perks like short ride times, party-exclusive food, and the opportunity to meet rare Disney characters.

It also requires a separate ticket, but it can be slightly more affordable — Magic Kingdom's event costs between $180 and $220 for adults, and Jollywood Nights goes for $160 to $180.

This is all separate from daytime park admission. One-day, single-park tickets for this month start at about $150.

Universal's holiday tour is a must-do for me every season.

My $100 ticket included five hours with a tour guide, special meet-and-greets, dinner, dessert, and more. It's the only way to meet Santa at Universal Orlando, although he does appear nightly in a holiday parade.

The tour is less expensive than the Disney events, but unlike those, it requires a park ticket — a one-day, single-park ticket costs about $120 right now. Luckily, I have an annual pass, so I was able to use that and skip this added cost.

I also spent time at Universal before check-in to explore some of the holiday offerings on my own.

Getting photos with characters is one of my favorite parts of visiting theme parks, so I was sure to line up for some of the party-exclusive meet-and-greets at Jollywood Nights, like Disney's Duffy Bear dressed as Santa.

However, you don't have to have an event ticket to meet holiday-themed characters. Some characters, like Chip and Dale and Woody, are out in their holiday best all day at Hollywood Studios.

Universal goes full Grinch during the holiday season, with offerings like a Grinch meet-and-greet, a character breakfast with the mean one himself, and the "Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular" show.

From sweet treats to merchandise, you'll see the green guy all over the park.

Earl the Squirrel, a Universal character inspired by a real-life squirrel who used to live in the park's Christmas tree, is also a main figure of the season.

There were Jollywood Nights-specific entertainment offerings at my event — like a "Nightmare Before Christmas" sing-along — there are also holiday happenings for daytime park guests.

The popular "Frozen Sing-a-long Celebration" show gets a special holiday revamp, and Santa also greets guests at It's A Wonderful Shop.

There's no greater holiday joy for me than watching the "Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular" show, starring the Grinch, every Who down in Whoville, and a real-life version of Max (the dog).

Anyone with a regular park admission can see the Broadway-quality performance, which features songs by Mannheim Steamroller. It runs several times every day throughout the holiday season.

The park also has a special holiday parade that features Dreamworks characters, floats, entertainers, and Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons.

The holiday food at Disney truly can't be rivaled.

I noshed on lots of things you can only get during Jollywood Nights, like kimchi-pimento-cheese dip and tot poutine, but festive foods are available at the park during the day as well.

From a red-velvet holiday shake to a winter-spiced whoopie pie, Disney has plenty of only-seen-at-Christmas foods to try.

Universal has some holiday-themed treats, like Max-shaped cookies and a roasted-turkey-dinner crepe, but I didn't think there were too many options.

If you're looking to really experience delicious festival food at Universal, you'll want to visit during Mardi Gras or Halloween Horror Nights, when the park is filled with stands selling tasty themed bites.

Choosing a theme-park souvenir is tough on any vacation, but it's even harder for me during the holidays.

Almost every Hollywood Studios' giftshop was taken over by Mickey ornaments and cozy holiday sweatshirts. There were also special pop-up areas selling even more festive items.

Like Disney World, Universal goes all out with holiday-themed merch.

This is especially true for the themed lands, like Seuss Landing and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Both "Grinchmas" and "Holidays at Hogsmeade" release fun limited-time offerings this time of year.

Disney goes all out, adorning Hollywood Studios with vintage Hollywood-glam decorations like star-lit lamp posts and sparkly ornaments and lights.

You'll even find fake snow made of soap, dubbed "snoap." It's really beautiful to watch it fall over the decorated theme park without having to feel freezing cold — a win-win.

From the 80-foot tree in the New York area to its Holiday Tribute Store filled with limited-time merchandise, Universal's Christmas decor is truly something to behold.

It also produces plenty of snoap, so you don't have to worry about missing out on that magic.

Disney and Universal hold special places in my heart after years of building family memories in both.

Still, I think Universal is a better value during the holidays since a regular park ticket gets guests way more seasonal activities for their money.

Although I added on the VIP tour and recommend it, it's not actually necessary. Everyone can meet characters like the Grinch and Earl the Squirrel, watch the "Grinchmas Who-Liday Spectacular," and catch the parade.

Disney keeps many of its best holiday activities in its separate, ticketed events, which can be costly, especially if you're also planning on spending the day at the parks.

Plaza de Coco's dining tables surround a stage, creating a dinner-and-a-show experience.

The venue hosts two different performances depending on the day, so there is no need to fear repeating a show if you go twice.

(BI previewed one of the shows and can confirm it's pretty entertaining for kids and adults.)

If you've seen "Zootopia," you might remember store owner Jerry Jumbeaux Jr. and his Jumbeaux Cafe.

On Disney Treasure, the talking elephant's ice cream parlor comes to life with Jumbeaux's Sweets, a dessert shop with various treats and more than 31 ice cream and gelato flavors.

Disney is best known for being a family-friendly brand. That doesn't mean adults must be surrounded by children throughout their vacation.

For example, "The Lion King"-inspired Sarabi lounge has a variety of family activities during the day. At night, it becomes an adult-only venue with live shows.

Palo Steakhouse, also available on Disney Wish, features Italian fare and a design inspired by "Beauty and the Beast"'s Cogsworth.

Disney bills the Enchanté, a "Beauty and the Beast"-inspired French restaurant, as the most luxurious dining experience on board. Its menu was created by Arnaud Lallement, the chef and owner of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant L'Assiette Champenoise in Paris.

The two restaurants meet at The Rose, another adult-only lounge.

The thematic lounge serves light snacks and beverages. Foliage hangs from the ceiling, and themed drinks (like the non-alcoholic Jungle Juice or the boozy Piranha Punch) can be enjoyed at the bar or private booths.

The watering hole is a first for the cruise line, inspired by the 1954 Disney flick "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" and the Disney Parks ride that shut down in 1994.

Here, guests can again eat, drink, and catch up on the news and sports.

The full menu includes burgers and wings, specialty cocktails, and several beers on tap.

Interior staterooms make up more than 120 of these accommodations.

For a more luxurious option, pick one of the 76 premium concierge cabins, which includes access to an exclusive sun deck.

The ultra-luxe Tomorrow Tower Suite sleeps up to eight people across its four bedrooms, one of which has a specialty bunk bed designed for children.

The atrium has its own stage. For a mid-show pick-me-up, head to the Heihei or Jade Cricket cafés.

The former is inspired by "Moana's" fictional island of Montuni, named after the title character's rooster sidekick, while the latter is a callback to "Mulan."

The two-person AquaMouse: Curse of the Golden Egg water ride brings travelers through 760 feet of tubes on a quest to follow Mickey and Minnie Mouse into an "ancient temple."

Both vessels offer Worlds of Marvel, an interactive Marvel-themed restaurant, and Wonderland and Never Land Cinemas, a luxurious theater where guests can watch recently released movies.

Like other Disney cruises, travelers on Treasure can see their favorite movies adapted in live theater.

Other Disney ships feature a live production of "Beauty and the Beast" — Treasure's new show is based on "Moana."

If life at sea with Disney is calling out to you, sailings on the Treasure start at $3,931 for its seven-night itineraries in 2025.

I paid about $4,000 for a Disneyland vacation in 2023. It was a solo trip with four nights at the Disneyland Hotel and four park days.

Though that cost didn't include my airfare, it included all my meals and ticket upgrades.

While at the parks, I attended the Oogie Boogie Bash Halloween after-hours event, which cost about $150. I also took the Disney100, $110, and Walt's Main Street Story, $160, tours.

My seven-day Disney Wonder cruise cost $5,800 for two adults in a veranda stateroom. Like many cruises, this included most of my meals and entertainment options.

Our room was about $1,100 cheaper than a typical veranda stateroom because it had obstructed views. But it was perfect for the cold, windy Alaska weather.

One major hidden cost was the port excursions — we spent about $2,000 for four excursions. We also paid extra for some specialty beverages and a brunch at Palo.

Not including airfare, the total came to about $8,800, or $4,400 a person.

Other than the specialty brunch, all my meals on the cruise ship were included in my up-front cost. Each day, I got breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, and we also had access to 24-hour room service.

My favorite cruise treat was the soft serve.

I'm used to paying theme-park prices for meals on a Disney vacation, which can cost $60 a day. Eating as much as I wanted, whenever I wanted, was a luxury.

Unlike some companies, Disney doesn't offer unlimited drink packages on its cruises. Fountain drinks, coffee, tea, and sparkling water were included, but wine, beer, cocktails, and specialty coffees weren't.

The cocktails were generally cheaper on the cruise. An old-fashioned at Park Wine Country Trattoria in Disneyland cost me $18.50, but an old New Orleans fashion cocktail at French Quarter Lounge on the cruise was $14.50.

I often travel to Disney theme parks solo, so a PhotoPass Package is a must if I don't want a camera roll of only selfies.

At Disneyland, I can download photos individually for about $15. If I get a line-expediting lightning-lane multipass, usually about $32 a day, I can get unlimited downloads.

For longer trips, the PhotoPass+ One Week pass costs $78 for unlimited downloads.

On my Disney cruise, the photo package was more straightforward because there was only one option. But it was expensive — $296 for the seven-day trip, over $200 more than the same package at the parks.

My Disneyland trip was packed with Disney history and unique experiences.

I loved seeing the castle decorated for the 100th anniversary and meeting characters in their Halloween costumes.

Paying extra for the tours and party was worth it. During Walt's Main Street Story Tour, we visited Walt's old apartment on Main Street, USA. I even stood on the same patio Walt did while watching guests enter the park almost 70 years earlier.

At Oogie Boogie Bash, I met characters who rarely do meet and greets in the parks, including Bruno from "Encanto," Lots-o-Huggin' Bear from "Toy Story 3," and Judge Doom from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit."

The Alaskan cruise was also packed with unique experiences.

Disney cruises offer activities from morning until midnight. We watched a "Frozen" stage show, met Alaska-exclusive characters like Lumberjack Goofy, and saw amazing scenery from the deck.

Every evening, we returned to our room to find our towels folded to look like different animals, and on the last day, we even learned how to do it ourselves.

One of the most magical experiences was sipping on drinks made with glacier ice while we were within a quarter mile of Dawes Glacier.

The magic continued in the Alaska ports. We saw humpback whales and sea otters at Icy Strait Point, watched a bear wander down Creek Street in Ketchikan, and held four-week-old sled-dog puppies in Juneau.

Every Disney vacation is magical in its own way.

There are plenty of experiences from both these trips that I don't think I'll ever forget — from exploring Walt's Disneyland apartment to meeting Alaska Fisherman Mickey.

But when it comes to breaking down the value of each trip, I got more out of the Alaskan Disney cruise.

It was a bit more expensive, but my cruise was filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, unlimited food, and unique Disney activities.

I inevitably need a morning boost at Disney World, especially after spending a few days in the parks. But I try not to buy cups of hot black coffee.

I'm always at a hotel when I visit the parks — usually a resort on the Disney property — so I have access to at least a single-serve coffee machine that makes a decent cup at no added expense to me.

Even better, when I stay at a Disney Vacation Club villa, there are usually larger machines that brew full pots instead of single cups. I can bring my own ground coffee and filters for my perfect cup.

Rain and Disney World seem to go hand-in-hand. When it rains at one of the theme parks, you'll likely see people donning thick, branded ponchos from the gift shops that cost about $12.

I've been guilty of buying these when I've been ill-prepared in the past, but I can get much cheaper disposable ones on Amazon or at Target before the trip.

The thinner, disposable ones are smaller anyway, so it's easy to pack multiple in any bag I have with me. Then, when it's done raining, I can simply throw the poncho away instead of carrying around a wet bundle of plastic.

I like to stay at the Disney World resorts, but I usually skip upgrading my booking from a standard to a preferred room closer to the hotel's front or its transportation options.

I imagine this is a nice feature for families with kids, but the rooms themselves seem to be exactly the same. Plus, it only saves me a couple of minutes of walking.

Prices vary depending on which kind of resort you're at — value, moderate, or deluxe. Sometimes, it's only about a $20-a-night difference between standard and preferred, but I could use that money on plenty of other things.

Disney World sometimes offers dining packages for its bigger shows, but I often find them to be of poor value. I'd rather grab something quick and easy and save my money.

For instance, you can book a dining package to watch "Fantasmic!" at Hollywood Studios. The price includes your meal, a drink, and guaranteed seats to the show, starting at $57 for adults.

That's much more than I'd normally spend on a meal at Disney World, and as long as I get to the theater early, open seats are usually plentiful.

If you're not as familiar with Disney World, all the different ticket add-ons can be confusing — plus, they always seem to be changing.

For now, there are still times when I think it makes sense to pay $15 a person per day for a Lightning Lane Multi Pass that I can use to expedite three lines at certain attractions. However, the individually priced Lightning Lane Single Passes for the most popular rides cost $10 to $25 each.

I understand that some people only have one opportunity to visit the parks and get on these rides, but I'm there often enough that the added expense isn't worth it.

Instead, I just get to the park early or stay late since lines are usually shorter during those times. I also keep my eye out for virtual queues on rides like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. When they're open, you can reserve one a day for free on the My Disney Experience app.