10 Disney Dad Moments That Will Give You ALL the Feels

Nicole Briese
Jun 18, 2016

As we celebrate our own dear old dad on Father’s Day, we’re paying homage to a few of the most iconic doting fathers around — Disney dads. Take a look back at some of their finest parenting moments, from King Mufasa (TEAR) to “crazy old Maurice.”

1. James in The Princess and the Frog: Tiana’s dad James not only encourages his daughter in her endeavors by hailing her homemade gumbo “the best he’s ever tasted,” he proudly shows off her skills to the neighbors, inviting them all to taste her creation. Later, while discussing his plans to open his very own restaurant, he dedicates it to his daughter, dubbing the spot ‘Tiana’s Place” to make her feel included. Talk about sweet!

2. Fa Zhou in Mulan: While Mulan and her father share several touching moments throughout the film (he famously tells her at the end that “the greatest gift and honor is having [her] for a daughter”), our fave occurs when Mulan fails to live up to society’s standards of a “proper” young lady following a B-A-D matchmaking appointment. Dad, Fa Zhou, gives Mulan the pep talk she so desperately needs. Pointing out the beautiful blossoms surrounding them, he calls special attention to one that has yet to open. “Look. This one’s late! I’ll bet that when it blooms, it will be the most beautiful of all,” he says, tenderly placing a blossom pin in Mulan’s hair. The message is not lost on her: She is the late blooming flower. Awwwwwww!

3. Bob Parr AKA Mr. Incredible in The Incredibles: Bob Parr gave up a life of crime fighting as Mr. Incredible to become a husband and dad. Though he longs for the excitement he once enjoyed outside of his home life, spending much time away from the family, he quickly realizes how good he has it with his brood, giving them the most moving speech of the whole film. “I’m sorry. I’ve been a lousy father. Blind to what I have. So obsessed with being undervalued that I undervalued all of you.” So sweet! All’s well that end’s well, with his family ultimately forgiving him his selfishness and returning to life as it was — albeit with an added act of family heroism or two thrown in, of course.

4. The Sultan inAladdin: Though Princess Jasmine and her father, the Sultan, have their fair share of disagreements throughout the film (largely revolving around his desire to see her settled down with a suitor already), he has a change of heart by the film’s conclusion, going so far as to change the laws of their fair city of Agrabah to allow Jasmine to marry whomever makes her happy. “Well am I Sultan or am I Sultan?” he asks. “From this day forward, the princess shall marry whomever she deems worthy.”

5. Maurice in Beauty and the Beast: Belle’s dad Maurice may be slightly… err… distracted, but the love between these two is something fierce, as Belle proves when she offers to take Pop’s place in Beast’s imprisonment. Ensuring that her arrangement will free her father before committing, Belle agrees to the Beast’s terms, all but dooming herself in order to save her dear old dad. Hey, if tethering yourself to an unsightly, hairy monster for all eternity isn’t love, well, we just don’t know what is.

6. King Fergus in Brave: Though King Fergus is rather outspoken and even brutish at times, like Triton, he’s a big old teddy bear when it comes to his little girl Merida. His best moments with her come early on, with Fergus eager to pass on his knowledge and skills onto his offspring, traditional gender roles be darned. Teaching her how to defend herself, how to ride and, perhaps his greatest gift of all, how to shoot, he presents the young princess her first bow and arrow set for her birthday. In essence, King Fergus is arming her with everything she needs to become what is arguably one of Disney’s most independent princesses to date, and really, what more can you ask for in a dad?

7. Chief Powhatan inPocahontas: There is a deep respect between Pocahontas and Chief Powhatan — she’s even able to change his mind by the end of the film about John Smith and friends. “My daughter speaks with a wisdom beyond her years,” he tells his followers. “We have all come here with anger in our hearts. But she comes with courage and understanding. From this day forward, if there is to be more fighting, it will not start with me,” he vows in the ultimate show of admiration.

8. Marlin in Finding Nemo: Having lost his wife to the vast blue ocean, single father Marlin is sligggghhhtttly overprotective, sure, but it’s only because he loves his only son with such a fierceness that he wants to keep him safe at all costs. Practically the entire film is a testament to Marlin’s love for Nemo, as he faces his fears and traverses what seems to be the entire ocean to find his little clown fish after he’s captured by a diver. Our favorite part, and possibly Marlin’s sweetest gesture, occurs before Nemo is even born, as Marlin whispers to his little egg (his last hope for a family), “Daddy’s got you. I promise; I will never let anything happen to you, Nemo.” Marlin proves to keep his word, bringing his little boy home once and for all.

9. Mufasa in The Lion King: Mufasa’s final moments in The Lion King are tragic, but it’s a lighthearted moment between father and cub Simba that will give you the feels. After the mighty king rescues his son from the clutches of Scar and his evil hyenas, Mufasa confesses that even kings get scared when their loved ones are in danger. “I thought I might lose you,” he tells Simba in earnest. Mufasa goes on to tell his son that the great kings of the past are all watching over them as stars in the sky, and that “whenever he feels alone, [remember] that those kings will always be there to guide him — and so will [he].”

10. King Triton in The Little Mermaid: As children of the ‘90s, there was no greater dad in Disney history than the sea king, King Triton. Sure, he ruled the waters with an iron fist and all, but he’s a big old softy when it comes to daughter Ariel. In an ultimate show of love, Triton chooses her happiness over his own when he uses his powers to turn her into a human for good. Their goodbye scene at the end has to be the most touching father/daughter moment in all of Disney history (literally choking up just thinking about it!). Whispering “I love you, daddy” with tears in her eyes, Ariel hugs her father in her (non-mermaid) wedding dress. The king, in turn, nods to her prince, and touches her chin before lowering himself back into the sea. Mascara, GONE.

What’s your favorite Disney dad moment? Tell us over @BritandCo!

(Photos via Disney)

Tyra Banks Shares Her Brilliant Idea For 'Life-Size 3' — Including Lindsay Lohan

Can you believe it's been over 20 years since the Lindsay Lohan and Tyra Banks classic, Life -Size premiered? This is enough to make some millennials shudder — especially those of us who still know every word to "Be A Star." In the era of Barbie and Bratz and Polly Pocket, this film definitely stuck with us since its debut.

And apparently, we're not the only ones! Tyra Banks recently dished about an idea she has for Life-Size 3, and it's triggering allllllll the nostalgia. Keep scrolling to see what she said — and to revisit what makes this franchise so great!

Is there a 'Life-Size 3?'

The Drew Barrymore Show/Ash Bean

Tyra Banks appeared on The Drew Barrymore Showyesterday during the Drews News segment, and she gave us an exciting update on the matter. They initially talked about Tyra's ice cream company, SMiZE & DREAM, before co-hosts Drew Barrymore and Ross Matthews asked if there's a chance fans will get to see Life-Size 3. The supermodel, actress, and entrepreneur laughed and said, "I feel like we should do one!" Of course this made the crowd burst into screams and rounds of applause.

Not only does she think they should make Life-Size 3, but Tyra already has an entire plot in mind! She said, "What if she [Lindsay Lohan as Casey Stuart], in some of kind of way, magically turned into a doll? And then my Eve character had to teach her how to be a doll. I feel like that could be very interesting."

Now, whether this dreamy plot becomes a reality, well that's a different story.

Is 'Life-Size 3' in the works?

Disney Pictures, Inc.

When Ross Matthews asked Tyra if she can actually bring Life-Size 3 to life, she didn't verbally say anything. Instead, she nodded which made the host exclaim, "Done! Thank you! Thank you, Tyra Banks." However, nothing's been officially announced...yet!

The first time Tyra hinted she's open to reprising her role as Eve was on Instagram in August. She expressed excitement about the Polly Pocket Airbnb in her captions, even tagging Lindsay Lohan. "Oh Polly Pocket, so small in size but BIG in memories and inspiration! 💛 I know so many girls who put you in their pocket and sometimes would find you in the back of the washing machine! 🫧 😂 I’m sure so many kids that loved my Life-Size movie thought of you while watching it…guess it’s time to visit this lil place and dream up another script. What say you, @lindsaylohan? xo Eve/TyTy," she wrote.

What is 'Life-Size' about?

Disney Pictures, Inc.

If you've never seen Life-Size, we're sad for you — just kidding! The film revolved around pre-teen Casey Stuart's (Lindsay Lohan) life after her mom died. She's become withdrawn from her former friends and somehow has made it to the football team at her school. At some point she stumbles across a book of spells and believes it's the thing she needs to bring her mom back. But, the spell goes awry and breathes life into one of her dolls, Eve (Tyra Banks).

A series of mishaps and heartbreak happen over the course of the film, but viewers get to see the profound effect Eve has on Casey before she returns back to her original form.

What happened in 'Life-Size 2?'

Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Life Size 2 had a difference scenario from the first film being that it doesn't exactly have anything to do with a pre-teen girl. The focus was on Grace (Francia Raisa), the CEO of Marathon Toys, and her inability to find joy in life. Fans of Life-Size know that the Eve doll was a product of Marathon Toys so it's not shocking that Eve herself senses that Grace needs her help.

Did Lindsay Lohan appear in 'Life-Size 2?'

Disney Pictures, Inc.

Not quite — she made a brief cameo without actually appearing in the movie. Life-Size 2 writer, Cameron Fay explained to TV Line, "Well, the first draft actually had Casey in the movie. That was something Tyra really wanted...But when we realized it wasn’t going to happen, the idea had to shift."

Wanting to find a way to include Lindsay's character some kind of way, Fay was inspired to make it seem that 'Casey' reached out to Grace in a way that felt authentic.

Where can I watch 'Life-Size' and 'Life-Size 2'?

Disney Pictures, Inc.

Unfortunately Life-Size isn't available to stream, nor has it recently appeared on cable TV. It's not quite clear why you can't watch Life-Size on platforms like Disney+, but this Reddit thread has the closest thing that answers on why it's so hard to watch.

Right now you can buy Life-Size 2: A Christmas Eve on Amazon Prime for $6.

Follow us on TikTok and Facebook for updates about Life-Size 3!

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Not Close With Your Family? Here's How To Have a Joyous And Connected Holiday Season

Last year, some of us celebrated the holidays apart from our families for the first time. COVID has brought with it many changes, some of them arguably positive (like increased flexibility to work from home), some difficult (such as the realization of vastly different political and social views between family and friends), and some horrible (obviously, the health implications of a global pandemic). However, for some of us, celebrating the holidays without family members isn't exclusively due to COVID. In addition to so many of us living in different areas than our families of origin, some of us simply don't have close bonds with the people we grew up around. Sometimes, this can cause loneliness.

If you're not close with your family members, the holidays can be a difficult time. This is doubly true if you don't have a close circle of friends to call upon. But make no mistake, if this sounds like your situation, you're not alone — there are thousands of other people going through the same struggles you are. We sat down with Irad Eichler, founder of Circles, a website that connects people who are sharing similar struggles, like heartbreak, grief, or loneliness. Here are some of Eichler's tips for coping — and even thriving! — during the holiday season when you're not planning on spending it with your family, for one reason or another.

Don't Fall For "Perfect Families" On Social Media

Laura Chouette

The first VERY important step to having a joyous holiday season when you're going it alone is to stop believing the narrative that others' family situations are perfect, Eichler says.

"Remember people only post a moment in time, and only the moments when they look their happiest and best."

In addition to the fact that everything you see on social media is curated for the 'gram, it's also important to remember that by focusing on what others have and you lack, you risk failing to see the great things at play in your own life.

"These holiday periods can become a time of focusing on who and what we don't have, rather than who or what we do, and can cause a negative spiral into depressing and dreadful feelings of inadequacy," says Eichler.

Gratitude is the reason for the season, after all. So instead of only seeing the negative, try some gratitude journal prompts to help you focus on what's actually really wonderful about your life right now.

Make An Effort To Deepen New Connections

Joel Muniz

While it may seem like everyone has friends and family to spend time with during the holiday season, that doesn't mean no one is available for deepening a blossoming relationship or new friendship.

"Make a list of people you can or would like to connect with, and try to reach out to at least one of them," advises Eichler.

Reaching out doesn't have to mean a big plan or an hour-long conversation. Even a quick text letting a friendly coworker know you're thinking about them can go a long way toward deepening the relationship and moving it in the direction of closer friendship.

Don't have an acquaintance in mind? Then it's time to make new acquaintances. What's more in line with the Christmas spirit than attending a Meetup or event full of people eager to make new friends?

"Join groups with similar interests to yours, such as hiking, baking, or games. Push your boundaries and be brave - you might find new people who have much in common with you."

Give Back

Priscilla Du Preez

The holiday season is a great time to focus on giving back to your community, and coincidentally, acts of generosity and kindness are known to reduce loneliness and help people feel happier. One study found that knowing a few of your neighbors and doing small acts of kindness for them — such as cheering them up, listening to them, mowing their lawn, providing advice about local business recommendations and job opportunities, and chatting over the fence — was statistically correlated with feeling less lonely and having a lower risk of depression.

Helping out elderly neighbors can be a particularly gratifying way to give back.

"Notice older lonely people in your neighborhood or community who might have no family at all, and offer to help them," says Eichler. "These can become mutually meaningful connections, and help you 'adopt' a grandparent."

Connect With Others Online

Thought Catalog

Finally, use the Internet for its highest and best purpose: to connect people. Whether you're using Meetup to find in-person events, digital forums for having conversations about special interests, or programs like Circle for getting support from others in your situation, the opportunities to create new connections are practically endless.

"There are many interest groups that can be found digitally, where or any person can connect with others in the same life stage, going through the same challenges, or who would like to explore the same interests," Eichler states. "Meaningful connections can be formed easily in these circumstances. The Internet enables us to find and connect to people all over the world who fit this, and to whom we can become more easily attached, as we are able to find people with the exact interests that energize us."

If you're struggling with loneliness, you're not alone. Connect with our digital community of makers and creatives here at Brit+Co by following us on IG and signing up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

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Meet The Cast Of Disney’s Live-Action 'Lilo and Stitch’

Disney continues to keep your childhood alive because alongside several other remakes of beloved titles, a live-action remake of the 2002's Lilo and Stitch is now also in the works. While filming was supposed to begin in April 2023, a costume trailer fire delayed it until May. Thankfully, it looks like the production recovered — and that we'll be seeing Lilo, Stitch, and Scrump soon. Here's everything you need to know about the live-action Lilo and Stitch. Check out the rest of Disney's upcoming live-action remakes for more news!

Who is playing Lilo in the live-action movie?

Image via Maia Kealoha/Instagram

Lilo will be played by Maia Kealoha. The adorable character was voiced by Daveigh Chase in the original 2002 movie, and by Dakota Fanning in the sequel.

Who else is in the Lilo and Stitch cast?

Image via Sydney Agudong/Instagram

In Lilo and Stitch, we'll see Sydney Agudong as Nani, Amy Hill as Tūtū, Kaipo Dudoit as David, Courtney B. Vance as Cobra Bubbles, and Tia Carrere (the original voice of Nani!!) as Mrs. Kekoa. We'll also have Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch, Billy Magnussen voicing Pleakley, and Zach Galifianakis voicing Jumba.

When is the live-action Lilo and Stitch coming out?

Image via Walt Disney Studios

We don't have an official release date yet, but we could see Lilo and Stitch in the next year. Personally, I'm hoping they release it just in time for summer 2025!

Where are they filming live-action Lilo and Stitch?

Image via Jess Loiterton/Pexels

The new Lilo and Stitch is filmed in Oahu. The original animated film takes place on Kauai, but we'll have to wait and see if they change the story's setting for the live-action remake.

Is there going to be a live-action Lilo and Stitch?

Image via Walt Disney Studios

Yes, we're getting a live-action Lilo and Stitch! According to The Hollywood Reporter, the remake of the animated film will be done with both live-action and CGI. Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, who worked on the live-action Aladdin, are producing, and up-and-coming screenwriter Mike Van Waes, who has previously worked primarily in horror, wrote the script.

The live-action Lilo and Stitch remake is the latest in a long list of classic titles Disney is reimagining for modern audiences. Are you excited about Disney’s latest remake? Let us know @BritandCo!

Lead image via Walt Disney Studios

This post has been updated.

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Zach Bryan & Brianna Chickenfry's Break Up Is COMPLICATED — Here's What To Know

Zach Bryan and Brianna "Chickenfry" LaPaglia's explosive breakup is everywhere right now. From his seemingly one-sided social media posts to all the bombshell revelations she keeps dropping, it's clear this split is NOT amicable. Both parties are dropping tons of lore, info, and everything in between — including new music?! — right now, so it makes sense if you can't keep up. Luckily, I'm here to help break this breakup down for you! Here's everything you need to know about Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry's relationship...or lack thereof.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

October 22, 2024 – Zach Bryan Announces His Breakup With Brianna Chickenfry

On October 22, 2024, after some recent speculation that Zach Bryan and Brianna Chickenfry split up, Zach took to his Instagram stories. The country star said, "Addressing something: Brianna and me have broken up with [each other] and I respect and love her with every ounce of my heart. She has loved me unconditionally for a very long time and for that I'll always thank her."

He continued, noting, "I have had an incredibly hard year personally and struggled through some pretty severe things. I thought it would be beneficial for both of us to go our different ways. I am not perfect and never will be. Please respect Brianna's privacy and space in this and if you have it in your heart, mine too."

To wrap it all up, he closed by apologizing to his fans. He said, "With everything I am and to anyone I let down, I am sorry. I try my best in everything. I failed people that love me and mostly myself."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Brianna hopped on her own Instagram stories shortly there after. She posted, "Hey guys I'm feeling really blindsided right now. Gonna hop off social media for a while and attempt to heal privately, when I'm ready I'll be back and ready to talk. I love you guys so much thank you for all of your kind words. Remember you are so loved and everything's always gonna be okay 🫶"

The Brianna got on Youtube next, posting a raw, emotional video about the situation. Sitting on the floor of her bathroom, she opened up as much as she could in the moment about her breakup. She said, "I just woke up to Zach posting on his Instagram that we broke up and I had no idea that post was going up. He didn't text me, he didn't call me. I just woke up to a bunch of texts, like, 'Are you okay?'"

Brianna, with her teary eyes and red face, explained she's been crying for "five days straight." She said, "I'm at the point where it's like, how can you give someone everything and love them so unconditionally, like through stuff that you shouldn't because you just love them and you want them... like you see the good in them?"

The internet personality said that this is all "so embarrassing" and "really, really heartbreaking." She elaborated that the couple broke up on October 21, but wanted to process on her own and "didn't want it to be public."

Much like her Instagram story, she told her audience that she'll come back when she's ready.

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

November 7, 2024 — Brianna Claims Zach's Emotionally Abusive, Wanted $12Mil NDA

Well, it appears this week, Brianna decided she's ready. On Barstool Sports' BFF's Pod November 7, 2024, Brianna gave an inside look at the breakup unlike any other. Not only did she claim Zach was abusive, but she also alleged that he offered her a $12 million NDA to "not talk about the relationship."

After saying it's been the hardest year of her life, she said. "I'm still scared right now because I'm scared of him. My brain's rewired and I'm scared to make him mad and last week, I didn't want to talk about it 'cause I was scared."

Brianna then described the alleged emotional abuse. She noted that everything was cyclical and that he would build her up only to break her back down again. "There was always another excuse as to why he was treating me so poorly and why I'm crying myself to sleep every night, why he's screaming at me," she said. "And then you wake up, it's the apology, it's the 'I'm going to be better like I need you in my life,' but if you've been through this — I don't expect people to understand emotional abuse if you haven't been through it. I hope you never have to go through it but if you've been there you know what I'm talking about."

Not only does Brianna allege she was offered an NDA, but she said that other women that came before her had to sign their own agreements. She declined the offer because she didn't want to "sign away [her] experiences and what [she] went through to protect someone that hurt [her]." She also wanted to share this experience for other women who've suffered something similar.

And when it comes to the logistics of losing out on the famous lifestyle and alleged $12 million? She said, "It was never about the money — I was with the dude because I loved the dude."

Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

November 8, 2024 — Zach Quit Touring Amid Abuse Allegations

On November 8, 2024, Zach posted on Instagram — where he clearly loves to share all his big news — that not only is his new single "High Road" out today, but that he's also ending his tour early. Read his full statement here:

After not being home for a year and a half I drove out to my mothers gravestone in the dead of night a few days back on familiar Oklahoma roads and I came to realize just like in the past, that she never would call me again

Told her I quit touring because I got accepted to get my masters in Paris next year, I told her I was back in Oklahoma, told her about all my best friends in New York and all the nights we howled with the moon, told her about the immeasurable laughter my band and me have shared these last five years, all the calluses on my finger tips, every tear shed, told her about making it on The Rolling Stone and most importantly told her about porch swinging with my beautiful sister.
I wrote the chorus for this song a month or two back and finished it when I realized I was blessed with all these things.

I figured it was about time I released it.

Thank you guys for listening to ‘This Worlds a Giant’ last night and thank you to all the people who love me; who have truly carried the weight with me.

Seems that all these Quiet Dreams have gotten much too heavy but I’m home now and I’ll hold you through the pain.

High Road is out today and I appreciate all of you"

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83 Budget-Friendly Finds Under $30 That'll Have You Gifting Ready This Season

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Thanks for reading about our favorite finds from across the internet! FYI: We participate in affiliate programs and may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.