Ralph Breaks the Internet is a 2018 Disney movie. In the movie Wreck-It-Ralph and Vanellope have to travel inside the internet and find a new steering wheel for Vanellope’s game. In this scene, the pair end up on the Disney website, which looks like Disneyland. When separated, Vanellope is trying to avoid stormtroopers, so runs inside a door that says “For Princesses Only”. Inside, she meets all of the Disney Princesses (and a few extras). They discuss what kind of princesses they are including: magic hair, magic hands, animals talking to them, being poisoned, being cursed, being kidnapped or enslaved, making a deal with an underwater sea witch, experiencing true love’s kiss, and daddy issues, they reach the conclusion that as Vanellope doesn’t have a mom, and “people assume all [her] problems got solved after a big strong man showed up” she must be a princess. The characters then change into comfortable clothes, and discuss singing about their dreams, and that sometimes singing to water can help. This scene plays with the tropes of what a princess can be.

discussion

What are some of the things the different princesses have in common? 

What are some of the societal norms for these Disney Princesses and how does the scene push back against them?

Ralph Wrecks The Internet is produced by Disney, and is referencing other Disney movies? Does this add to or take away from the critique it offers?

What are other examples of media  that center boys/men when supposedly telling the stories of girls/women?