Inspiration from Disney films?

I haven't watched a Disney movie for about a year or so now (other than clips played from memory by recall), but I find myself drawing inspiration from them nonetheless. I think a lot of us here do, if we grew up watching them.

I find my own realization of this funny, perhaps, because I am very much predisposed towards traditionally-animated fare, and not the digital stuff (with exceptions), but I never really saw them as anything more than "fun things with which to entertain myself (and my neighbor's awesome nine year-old)" until recently.

Nostalgia related to the major change brought on by college is making me think back to the happy, bright things of my childhood, much of which consists of films, videogames, and countless books. I'm not sure if Disney Studios (and their associates) 'allows' fanfiction (in the legal sense with respect to copyright), but I do wonder. In particular, the more I think about the general topic, I find myself being inspired by these films:

• Sleeping Beauty
• Robin Hood
• The Emperors New Groove
• Fantasia *
  A remastered version of the original early 20th century film, and the \"Night on Bald Mountain\" short in particular
• The Jungle Book (The music in this one got me into Swing)
• The Sword In The Stone
• The Lion King
• Beauty And The Beast

Speaking only for myself, I've noticed that it's the music in these films, the score and songs within, that are the most idea-sparking. I've always been good at hearing and noticing nuances in music that others miss — making my utter lack of any instrument-based musical ability and stamina all the more annoying. The settings and the artwork itself are also inspiring to me, but maybe that's just me.

Anyway, I realize I've been rambling a bit. My apologies.

I'm aware that the influence/inspiration/whatever from the long list of Disney films will show up in my writing at least sometimes, and I actually enjoy that thought. It kind of strikes me as passing along, sometimes in a subtle way, other times not, the things that really made an impact on me when I was a child. Does anyone else feel that way, or does it bother you when an influence from a well-known work is apparent?

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only writer on this fora who gets inspiration from the Disney Animated Canon. Who else has noticed this in their works/lives/what-have-you? Any films or elements that really grabbed you?

Sometimes it's nice to have a little chuckle over what children-at-heart we adults still are.

edited 19th Jan '12 8:26:40 PM by punkreader

I also grew up with the Disney movies - Aladdin, The Lion King, Mulan. Although they're not really an inspiration for my stories, I enjoy watching them for their pure and strong storytelling. I really like Bolt.

edited 19th Jan '12 8:45:29 PM by QQQQQ

Along with virtually ever other work of fiction that I've experienced and not completely disliked, Disney films have influenced my works to some degree. However, they aren't one of my primary influences.