Disney Movies You Can Binge Watch When It’s Cold Outside
Once the madness of the holiday season has sleighed in and snowed all over your Google calendar, December and January arrive ripe with the opportunity to make anew. And hey, while you might want to completely remodel your home, lose ten pounds, become an (even better) parent or check off another continent, sometimes the weather has other ideas for you. Let’s watch some Disney movies!
Especially if you’re living in regions of the United States that experience the brunt of winter from January to March, you’ll have more than your fair share of snowstorms to shovel through together as a family. Though you might not want your kiddos to digest too much screen time, beloved Disney movies are an ideal way to past the hours and to keep them occupied when school’s cancelled, or when it’s far too cold to adventure outdoors.
From classic selections from your childhood to current cult favorites that’ll have them singing and dancing along, load up these films for the next time your mini characters are going stir crazy:
For Snowy Vibes: Beauty & the Beast
Thanks to the recreation featuring Emma Watson, the movie you grew up rosy-eyed for is back in action. This year, you can watch both the animated and scripted versions, illustrating to your children how movies transform over time.
Since one of the most endearing scenes in both films take place during the winter – when Belle and the Beast first start going gaga for one another – it pairs well when there’s a few feet of snow outside your front door. Make it full on French-inspired afternoon by baking croissants or serving cheese and crackers to your little Kraft-slice conseurriers.
For Kids With Endless Spirit: Frozen
Hence its name, ‘Frozen’ definitely takes the cake (or the snowball?) in wintry-feeling films. In addition to the animated effects that you and your spouse will actually enjoy, the best part about this trendy film is how it keeps your children occupied.
As they watch Anna and Elsa on the screen, they’ll sing along to every song (and yep, even ask to rewind and sing it again), giving you time to check off chores or steal a quiet moment by yourself to watch the snow cascade.
For Dreaming of Warmer Weather: Moana
Some folks are snow bunnies and others snowbirds. If you can’t manage the time off work (drat!), but those frosty flakes put you in a sour mood, tune-in to ‘Moana.’ As she dreams of what’s beyond her island, you can close your eyes and imagine you’re right there with her, sailing through the sea and dancing on the beaches.
Moana also makes for a special birthday party for your winter baby who isn’t a fan of wintry mixes, either. (Psst: want to actually get to the Caribbean instead of merely imagining it? Contact one of our Disney travel agents who can get you on a Disney cruise ASAP!)
For Inspiring Greatness: Mulan and Hercules
Though it’s normal, it can be tough when you watch your child experience symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Shorter days and a lack of vitamin D can make it more likely your kiddo becomes cranky, upset or moody, especially when they’re trapped inside.
That’s why selecting a movie that inspires greatness is a smart choice, as it’ll build their confidence and get them dreaming. Turn to some older versions – like Mulan or Hercules – that empower children to fight for what they believe and what matters the most to them.
For Teaching Kiddos About Travel: countless!
Is your resolution for 2019 to travel more? Until the first thaw of spring gives you permission to get out of town, you can foster anticipation and joy toward travel in your children with carefully selected films. Films like Aladdin, The Lion King, Moana, Mulan, Aladdin and Pocahontas all give you the opportunity to make a snow day a geography lesson, as you describe the actual lands that inspired the characters and plots.