Disney movie scenes that remind us of a mother’s love

The beauty of storytelling in animation is that emotions don’t have to expressed by words. They can be expressed by simple gestures such as a warm embrace or an outstretched hand. The common critique we always hear is that there are a lack of mother figures in Disney movies. In anticipation of Mother’s Day, we curated the most touching scenes in Disney movies that perfectly showcase a mother’s love with the hope that it will remind you of that mother figure in your life this Mother’s Day.

Andy says goodbye to his mom in Toy Story 3

In Toy Story 3, Andy is seen packing for college throughout the film. At the end, Andy’s mom walks in to Andy’s now-empty room. This is the room he grew up in, where he played with Woody, Buzz, and all his toys. She gets choked up. Andy comforts her and gently taps on her shoulder.

Andy: Mom, it’s okay.

Andy’s Mom: I know, I just wish I could always be with you.

Andy: You are.

As this special moment between Andy and his mom unfolds, Woody is peering from the box Andy intends to bring with him to college. Here, Woody realizes that he will always be with Andy even as he moves on to this next chapter of his life. When this movie first came out, it resonated with my generation, the kids who grew up watching Toy Story. These same kids were now preparing or off to college. These goodbyes, although difficult, were made easier by the knowledge that our childhood memories will always stay with us. Our moms, who have raised us, will always be with us through their lessons that we put into practice in our daily lives.

Kala sings “You’ll Be In My Heart” to baby Tarzan

Kala, the gorilla who rescued Tarzan from the treehouse, sings this lullaby to soothe baby Tarzan.

Come stop your crying, it will be alright
Just take my hand, hold it tight
I will protect you from all around you
I will be here, don’t you cry

These iconic lyrics sung by Kala epitomize a mother’s warm, comforting, and most importantly unconditional love. Kala loves Tarzan as one of her own and defends his place in the jungle.

Rapunzel is reunited with her mother

After Rapunzel finally frees herself from Mother Gothel, she returns to Corona to meet her true parents. Her mother approaches her first and we realize just how much they look alike. After releasing the lanterns unrelentingly each year, her daughter is finally in front of her. Without exchanging a single word, her mother knows that this is truly her daughter. This is such a sweet moment between Rapunzel and her parents; they realize they can finally be a family. Rapunzel may once again experience a true mother’s love.

Wendy sings “Your Mother and Mine” to the Lost Boys

When Wendy, Peter Pan, and the lost boys play pretend, Wendy always plays the “mom” who reads them stories. She emulates the role of her own mother. Here, she sings about their own mother’s love, a love that is unconditional and rare. The lost boys are enamored by the idea of a mother’s love as they listen to Wendy’s beautiful lullaby.

Well a mother, a real mother, is the most wonderful person in the world
She’s the angel voice that bids you goodnight
Kisses your cheek, whispers sleep tight
Your mother and mine

Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother transforms her for the ball

Don’t we wish we all had a fairy godmother to be there for us at our most trying moments? There’s always a “fairy godmother” figure in our lives who are there for us when we need it most. For instance, Cinderella’s mother died earlier in the film, and her fairy godmother fills that missing role in her life. In this scene, her fairy godmother reminds her to have faith in her dreams. As she prepares Cinderella for the ball, she helps make her dream come true.

Which Disney moment reminds you of the mother figure in your life? Let us know in the comments below.

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