5 Fun Facts About Cinderella: Walt Disney’s Favorite Princess

Cinderella holds a special place in the heart of Walt Disney and has become an enduring symbol of hope and perseverance for generations of fans. While it’s hard to imagine Walt Disney having a favorite princess, given the care and attention he poured into all his characters, Cinderella (1950) stood out in a significant way.

For Walt, she wasn’t just a beloved creation; she symbolized a pivotal moment in his life and the history of Disney Animation.

Let’s explore why Cinderella was such a favorite of Walt Disney and her role in saving the company, and uncover some fun facts about this iconic princess.

Cinderella’s Role in Disney’s Survival

When Cinderella was released in 1950, it became the second Disney Princess film, following the enormous success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). However, not many fans realize how much was riding on Cinderella’s success at the time.

After World War II, Disney was in dire financial straits.

The company had accumulated a debt of $4 million, and the films following Snow White, such as Fantasia and Pinocchio, had not brought the financial returns the studio needed. By 1948, Walt Disney faced a tough decision: should he take a gamble on Cinderella or focus on other projects? According to Fandango, “Cinderella was considered to be a big roll of the dice for Disney Animation.”

If Cinderella had failed at the box office, the animation division could have faced closure, fundamentally altering the future of The Walt Disney Company. Fortunately, Cinderella was a massive hit, pulling Disney Animation back from the brink and establishing Disney as a leader in family entertainment for years to come.

Cinderella’s success saved the studio and solidified her as a pivotal character not only in Disney’s history but also in Walt’s personal story. It’s easy to understand why she became one of Walt’s favorites her story of resilience and perseverance mirrored Walt’s own journey.

Walt Disney’s Special Connection to Cinderella

One of the reasons Cinderella resonated so deeply with Walt Disney was the character’s story. In a conversation with Ilene Woods, the voice actress who portrayed Cinderella, Walt confided, “You’re my favorite heroine, you know.” When Woods asked if he meant Cinderella, Walt replied, “Yes, there’s something about that story I associate with.”

Perhaps it was Cinderella’s unwavering belief in her dreams, despite all odds, that Walt found relatable. Like Cinderella, Walt faced enormous challenges but never gave up on his vision. Just as Cinderella’s magical transformation enchanted audiences, Walt’s ideas transformed the world of entertainment.

He, too, believed that dreams could come true with perseverance and a bit of magic.

The Iconic Dress Transformation

Walt Disney’s favorite scene in Cinderella is also one of the most iconic in animation history: the moment when Cinderella’s tattered dress is transformed by her Fairy Godmother into a shimmering ball gown. This scene symbolizes a turning point in the character’s journey and has become synonymous with Disney magic.

For Walt, this transformation wasn’t just a visually stunning moment—it reflected Disney’s own “rags to riches” story. The fluid animation and artistry showcased Disney’s ability to create awe-inspiring scenes that were both emotional and technically masterful.

It’s no surprise that this scene became one of Walt’s favorites. The dress transformation continues to be celebrated by fans and animators alike, representing the best of Disney storytelling, art, and magic.

Fun Facts About Cinderella

While Cinderella is a well-known character, there are many interesting details about her and the film that even the biggest Disney fans may not know. Here are five fun facts about Walt’s favorite princess:

1. Ilene Woods Was Walt’s Favorite Princess Voice

Ilene Woods, the voice behind Cinderella, once recalled how much Walt Disney adored her character. He told her, “You’re my favorite heroine, you know.” Woods believed that Walt’s fondness for Cinderella stemmed from her strength, resilience, and unwavering belief in her dreams. It’s easy to see how Walt may have seen some of himself in Cinderella’s journey.

2. Cinderella’s Foreshadowing of Disneyland

Before Disneyland opened its gates in 1955, Cinderella was already giving fans a glimpse of Disney’s future theme park magic.

According to D23, promotional material for Cinderella included the tagline, “It’s so full of the wonderful fun, hilarious characters, singable songs, the sheer enchantment that comes only from Disneyland.” This was five years before the park’s official opening! The success of Cinderella helped pave the way for Walt’s dream of building Disneyland.

3. Hidden Mickey in Cinderella’s Song

Disney fans love spotting Hidden Mickeys in movies, and Cinderella is no exception. If you watch the scene where Cinderella is singing “Sweet Nightingale,” you’ll notice a Hidden Mickey in the bubbles floating above her. These subtle nods to Mickey Mouse add a bit of extra magic for sharp-eyed viewers who enjoy hunting for these Easter eggs in Disney films and parks.

4. Cinderella’s Dress Transformation Took Months to Perfect

The iconic scene where Cinderella’s dress transforms from rags to a shimmering ball gown was not only one of Walt Disney’s favorite moments but also a huge technical challenge for animators.

The animation of the dress transformation took several months to perfect, and it became a key highlight of the film. This scene is now regarded as one of the finest pieces of animation ever created and continues to captivate viewers.

5. Cinderella’s Age and Fun Fact About Her Shoe Size

Cinderella is one of the older Disney princesses. While many princesses, like Snow White, are portrayed as teenagers, Snow White is only 14. Cinderella is around 19 or 20 years old. Her age and maturity are reflected in her calm and patient demeanor, making her stand out among the Disney Princesses.

Additionally, in some versions of the Cinderella story, it’s revealed that her famous glass slipper was a dainty size 4 1/2, which highlights her petite and delicate nature.

Lessons from Cinderella

Cinderella’s journey is filled with valuable life lessons. Her ability to rise above her circumstances, maintain her kind heart, and never lose hope reminds us all that perseverance pays off. In a world that often feels challenging, Cinderella shows us that with determination and a sprinkle of magic, we can achieve our dreams.

As we continue to celebrate Cinderella’s legacy, we honor her resilience, her timeless charm, and the crucial role she played in shaping Disney’s history. Her story is a reminder that dreams really do come true, and sometimes, they can even save a company.