by Erin Molson, Happily Ever After cast member
We all get by with a little help from our friends. And the princes and princesses of Disney are no different! Their animal companions help them land the guy, get to where they need to be, or just provide companionship when they need it most. In honor of the Hideout’s newest show, Happily Ever After, showing Saturdays at 8pm, I would like to take a moment to celebrate the top five animal sidekicks in Disney films.
5. Flounder
Man, this fish is loyal! Ariel drags him to shark-infested waters and makes an agreement with a sea witch to get her human and the entire time Flounder is right by her side. However, he never wavers in his support of his buddy as she woos her man. He even sticks up for Ariel to her imposing father! Of course he kinda slips and calls her out, but his heart is in the right place. What Flounder lacks in eloquence, he makes up for in loyalty.
4. Abu
This monkey is so adorable in his little vest that he would also make the top five list of Best Dressed Monkeys. Abu is so sassy and resourceful and always sticks by his buddy. Aladdin even calls him out in his song “You’re my only friend, Abu.” Living the life of a street rat ain’t easy, but it sure is easier with a monkey who performs acrobatic flips and steals swords to help you escape guards that want to cut your hand off.
3. Timon and Pumbaa
Now this is a twofer because these two are inseparable. Timon and Pumbaa befriended Simba when he needed it most. They even taught him a new motto to help live his life by. And eventually, when Simba had to confront his past, they even helped him despite their hippie, vegetarian, and flatulent ways.
2. Pascal
A lizard of no words, this little guy is the best friend a girl in a tower could ask for. He endures countless indignities to help her friend overcome her boredom – he models a dress, he is her ventriloquist dummy, he gets knitted inside a bunch of yarn, but still his love for his friend shines through. Most importantly, HE STRAIGHT UP TRIPS MOTHER GOTHEL AND SENDS HER TO HER DEATH. It’s always the quiet ones.
1. Ray
The Princess and the Frog is my favorite Disney movie. I love the music and the fact that the main female character’s dream is not to fall in love and marry but to own her own restaurant. But the character I fell in love with is Ray, the Cajun lightning bug who is in love with the North Star. While he isn’t with Tianna on her entire adventure, he guides them down the Bayou and eventually (SPOILER ALERT) sacrifices his tiny body to protect his friends. Also, he has the greatest line ever found in any movie (sorry Casablanca); “Don’t make me light my butt!” How could you not love Ray?
Who is your favorite Disney animal sidekick? Would you like to meet a completely new furry friend? Come see Happily Ever After, Saturday nights at 8pm and you never know who will pop out to help the protagonist achieve their dreams!