Ames, I mostly agree with you! I wanted to process for a bit before responding though, hence the delay!
If you spin any story, it can be both good and bad. Avraham turned against his family (away from Avoda Zara to Hashem and “got his way”) – so did Ariel. True, Aladdin was a thief, but he stole to eat/live NOT for general gain(not that it makes it ok, but its a good talking point for tzedaka), Simba has a traumatic childhood and still comes back to be a great leader (and true “baal teshuva”)…these are not meant as being a moral code for your kids to follow, but rather talking points. No one should ever hand over chinuch of their children to ANYONE (except qualified rabbonim/teachers, and even then, parents have the responsibility to make sure the rabbonim or teachers are truly l’shaim shamayim).
Does general tznius (in terms of men watching) apply to cartoons? (serious question here, if anyone knows the answer)
Anyway, I want my children to understand that at times, life can be a fairytale. I had a wonderful courtship with my husband, and we got engaged in a very romantic, far away place (in a halachically acceptable manner). Life is not always roses, but you shouldnt aspire to have a moderately happy life – but an exceptionally happy one. Life brings challenges, but ultimately, I have a happily ever after.
So, does visiting Disney World once in a while mean your kids won’t want to follow halacha? Only if your basic chinuch is lacking.
[Whether its worth the money is a totally different ballgame]