(Photo Courtesy of Nonsensopedia)
This piece is from the CU Independent’s opinion section. Any opinions or views do not represent the CU Independent.
Growing up in the late 1990s and early 2000s meant growing up in what I would call the primetime of Disney and Disney Channel. Between animated films, live-action shows, merchandise and soundtracks, both millennials and Generation Z were exposed to a storytelling universe that emphasized optimism, identity exploration, close relationships and a sense of personal destiny. While adulthood contrasts with the idealized world portrayed on screen, Disney’s influence still shaped these generations in positive ways, including how adults now understand identity, relationships, careers and purpose.
Growing up, my favorite Disney Channel shows were “Hannah Montana” and “Good Luck Charlie,” along with classic Disney films. Each one of these shaped me in different ways. “Hannah Montana” taught me about balancing different parts of myself such as the confident, ambitious version I wanted to be and the everyday version that was just trying to figure life out. Watching Miley navigate friendships, school and her own identity made me feel like it was okay to grow, change and not always have everything in life figured out. “Good Luck Charlie” influenced me in a different way: the show’s focus on family, humor and the idea that life doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful reminded me that support systems matter and that everyday moments can be just as important as big milestones.
Disney films introduced children to narratives in which main characters are extraordinary, valued and central to the unfolding story. This “main character energy” was amplified by Disney Channel which often featured teen characters navigating school, friendships and early independence while still being portrayed as extremely unique. “Lizzie McGuire,” “That’s So Raven,” “Hannah Montana” and “Wizards of Waverly Place” centered their shows around everyday kids who did things any kid would do while possessing creativity, humor or ambition. Even when characters faced challenges such as failing a test, embarrassing themselves in front of someone at school or family conflict, the storytelling reinforced the idea that their experiences mattered and that personal growth was meaningful. A character was always able to bounce back and become a better version of themselves even if that took a little while and some communication to get there.
As a result, Millennials and Generation Z often entered adulthood with a strong sense of individuality and self-worth. Rather than conforming into traditional norms, they demonstrate greater comfort expressing their own personal identity, embracing authenticity and viewing themselves as able to control their own destiny. This mindset which is rooted in the stories they consumed, continues to influence how these two generations approach decision-making and self-discovery in everyday life.
Disney movies traditionally emphasized romantic ideals, portraying love as magical and destiny-driven. This can be seen through the stereotypical Disney princess falling in love with the prince in a magical fairytale ending. While such portrayal shaped early desires for emotional connection, Disney Channel expanded the framework by highlighting the significance of friendship as a highly important component of growing up. Iconic duos and friend groups like Miley (Miley Cyrus), Lily (Emily Osment) and Oliver (Mitchell Musso) in “Hannah Montana,” Teddy (Bridget Mendler) and Ivy (Raven Goodwin) in “Good Luck Charlie” and lastly, Alex (Selena Gomez) and Harper (Jennifer Stone) an iconic duo from “Wizards of Waverly Place” were all relationships built on loyalty, communication and shared experiences.
These narratives encouraged Millennials and Generation Z to value emotional connections and support systems. Friendships are often treated with the same seriousness as romantic partnerships, aligning with contemporary trends of “found family.” Furthermore, Disney Channel romances, such as Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens) in “High School Musical” or Austin (Ross Lynch) and Ally (Laura Marano) in the show “Austin and Ally,” showed the importance of kindness, trust and emotional respect. Even though the couples had conflicts they never once yelled at each other; instead, they communicated their misunderstandings and ultimately were able to work things out. Consequently, these generations tend to seek relationships either romantic or platonic that prioritizes empathy, communication and mutual growth.
Disney’s influence also shaped expectations about work and personal ambition. Animated characters typically discovered a calling or purpose that aligned with their values, while Disney Channel characters often pursued creative passions or unconventional careers like being a popstar or a dancer. Disney Channel shows like “Shake It Up,” “Hannah Montana,” “Jessie” and “Sonny with a Chance” depicted teens developing random talents, building careers through those talents and expressing themselves though music, performance or art. Disney’s emphasis on passion driven career paths contributed to Millennials and Generation Z’s desire for meaningful work that connects with their personal desires. These two generations are more likely to seek careers aligned with identity, creativity or social impact, rather than prioritizing just stability and money alone. Disney’s portrayal of fulfilling work helped normalize the idea that careers should reflect personal interests and contribute to a large sense of purpose.
A core component of Disney storytelling is the immense amount of optimism in the belief that challenges can be overcome and that personal growth will follow adversity. Both Disney films and television shows reveal resilience through narratives that balance humor, hardship and eventual triumph. Characters often encounter setbacks, misunderstandings or conflicts, yet their perseverance leads to development and resolutions. A great example of this can be seen in “Hannah Montana” where Miley (Miley Cyrus) tries to hide her pop-star identity which ultimately leads to her friends feeling betrayed, dating complications and school conflicts. Miley trying to hide her life caused strained relationships and social pressure; but led to honesty and authenticity which ultimately strengthened the relationship with friends. This framework helped shape Millennials and Generation Z into generations known for hopefulness, adaptability and emotional intelligence. They tend to approach difficulties with a combination of humor, resourcefulness and the expectation that circumstances will eventually improve. Such resilience reflects the narratives that taught us viewers to view setbacks as temporary and personal growth as constant.
Finally, Disney created a lasting appreciation for creativity, imagination and everyday magic. Whether through musical numbers, whimsical settings, or relatable teenage storylines, Disney content encouraged children to see the world full of possibility. Kids learned that nothing is impossible if you simply just put your mind to it. Even as they enter adulthood, Millennials and Generation Z retain a sense of wonder whether that is evident in their enthusiasm for travel, aesthetics, creativity or shared cultural experiences. This imaginative lens helps these generations approach adulthood not as something burdensome or scary, but instead as something that can still bring joy, beauty and personal expression. Rather than abandoning childhood dreams, many can reinterpret them in ways that are compatible with adult realities.
Contact CU Independent Writer Emily Eigenbrode at emily.eigenbrode@colorado.edu
