13 Smart Disney Characters for Your Next Movie Night

Disney movies have always been known for their memorable and iconic characters, and many of these beloved characters are also incredibly intelligent. From princesses to superheroes, these characters inspire us with their wit, resourcefulness, and problem-solving abilities. In this blog post, we’ll explore 13 Smart Disney Characters and what makes them so special.

---

List of Smart Disney Characters

1. Hiro (Big Hero 6)

The first smart Disney character on our list is Hiro from Big Hero 6. Hiro is a young inventor who uses his intelligence to create a team of superheroes to save his city. He’s a prodigy in robotics and engineering, and his inventions are often ahead of their time. Hiro’s intelligence allows him to think quickly on his feet and come up with solutions to complex problems.

>> You can watch Big Hero 6 here.<<

TIP: Love Hiro and Baymax? Why not check them out at Tokyo Disneyland? See our Best Time to Visit Tokyo Disneyland to get your planning started!

2. Edna Mode (The Incredibles)

Edna Mode is the next smart Disney character on our list. Edna is a fashion designer who creates superhero costumes for the likes of Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl. She’s highly intelligent, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of fashion and design. Edna’s intelligence is also shown through her ability to create incredible gadgets and inventions to help the Incredibles on their missions.

>>See Edna Mode in The Incredibles here. Plus catch her in the sequel here.<<

3. Grandmother Willow (Pocahontas)

Grandmother Willow is a wise and intelligent tree spirit who acts as a mentor to Pocahontas. She offers guidance and advice, helping Pocahontas navigate the challenges she faces as she tries to bring peace between her people and the settlers. Grandmother Willow’s intelligence is also shown through her deep connection to the natural world and her ability to communicate with the animals and spirits around her.

>>Check out Grandmother Willow in Pocahontas here.<<

4. Merlin (The Sword in the Stone)

Merlin from The Sword in the Stone is our next smart Disney character. Merlin is a wise wizard who serves as a mentor to a young Arthur. He’s highly intelligent and has a vast knowledge of magic and history. Merlin’s intelligence is also shown through his ability to predict the future and his capacity to teach Arthur important lessons about leadership, courage, and wisdom.

>>Catch the kooky Wizard in The Sword in the Stone here tonight.<<

5. Judy Hopps (Zootopia)

Our favorite bunny, Judy Hopps also makes the list of smart Disney characters! Judy Hopps is a determined and smart young rabbit who becomes the first bunny police officer in the city of Zootopia. She’s highly observant and quick-witted, using her intelligence to solve a series of mysterious cases that threaten the peace of the city. Judy’s intelligence is also shown through her ability to break down barriers and overcome stereotypes, proving that anyone can achieve their dreams if they work hard enough.

>>You can watch Zootopia with your family here.<<

Love the quick-witted Judy Hopps in Zootopia? Disney just announced that Zootopia 2 is in the works!

6. Lewis (Meet the Robinsons)

Meet the Robinsons is a family favorite that is also a lesser-known Disney movie. Lewis is a young inventor who travels to the future in Meet the Robinsons. He’s highly intelligent, with a passion for science and a talent for inventing. Lewis’s intelligence is also shown through his ability to think creatively and solve problems, which he does throughout the film as he tries to save the future from a dangerous villain. Despite facing setbacks and challenges, Lewis never gives up and uses his intelligence and resourcefulness to make a positive impact on the world around him.

>>You can watch the loveable Lewis in Meet the Robinsons here.<<

7. Scar (The Lion King)

Who says a villain can’t also be a smart Disney character? Scar is a cunning and manipulative villain who seeks to overthrow his brother, Mufasa, and take control of the Pride Lands. He’s highly intelligent, with a deep understanding of politics and strategy. Scar’s intelligence is also shown through his ability to manipulate and deceive others, as well as his capacity to plan and execute complex schemes. Despite being a villain, there’s no denying that Scar is a highly intelligent character who poses a serious threat to those around him.

>>Check out the cunning Scar in The Lion King here tonight.<<

TIP: There is also a live-action version of The Lion King that you may want to check out! You can find it here!

8. Mulan (Mulan)

Mulan is the next smart Disney character on our list. Mulan is a quick thinker and strategist who uses her intelligence to save China from the invading Huns. She’s resourceful and able to improvise on the battlefield, using her wit to outsmart the enemy. Mulan’s intelligence also allows her to come up with a plan to save the emperor and defeat Shan Yu.

>>Watch Mulan with your family here. Slightly older audiences might enjoy seeing the live-action version of her story here.<<

If you have a Mulan-loving child in your family, consider a trip to Walt Disney World to meet this smart princess in person! Contact me today at tina.tolbert@mmvagent.com to get your trip started!

9. Jasmine (Aladdin)

Another smart princess is Jasmine from Aladdin. Jasmine is a smart and independent princess who refuses to be confined by the traditional expectations of her royal status. She’s highly intelligent, with a deep knowledge of politics and a quick wit. Jasmine’s intelligence is also shown through her ability to see beyond appearances and recognize the true character of those around her. Throughout the movie, Jasmine shows her intelligence by standing up for what she believes in and making tough decisions to protect her kingdom and the people she cares about.

>>Your family can watch this smart Disney character in Aladdin here.<<

TIP: As much as we love the animated version of Aladdin, we really love watching the live-action version too!

10. Milo Thatch (Atlantis: The Lost Empire)

Do you know Milo Thatch? He is the next smart Disney character to make our list! Milo Thatch is a linguist and cartographer who leads an expedition to find the lost city of Atlantis. He’s highly intelligent, with an encyclopedic knowledge of history, culture, and languages. Milo’s intelligence is also shown through his ability to solve puzzles and decipher ancient texts, as well as his quick thinking and resourcefulness in dangerous situations.

>>Never watched Atlantis: The Lost Empire? Check it out here.<<

11. Cruella de Vil (101 Dalmatians)

Cruella de Vil is the next Disney villain to make the list of smart Disney characters. Cruella is a cunning and intelligent villain who is determined to make a coat out of the fur of 101 dalmatian puppies. She’s highly manipulative and uses her intelligence to manipulate others to do her bidding. Cruella’s intelligence is also shown through her impeccable sense of fashion and style, which she uses to create a successful fashion empire. Although her actions are deplorable, there’s no denying that Cruella is a highly intelligent character.

>>Watch 101 Dalmatians with your family here.<<

TIP: If you really want to see how smart and clever Cruella de Vil is, watch her backstory unfold in the live-action film Cruella!

12. Flik (A Bug’s Life)

Flik is a creative and inventive ant who seeks to protect his colony from the oppressive grasshoppers in A Bug’s Life. He’s highly intelligent, with a talent for inventing and problem-solving. Flik’s intelligence is also shown through his ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to the challenges he faces. Throughout the movie, Flik shows his intelligence by standing up for what is right, inspiring his fellow ants, and ultimately saving the day with his ingenuity and bravery.

>>You can see Flik in A Bug’s Life here.<<

Follow Hey Mickey Travel on Social Media for More Disney Fun!

13. Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty)

Maleficent is a powerful and cunning sorceress who seeks revenge against King Stefan in Sleeping Beauty. She’s highly intelligent, with a deep understanding of dark magic and the ability to manipulate and deceive others. Maleficent’s intelligence is also shown through her capacity for strategic planning and her ability to outwit her enemies. Despite being a villain, there’s no denying that Maleficent is a highly intelligent and formidable character, capable of achieving her goals through her cleverness and power.

>>You can see Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty here or watch her back story in the live-action Maleficent here.<<

TIP: Love a powerful Disney villain? Check out 9 Reasons to Visit Disney World in Fall and find out more about Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party where you will encounter villains galore!

Smart Disney Characters: Honorable Mentions

In addition to the main 13 Smart Disney Characters, let’s check out some honorable mentions that are also known for their intelligence.

Doc McStuffins (Doc McStuffins)

The first honorable mention on our list is a true family favorite of ours! Doc McStuffins is a smart and caring six-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a doctor like her mother in the animated television series, Doc McStuffins. She’s highly intelligent, with a deep understanding of medicine and the human body, and the ability to diagnose and treat various ailments. Doc’s intelligence is also shown through her compassion and empathy towards her patients, as she uses her knowledge to help them feel better and heal. Throughout the series, Doc shows her intelligence by solving medical mysteries, inspiring her friends, and teaching important lessons about health and wellness to her audience.

>>Watch Doc prepare for a new baby sister in this season of Doc McStuffins.<<

Grandma Tala (Moana)

The next honorable mention on our list is Grandma Tala, the wise and beloved figure in Moana. She’s highly intelligent, with a deep understanding of her people’s culture and history, and the ability to impart valuable wisdom and knowledge to her granddaughter Moana. Grandma Tala’s intelligence is also shown through her capacity for storytelling and her ability to use metaphor and symbolism to teach important life lessons. Throughout the movie, Grandma Tala shows her intelligence by guiding Moana on her journey and teaching her important lessons about leadership, bravery, and the importance of following one’s own heart.

>>Your family can see the loveable Grandma Tala in Moana here.<<

Moana’s Journey of Water opens in EPCOT later this year! If you want to be immersed in the world of Moana send me a message at tina.tolbert@mmvagent.com to get your trip planned!

Belle (Beauty and the Beast)

Our last honorable mention on our list of smart Disney characters is another Disney princess. Belle is a bookworm who loves to read and learn new things. She’s curious and intelligent, and her love for books helps her see the world in a different way. Belle’s intelligence is also shown through her ability to outsmart the Beast and the way she solves problems throughout the movie.

>>Plan a movie night with Belle and watch Beauty and the Beast here.<<

TIP: If you are a Beauty and the Beast fan, you may also love the live-action version of the movie which you can watch here.

Why Smart Disney Characters Are Important to Storytelling

The intelligence of Disney characters plays a crucial role in the storytelling of many of their films. Whether it’s Belle’s love of reading, Hiro’s inventiveness, or Merlin’s vast knowledge of magic, these characters use their intelligence to solve problems and overcome challenges.

Intelligence is often used to distinguish characters from their peers, setting them apart as unique and special. It can also serve as a source of conflict, as intelligent characters may face challenges and obstacles that others do not. For example, in “Beauty and the Beast”, Belle’s intelligence sets her apart from the other villagers, who cannot understand her love of books and see her as an outsider. This conflict ultimately leads to Belle’s character development and her ability to see beyond appearances.

Moreover, the intelligence of Disney characters often reflects real-life cognitive processes and traits, making them relatable and aspirational. Belle’s love of reading encourages viewers to value education and learning, while Hiro’s inventiveness inspires creativity and problem-solving skills. By portraying intelligent characters in a positive light, Disney promotes intelligence as a valuable and admirable trait.

Where to Watch Smart Disney Characters

⭐️ Disney +: Disney + is the best source for finding all of the movies where our smart Disney characters are featured. The great thing about using Disney + is that you get access to thousands of movies and original shows for a set price each month.

⭐️ Prime Video – Amazon’s Prime Video is another great streaming alternative without the monthly commitment. This is a great option if you are only going to watch a couple of movies once. Prime Video is basically renting movies for 48 hours, so you won’t have access long-term.

⭐️ Disney Movie Club – If you like having physical DVDs or Blu-ray discs instead of streaming everything digitally, consider joining the Disney Movie Club. When joining you get 4 initial movies for just $1 and free shipping. After that, you commit to buying 5 more movies at the regular price ($19.95) in the span of 24 months.

⭐️ Local Library – You may also wish to consider your local library for some of the titles on our list. While the selection may be hit or miss, they usually try their best to keep family-friendly movies in stock and you can access them for free with a library card.

Booking Your Disney Trip to Meet the Characters

There is only one thing left to do after you have been introduced to all of these smart Disney characters, and that is meet them in person! There is nothing more magical than watching your young child’s face light up when they encounter their favorite Disney characters in real life! A trip to a Disney theme park allows them to do just that.

A Disney package of tickets and resort can be booked for as little as a $200 deposit and then you are able to make payments on your trip at your own leisure up until 30 days before your check-in day.

Click the box below and we can get started planning your most magical Disney vacation! And when booking a Disney World and Disneyland vacation with me, my services are always free!

Conclusion: Smart Disney Characters

Smart Disney characters are some of the most memorable and inspiring characters in the Disney universe. From Belle’s love of books to Hiro’s inventions, these characters show us that intelligence can come in many forms. Whether it’s quick thinking on the battlefield or solving complex problems with magic, these characters inspire us to use our own intelligence to achieve our goals and make a difference in the world.

And if you want more Disney movie watching suggestions, check out our most popular article, Top 21 Best Disney Movies for Toddlers!

Pin It for Later!

Recommended