How Did THAT Princess Scene Make It in Ralph Breaks the Internet? | A Pamela Ribon Interview

Do you know what princess scene I’m talking about? Chances are if you’re a Disney fan, you know of the buzz of THAT princess scene in Ralph Breaks the Internet from D23. On stage were 11 voices of Disney Princesses, and they debuted a hilarious scene you don’t want to miss. But is Disney Studios ready to talk about itself in that way? Hear about if it is from the co-writer of Ralph Breaks the Internet and princess scene mastermind, Pamela Ribon.

Thank you, Disney, for hosting me for the Ralph Breaks the Internet Event. All tears are my own.

Why Disney Princesses are Important

As a little girl, I always got excited when watching a movie with the Disney Princesses. However, I do remember waiting for one that looked like me. I’ve always had the opinion that what we and our children watch on television and in movies influence thoughts and behaviors, so these characters matter.

They shape how we see the world. When I saw a scene with all the princesses, the little girl in me was freaking out.

How did the Princess Scene Make it In Ralph Breaks the Internet?

Meet Pamela Ribon. When I found out Pamela Ribon had a blog, I felt a connection. Blogger, writer, screenwriter, author, the list goes on and on for her accomplishments. She’s the co-writer of Ralph Breaks the Internet, and the princess scene started as an idea where Vanellope meets the Princesses.

She called up one of her Disney friends, Elise Aliberti, and bounced ideas off her.

If Vanellope, a Princess (of the Sugar Rush Von Schweetzes), was to glitch into the backstage green room where the Disney Princesses were hanging out between sets, what would their first question be?

Then came the questions that were risky – who was poisoned, who had daddy issues, etc. Pamela wondered if the studio was ready talk about itself in this way.

Not only is Pamela the genius behind the princess scene, she also voices Snow White. They were able to get almost all of the original Disney Princess voices for this scene, and it is worth your time. I squealed, cheered, and belly laughed. Many of us even dressed like Disney Princesses for the Ralph Breaks the Internet Premiere.

Extra bonus was when we saw Pamela Ribon on the blue carpet, and she took a photo with us. Best.day.ever.

Hopes and Goals for the Princess Scene

I asked Pamela Ribon what her goals were for this princess scene when she wrote it. She said she thought of them more as hopes than goals. Her hope was that it would be entertaining.

“You hope you have a room that appreciates what you’re bringing to the table.” – Pamela Ribon

She said she came in to Disney at the end of Frozen and then worked on Moana when Disney was embracing princesses and ready to talk about them in a new, modern way. She was really scared they wouldn’t like this scene and even that she would be fired.

What she said about hoping you have a room that appreciates what you’re bringing to the table really resonated with me. As a blogger, you worry about whether your content is good enough for your audience, and you hope it is. As a mother, I worry about if I’m doing a good enough job for my kids, and hope they appreciate what I do. Also as I watch my children grow up with different personalities, I hope that what they bring to the table is good enough for friends, teachers, coaches, and people to accept them in this world as they are.

And Then Pamela Ribon Made Me Cry

I LOVED seeing the Disney Princesses in comfy clothes. It made them human, real, one of us. Pamela was invested in what they’re saying, why they’re saying it, and who they’re saying it to and what these women are doing for each other in this backstage moment.

What does it mean to want to be a Disney Princess?

Pamela asked that question, and it made me think. Are the little girls who look up these princesses wanting perfection, pretty dresses, castle living, a handsome prince? I don’t know, but Pamela Ribon is changing the narrative, and as the mother of 5 girls, I thank her.

And as I thanked her in person, the tears came. My mom heart came out for those who are empowering girls and women, because sometimes the responsibility feels so great.

Pamela Ribon likened it to being able to thank Moana. Moana made such a difference in so many people’s lives. “What she can do to a young person’s ability to go farther than your dreams. It’s very special.”

Thanks again, Pamela, from the bottom of my mom heart.

Go see this epic princess scene in Ralph Breaks the Internet on November 21st!

Check out The Geekly Show’s video for more on our interview with Pamela Ribon!