The lantern scene might be the best example of Disney magic there is
I used to be a pretty unapologetic basher of the revival movies, but I'm not sure I can think of a single scene that so perfectly embodies the hope and romance that is the Disney hallmark than this.
It's so beautifully animated, and then add to that how Flynn and Rapunzel (easily the most developed Disney couple) are finally admitting their feelings for each other while Rapunzel is simultaneously realizing her lifelong dream, and you can see the supportive love on Eugene's face as she does this - magic.
Other possible contenders are:
- Beauty and the Beast dance
- Prince fitting Cinderella's shoe
- Prince kissing/waking Snow and Aurora
However, with all three of the old-school princesses, I feel like there just wasn't enough character development (certainly not in the case of their princes, with the possible exception of Phillip) for the magical moment to resonate as much. BatB is a strong contender, but there's something about the lantern scene I just prefer.
Other scenes that would seemingly qualify, but I feel just don't quite fit the bill, for one reason or another:
- A Whole New World (too fast-paced and flirty)
- Kiss the Girl (Eric was too one-dimensional and their relationship was too underdeveloped for me to feel all that invested)
- Pocahontas speaking to John Smith for the first time after "listening to her heart" and being able to understand his language (amazing scene, but it's too bittersweet and sort of foreshadowing how their different cultures would end up keeping them apart to qualify for that optimistic, "dreams come true" Disney magic)
- Ray and Evangeline being united in the sky (very touching, but too short and sweet to have the same impact)