In 2002, Lilo & Stitch taught us that ohana means family, and Disney's well on their way to create another heartwarming tale with Moana. Unlike Snow White or Cinderella, this story won’t be focusing on overly simplistic storylines involving Prince Charming. Instead, Moana shares a closer parallel to Disney's latest anti-princess characters, like the flame-haired Merida from Brave in 2012, Elsa in Frozen from 2013, and even Judy, the effervescent rabbit from Zootopia, who popped up earlier this year. It was Elsa who poked fun at Disney's former princesses, telling her sister Anna, "You can’t marry a man you just met!". Given their history of stereotypical princess roles, adding another strong female protagonist to the list of new wave Disney flicks certainly doesn't hurt.

For the record, Moana is absolutely (100%) not a princess, but she is the chief's daughter, and she's next in line to be the leader of her people. Fourteen year old Auli'i Cravalho (@auliicravalho) lends her voice to the role, a newcomer that's bound to have a bright future ahead. In the beginning, Cravalho almost skipped out on her audition completely, woefully thinking that she’d never make the cut. Last year, the video announcement of Auli'i Cravalho's casting as Moana immediately went viral. With over four million views, Cravalho’s enthusiasm and full on aloha spirit will shine through on screens to come. With so many examples of white-washed roles in recent films, we’re so glad that Disney opted for a Hawai’i native.

Directed by John Musker and Ron Clements, who also created The Little Mermaid, Aladdin and The Princess and the Frog, the film explores the importance of culture, traditions and family. If you need a primer, Moana is strong-willed, fearless and carries an adventurous spirit. Eager to know what's beyond the borders of her island home, Moana sets out on a journey across the sea. Along the way, she crosses paths with Maui, the demi-god voiced by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson (@therock). Johnson shed "manly tears" after a recent viewing of the film, who sees similarities between his own daughter and the lead character in the musical.

If you haven't heard of Hamilton, it's a hip-hop infused musical about the life of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton that's been taking Broadway by storm. Creator Lin Manuel-Miranda wrote the soundtrack for Moana with award-winning musicians Opetaia Foa'i and Mark Mancina.

Of course, it’s not quite a Disney film without having some lovable animals in tow. Moana is unexpectedly joined by a rooster named Heihei, and actor Alan Tudyk (@alantudyk) lends his voice for the role. If Tudyk’s name doesn’t sound familiar, his voice might, seeing as how he’s actually spent time voicing characters in every Walt Disney Animation Studios film ever since Wreck-It Ralph. We'll be hearing Tudyk’s again next month in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, adding life to the brusque droid, K-2SO (KAY-TUESSO). Look out for Gramma Tala, who describes herself as the "village crazy lady", an elder who is known for being an enthralling storyteller. 

Pua is Moana's utterly adorable pet pig, and we'll get a kick out of seeing the Kakamora, described as a some delightfully cute and dangerous spear-throwing coconuts. Yes, you read that right. With rich graphics, a stellar soundtrack and an overall theme of personal empowerment, it looks like Moana is one Disney adventure that’s not to be missed.

Written by Jade Nicolette

Twitter: @nicolette_style