But if it has the Disney name and was released by Disney…

Then again, “Ariel’s Beginning” completely retcons the whole TLM cartoon series [which takes place a year prior to the events of the main movie], so… I see what you mean though! I think most people don’t count the sequels anyway because they’re nothing more than a simple cash-grab for kids to beg their parents to buy. I personally like most of them, but I like them because they try to continue [or fill in the time-skips in the original films] the stories and try to bring in new fans.

But meh, to each his/her own.

Personally, I don’t accept anything outside of the original movies as canon, including direct-to-video sequels made by a different studio.

At least with Ariel, we know – thanks to official Disney canon [see TLM2] – that she can actually change back into a mermaid, thanks to King Triton’s trident; she does, however, change back by movie’s end, but that’s using trident magic… and since she’s a princess, it’s a legit reason for her to still be marketed as both a human and a mermaid [though she should be pushing 30 by now – she did have a 12 year old daughter in TLM2 and she was 16 when she got married… um, I’ll let that settle in for a bit.].

The retcon that Punzy still had “flower magic” inside her that caused her hair to grow back is just silly. Then again, she does spend most of “Tangled” as a blonde, so I suppose the sudden hair change from blonde to brunette can be jarring for some kids [not enough to stop them from watching DBZ though].

The barefoot thing is too, especially since there’s artwork confirming that she was even barefoot for her own wedding in “Tangled Ever After”… and it totally makes sense because that’s a part of her character. Besides, I’d think she’d be more used to being sans-shoes than with and having people [at least the citizens of Corona] being okay and accepting of that, despite how odd it is for a girl [or in this case, a Crown Princess] to be without shoes when wearing a pretty outfit and such.

…And now I’m just ranting about Princesses and their canon. Don’t mind me! XD

It’s like how Ariel is sometimes still a mermaid–crazy-long, blonde, magical (in Disney’s case) hair is Rapunzel’s schtick. She’s still the same character, as a person, without it, but in a way she’s no longer really the iconic Rapunzel, particularly from a marketing point of view. Because I adore the character, I tend to view this like you do, but I can totally understand both sides of the argument.

As for her wearing shoes, that seems normal enough now that she’s been assimilated into the rest of society. In the movie she had never worn shoes before because she had always been at home, Gothel certainly wasn’t going to give her shoes to suggest that she actually might be going somewhere else, and not being used to the idea or practice Rapunzel was in no hurry to acquire a pair once she did leave the tower. It’s a good thing that there wasn’t ever any broken glass in her path, for example (the broken mirror near the end was conveniently out of her way). That said, habitually going barefoot seems to be part of her identity for many people, so there is that side of it.

AMEN!!!

I think you mean “Disney never advertises her with short hair”. Also, I agree with you and share in your frustration over the lack of brunette!Rapunzel. It’s merely a retcon for advertisement’s sake but I’ll admit it’s a more marketable one.

Still though… it honestly makes no sense, even if they give a reason on why it’s long again in canon [the parks use something along the lines of “some of her magic from the flower returned her hair to blonde and made it not as long as before” or some stuff like that. It’s just a bad retcon that destroys all the meaning and symbolism from the movie and it makes me sad inside.].

While I’m not a fan of the Disney junior shows, I do like that they’re taking advantage of the old Disney brands. The only other reboots/remakes is 7D (XD) which doesn’t honor the original as much as it could, and Mickey Mouse on Disney Channel. I would like to see more on XD and Disney Channel. But not “Descendants”.

Also, I frigging love Rapunzel – one of my fave canon Disney Princesses of all-time! It’s nice to see her returning to the screen, albeit the small screen. However, the one gripe I do have is… the lack of Rapunzel’s short hair. Yes, I get that it’s a major climatic spoiler if they did show that [they DID show it in the sequel short, “Tangled Ever After” because… well, “sequel short”], but STILL, this feels like a horrible retcon of the events in “Tangled” just by seeing long-haired-blonde Rapunzel on merch and stuff… and now in THIS. Also, her hair… isn’t it supposed to be 70 feet long? It looks WAY too short in that screenie [though it should canonically be much shorter and more brown], though I’m sure it’s sort-of braided up like it almost always is in her merch.

Also, Rapunzel doesn’t wear shoes [it’s a rarity, but it’s jarring to me other than the hair thing]! I know she’s a princess officially now, but still… be yourself, Punzy. Free those feet from those flats!

If I get a chance, I think I’d check this out…. though I’m more excited about the TLK continuation honestly.

Well, I would say that the best animation in terms of animation and amazing funny storyline i would say that Disney Channel has the best show which is the 3 minute Mickey Mouse Shorts, I can watch it all the time than any other Disney show, the only thing good on Disney XD is Wander over yonder, Gravity falls and Phineas and Ferb (especially the first 2 seasons)