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When it comes to adorakably loveable not-so-princessey should be princesses, I think we can all agree that Vanellopee von Schweetz quite literally takes the cake. Her undying loyalty to her best buddy in the whole world and her enduringly sassy potty mouth only make her that much more appealing to us. I remember the first time I saw Wreck-it Ralph – I was so impressed with the entire film, but especially the development of Vanellope and more so the sweet friendship that flowered between Miss von Schweetz and Ralph. Talk about friendship goals!

While we have debated on our Celebrations podcast the validity of Vanellope as a bonafide Disney princess (sadly, she is left out of the line up). If you recall in the follow up to Wreck-it Ralph, Ralph Breaks the Internet, some of the legit Disney princesses sat round table style in leggings convinced that V was in fact a princess due to the unfair societal pressure put on leading lady roles. Though she fits all the criteria and then some for princess material,  the relatability of this adorable kid is the topic of discussion. So, without further ado, here are four times I connected with Vanellope on a whole ‘nother level, as the kids say…

That time her entire attire was edible

This puts the phrase ‘looking like a snack’ into a different, more literal level. With a Reese’s peanut butter cup skirt, a red Twizzler hair tie, and sprinkles atop an adorably high ponytail, there’s no chance of the tummy rumblies when Vanellope is around! While living your life in a candy game might help your cause of edible clothing, I think I might take up my case for sugary skirts and hair do-dads up with my boss. I do have that pesky hypoglycemia, after all…

Struggling to find your groove in a new friendship

New friendships can be hard. New friendships with a seven-foot-tall seemingly intimidating big ol’ teddy bear poses an even bigger challenge. Think you’re doing the right thing when you destroy your BFFs car after she worked tirelessly on it for a competition to prove her worth and value once and for all? It’s probably definitely the wrong thing. Good thing Vanellope is so kind and forgiving! After a completely acceptable amount of below the belt verbal abuse, that is. The point is, we mess things up, sometimes royally when attempting to find our groove in new, exciting friendships. The most meaningful ones always pull through and stick around for the tough, as well as the exciting stuff. 

Being vulnerable and a powerhouse all at the same time

What I love probably the most about Vanellope is her ability to destroy the idea that being emotional is a sign of weakness. She might cry, yell, scream, and even throw a tantrum, but that in no way indicates that she is a feeble person. Von Schweetz is strong and emotional. Reckless and responsible. Unhinged and totally together in every way. The times when she proverbially cuts herself open (show of hands, who sobs just as much as our dear sweet Vanellope in the scene when Ralph destroys her car as she hangs helplessly from the peppermint tree?) and shows us her mess, so to speak, is when I find her the most powerful and inspiring. 

Annoying yet adorable – a saga 

Britta and Vanellope, well, we have a lot in common. We both love sweets, we never stop talking (or talking in a sing-song inflection, those who love me have decided to find it enchanting…) and nothing makes us happier than looking at all the other ‘losers’ in the rearview mirror who told us we’d never make it. Ok, that wasn’t very nice, but people can be downright stink brains! Besides, coloring inside the lines to fit some polite norm can be downright… boring. Let em’ talk, the squeaky wheel gets the grease, anyhow!

Though Vanellope von Schweetz isn’t an underrated character necessarily, I do feel as though she has been overlooked as vital to the Disney franchise and placed in the compartment of ‘cute-sy’ rather than the powerhouse of a creation she actually is. I have loved her since day one, and nothing would make me happier than seeing more of her (and Ralph, of course) in the parks and on Disney property in general. Sweet and courageous, brave and reckless; it’s a new kind of multidimensional female lead we just can’t get enough of!