Best openings:
1.
The Rescuers: Anybody surprised about this pick? The opening shot of Medusa's boat in the bayou immediately sets the mood and pulls you into the film. I still get the chills everytime I hear that door open and see little Penny walking through it to deliver her cry for help to the world. And then the wonderful song has even yet to begin!
2.
Hunchback of Notre Dame: That one still blows me away every time I watch it. I love the heavy, almost opera-like tone to it and the religious tones to it (how the saints of Notre Dame seem to look at Frollo). Though the lyrics are a bit too obvious at times ("who is the monster and who is the man"), it's one of Disney's strongest songs/openings.
3.
The Little Mermaid: Not really the part with Eric, but the underwater sequence with the credits. That little piece of music is just wonderful. Even just thinking about it, it gives me goosebumps. This opening really must have signaled: "Disney is BACK, baby!" Nowadays, it's a bittersweet reminder of what Disney was once capable of.
4.
Lilo & Stitch: Not so much the part with Stitch, even though that was really cool, but the 'He Mele No Lilo' sequence. That kind of animation, music and characterization really screams "Disney Essence".
5.
Tarzan: I really like how the story of Tarzan's parents is interwoven with that of Kerchak and Kala, emphasizing how much of a 'human' family these gorillas form; how much they're like Tarzan's parents. That song is fantastic, really epic.
Best endings:
1.
Lilo & Stitch: After all Lilo and Nani have been through, it's so rewarding to see in this montage how everything worked out well for them; how they made their extended, alternative family work. It's a real feel-good ending, yet I don't want it to end. I don't want to say goodbye to these characters. Don't even mention the cheapquels and tv series. They ruined the heart, warmth and sincerity of the original film (which can all be found in this ending).
2.
Pocahontas: An unhappy ending for a Disney film, I like that. It's so bittersweet. Really touching to see that handwave. Bold.
3.
The Great Mouse Detective: Not really the part in the Big Ben (though that's what the movie is famous for), but the last part where Basil has to say goodbye to Olivia and Dawson. I think there's some of Disney's best character acting in it. Basil tries to keep a straight face and doesn't want to show his feelings, but it's very clear he deeply regrets having to say goodbye to Olivia. He was really hoping Dawson would stay and is disappointed to see him go, but jumps on the first opportunity to convince him not to leave. Then again Henry Mancini's magnificent score --and, in the Dutch version, hearing Basil, Dawson and Olivia song "Goodbye, so soon" over the end credits, as if they've been reunited. I like that thought.
4.
The Little Mermaid: "She really loves him, doesn't she, Sebastian?" and then her transformation into a human again... So sweet to see King Triton giving up being with his daughter just to make her happy. "I love you, daddy" also always gets me.
5.
Jungle Book: "My home town" is a beautiful little song and you've got to love how Mowgli was lured into the village: a pretty girl is all it took... just like real life.
