It's a mix. There are real - world problems that can be considered 'dark side' elements, such as the commercial aspects that can make it seem less magical for some. But the spookier stories, like the supposed hauntings, are more likely to be a combination of rumor, legend, and the power of suggestion. People come to Disney World expecting magic, and sometimes that can lead to seeing things that may not be there or exaggerating normal events into something more mysterious.
There are stories about the overcrowding and long wait times which can be considered a 'dark side' in a way. People might spend hours in line for a ride, getting frustrated and tired. This can sometimes ruin the overall magical experience that Disney World is supposed to offer. Also, the high prices for food, souvenirs, and tickets can be a burden for some families, making it less accessible and enjoyable for them.
The Disney dark side stories can be quite fascinating. Consider the story of Cruella de Vil in '101 Dalmatians'. Her obsession with fur coats made her willing to kidnap and kill puppies, which is extremely dark. In 'Aladdin', Jafar's thirst for power and his willingness to use dark magic to achieve his goals is another example. He tries to trick Aladdin and take over the kingdom. And in 'The Lion King', Scar's plot to kill Mufasa and take over the pride is a dark and tragic part of the story. Scar's jealousy and his alliance with the hyenas led to many sad events in the movie.
One dark side is the lack of agency in some stories. For example, Snow White. She was mainly a passive character, waiting to be rescued by the prince. Another is the emphasis on beauty as the most important trait. Cinderella was only noticed by the prince because of her beauty at the ball. And in some princess stories, there is a kind of class divide that is not really challenged. The princesses often end up with princes, which might give the idea that marrying into royalty is the only way to a happy ending.
One 'Dark Side Disney Story' is the theory about the hidden meanings in 'Pinocchio'. Some believe that the Island of Pleasure where naughty boys turn into donkeys represents the dark side of temptation and the consequences of giving in to vices. Another is the idea that in 'Snow White', the Queen's obsession with beauty and her downfall can be seen as a dark exploration of vanity.
One example is in 'Snow White'. The Evil Queen's jealousy is quite dark. She tries to kill Snow White out of envy for her beauty. Also, in 'The Little Mermaid', Ariel gives up her voice for a chance at love with a human, which can be seen as a rather dark aspect as she loses a crucial part of herself.
One example is in 'Snow White'. The Evil Queen's jealousy and her attempts to kill Snow White are quite dark. Also, in 'The Little Mermaid', Ariel gives up her voice which can be seen as a rather dark sacrifice in the pursuit of love.
For Cinderella, there could be a dark side story in how her stepsisters and stepmother treated her so cruelly. However, from the stepsisters' perspective, they might have been pressured by their mother to be that way in order to secure a better future for themselves. And in the case of Belle from Beauty and the Beast, some might say that her being so willing to stay with the Beast, a creature who had kidnapped her father, has a bit of a dark undertone. But she was also trying to save her father.
They add depth by showing that not everything is perfect. For example, in many Disney stories, there are villains whose actions are quite dark. This contrast between good and bad makes the good more appealing. The dark side also makes the stories more relatable as in real life, there are challenges and bad elements.
It can make them more aware of the world's complexity. For example, when they see Snow White facing danger from the Evil Queen, they start to understand that not everyone is kind. But it also depends on how parents guide them. If parents explain that these are just stories and how to face bad things, it can be a positive experience.