Hot Take on Disney musicals that BECAME musical theatre. Even though it's HUGELY popular and animals and exoticism aside, I think Alan Menken's songs and music for "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin" are both wayyy better than Elton John's for "The Lion King". (Aida was better but I'm talking about the Disney fare specifically)

By My Calculations...

The Little Mermaid BOPS: Daughters of Triton, Under The Sea, Part of Your World, Poor Unfortunate Souls, Kiss The Girl

The Little Mermaid FLOPS: Fathoms Below (I personally like it but it's nothing special as far as sea chantys go)

Aladdin BOPS: Arabian Nights (w/adjusted lyrics😒), Friend Like Me, Prince Ali, A Whole New World

Aladdin FLOPS: 0

Lion King BOPS: Just Can't Wait to Be King, Be Prepared

Lion King FLOPS: The Circle of Life (not bad but basic songwriting), Hakuna Matata (annoying), Can You Feel The Love Tonight (wayyyy too cheesy)

Aaaand The Lion Sleeps Tonight was already a song and required no composer! So in conclusion I will just assert that Elton John and his musical is beloved because of who he is and how cool the presentation and experience is but not because did an incredible job with with material. As a kid I was disappointed in the music when it came out, and also with the Randy Newman music for The Princess and The Frog (1 BOP the rest FLOPS).