Listen to Lofi Minnie: Focus Digital Album Available Now

By Andie Hagemann

Love Disney and lofi music? The Lofi Minnie: Focus digital album is here, featuring some of Minnie Mouse’s favorite Disney songs reimagined by top artists in the lofi space. Celebrate iconic hits like “Hakuna Matata,” “Into the Unknown,” “A Whole New World,” and more with a chill new vibe perfect for studying, creating, or unwinding.

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Available on all streaming platforms, the digital release features classic Disney tracks reimagined in the style of lofi, a genre with roots in hip-hop, house, and jazz that has come to prominence over the last decade thanks to influential artists around the world. Listeners often stream lofi for hours at a time given how easily it can promote focus.

“What attracted us to lofi is the ability to reimagine our songs in a completely new way that combines the soothing benefits of lofi with the wonder and nostalgia that Disney has to offer” says Tim Pennoyer, Enterprise Franchise Mickey & Friends Lead. “One of the artists we worked with, Jazzinuf, had a great take that, ‘Disney and Lofi are like pancakes and maple syrup,’ and we couldn’t agree more. Lofi and Disney are both a great source of comfort, so the two make for a perfect match.”

Lofi is also known for pairing tracks with an animated glimpse into a character’s life on YouTube, where the genre started. Pennoyer adds, “Minnie Mouse is one Disney’s most celebrated icons globally, so who better to represent an album full of Disney hits? We love giving listeners the ability to peek into Minnie’s world and have her accompany their daily tasks. Minnie’s interests in creativity, music, and wellness are a perfect fit with lofi as the genre is known for self-expression and has calming, meditative properties.”

The songs on Lofi Minnie: Focus are reimagined by some of the biggest names in lofi from across the world, including Purrple Cat, Jazzinuf and eevee, who between them have amassed over 12 million listeners per month on Spotify, as well as countless more per day on YouTube.

Many of these artists have emotional connections to Disney, as eevee adds, “I’ve known Disney since I was a young child and I’ve watched a lot of their movies, so being able to put my own style on a classic song is a dream come true!”

The track listing for Lofi Minnie: Focus is as follows:

  • “Hakuna Matata,” from The Lion King, performed by Purrple Cat
  • “How Far I’ll Go,” from Moana, performed by Philanthrope
  • “Go the Distance,” from Hercules, performed by mommy
  • “Into the Unknown,” from Frozen 2, performed by Hippo Dreams
  • “A Whole New World,” from Aladdin, performed by eevee
  • “Un Poco Loco,” from Coco, performed by Krynoze
  • “Almost There,” from The Princess and the Frog, performed by Otesla
  • “I Just Can’t Wait to be King,” from The Lion King, performed by Epona
  • “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” from Toy Story, performed by Jazzinuf
  • “Under the Sea,” from The Little Mermaid, performed by Kupla

The Lofi Minnie: Focus digital album is available today.

Thrilling New Trailer for Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Meet Ms. Marvel—Streaming on Disney+ Beginning This June

Earlier this week, our pals at Disney+ released the trailer for Marvel Studios’ Ms. Marvel—along with the sensational news that the series will launch exclusively on the streaming service on Wednesday, June 8! The trailer—seen below—gives us an amazing first look at the MCU’s newest Super Hero as she tries to balance high school life, her family, and her emerging super powers.

Ms. Marvel is a new, original series that introduces Kamala Khan, a Muslim American teenager growing up in Jersey City. An avid gamer and a voracious fan-fiction scribe, Kamala is a mega fan with an oversized imagination—particularly when it comes to Captain Marvel. Yet Kamala feels like she doesn’t fit in at school and sometimes even at home—that is, until she gets super powers like the heroes she’s always looked up to. Life gets better with super powers, right?

Iman Vellani stars as Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel. The cast also includes Aramis Knight, Saagar Shaikh, Rish Shah, Zenobia Shroff, Mohan Kapur, Matt Lintz, Yasmeen Fletcher, Laith Nakli, Azhar Usman, Travina Springer, and Nimra Bucha. Mark those calendars!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®

Spring will officially, well, spring beginning this Sunday, March 20—and with the days getting longer, you’re sure to find some incredible viewing from across the worlds of Disney to fill those extra daylight hours this very weekend. Cheaper by the Dozen on Disney+? Step Into… The Movies with Derek and Julianne Hough on ABC? Tune in for all that, and lots more.

New Trailer for OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film)

If you felt an exciting jolt come through your social media this week, that was probably multiple Grammy®-nominated singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo revealing the official trailer for her upcoming original film, OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film). The project debuts exclusively on Disney+ later this month.

For the first time, Rodrigo takes audiences on a familiar road trip from Salt Lake City, where she began writing her triple-platinum debut album SOUR (Geffen Records), to Los Angeles. Along the way, she recounts memories of writing and creating her record-breaking debut album and shares her feelings as a young woman navigating a specific time in her life. Through new live arrangements of her songs, intimate interviews, and never-before-seen footage from the making of the album, audiences will follow her along on a cinematic journey exploring the story of SOUR.

Look for the film on Disney+ beginning Friday, March 25.

Unscripted Fun Coming This Summer to ABC

The good folks over at ABC just announced a truly all-star lineup of unscripted programming premiering on Tuesday, May 3—including a new season of Holey Moley (8 p.m.), the return of the heart-racing quiz show The Chase (9 p.m.), and a brand-new series, Who Do You Believe (10 p.m.).

Season four of Holey Moley—everyone’s favorite extreme mini-golf competition series— features a collaboration for the ages when the Muppets unite with on-camera commentating duo Rob Riggle and Joe Tessitore, making for some un-fore-gettable hijinks! Also returning are sideline correspondent Jeannie Mai as well as executive producer and resident golf pro Stephen Curry. Both new and past fan-favorite holes will be featured every week, along with additional special guest appearances and other surprises along the way. Check out the teaser trailer for the season, above.

Meanwhile, three new Chasers—Victoria Groce, Brandon Blackwell, and Buzzy Cohen—join returning Chasers Brad Rutter and James Holzhauer as Sara Haines hosts The Chase. In this all-new season, three competitors must pit their wits and face off against a Chaser, a ruthless quiz genius determined to stop them from winning cash prizes.

And in the innovative new series Who Do You Believe, simultaneous storytelling will take viewers through compelling true-crime cases from dual perspectives. In each episode, the audience steps into the shoes of two contrasting narratives to hear directly from the victims and the criminals with never-before-revealed details. Then the viewer plays “armchair detective” to deduce and piece together different versions of the truth.

Additional summer premiere dates will be announced at a later date, so keep those eyes peeled.

Fasci-NATE-ing Facts We Learned at the Better Nate Than Ever Premiere

Ready to dream big? D23 was lucky enough to chat with the stars of the new Disney+ Original Movie Better Nate Than Ever, as well as the film’s writer/director, Tim Federle, at their recent premiere—and we have a rundown of memorable red-carpet scoop (as well as some fantastic photos)… all the better to prepare you for the film’s debut on April 1.

Disney+ Releases Sing-Along Version of Encanto

Warm up those vocal cords and gather the family, because Disney+ has just announced plans to introduce Sing-Along versions of beloved fan-favorite musicals—beginning today (Friday, March 18) with Walt Disney Animation Studios’ critically acclaimed, Academy Award®-nominated film Encanto.

While watching this new Disney+ Sing-Along version, subscribers can follow the on-screen lyrics and sing along to all their favorite songs from the movie including “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” “Family Madrigal,” “Surface Pressure,” the Oscar®-nominated “Dos Oruguitas,” and more!

Disney+ subscribers can look forward to the release of additional Sing-Alongs later this year across an amazing range of titles, including Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen, Frozen 2, and Beauty and the Beast (1991), as well as Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast (2017).

ICYMI: First Look at Disney+’s New Live-Action Pinocchio

He’s got no strings to hold him down, and he’s coming soon to Disney+!

The streamer recently released a first-look image of its upcoming all-new live-action Pinocchio, which will premiere exclusively on the service this September.

Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live-action retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a riveting adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the woodcarver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Academy Award–nominee Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; Academy Award–nominee Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character; and Luke Evans is The Coachman.

Stay tuned for more info on this sure-to-be-memorable project as it becomes available.

 

The Voices of Turning Red’s 4*Town Play Disney Boy Band Trivia

Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red is taking the world by storm and we are feeling the early 2000’s nostalgia! Watch as we chat with the voices of the film’s fictional boy-band, 4*Town, and challenge them to Disney Boy Band Trivia! Whether it’s the Jonas Brothers’ Camp Rock trio or real-life boy bands with personal Disney connections – see how well they fared and let us know how many of these questions YOU got right!

 

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in April 2022

By Andie Hagmann

Disney+ just announced exciting content coming to the streamer this April!

Several new titles will be available throughout the month, starting with Disney’s Better Nate Than Ever on Friday, April 1. In the comedy adventure film, based on the award-winning novel by Tim Federle, 13-year-old Nate (Rueby Wood) has big Broadway dreams. There’s only one problem—he can’t even land a part in the school play. But when his parents leave town, Nate and his best friend Libby (Aria Brooks) sneak off to the Big Apple for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to prove everyone wrong. A chance encounter with Nate’s long-lost Aunt Heidi (Lisa Kudrow) turns his journey upside-down, and together they must learn that life’s greatest adventures are only as big as your dreams.

The original series Ice Age: Scrat Tales debuts on Wednesday, April 13, with six all-new animated shorts. The series follows Scrat (voice of Chris Wedge)—the hapless saber-toothed squirrel of the Ice Age adventures—as he experiences the ups and downs of fatherhood, while he and the adorable, mischievous Baby Scrat alternately bond with each other and battle for ownership of the highly treasured Acorn.

In celebration of Earth Day, Disney+ will premiere new movies and specials on the streamer on Friday, April 22. Narrated by two-time Academy Award® nominee Catherine Keener, Disneynature’s Polar Bear tells the story of a new mother whose memories of her own youth prepare her to navigate motherhood in the increasingly challenging world that polar bears face today. Helmed by Alastair Fothergill and Jeff Wilson, the directing team behind Disneynature’s Penguins, the film is produced by Fothergill, Wilson, Jason Roberts, Keith Scholey, and Roy Conli.

The special Explorer: The Last Tepui, from National Geographic, follows elite climber Alex Honnold and a world-class climbing team led by National Geographic Explorer and climber Mark Synnott on a grueling mission deep in the Amazon jungle as they attempt a first-ascent climb up a 1,000-foot sheer cliff. Their goal is to deliver legendary biologist and National Geographic Explorer Bruce Means to the top of a massive “island in the sky” known as a tepui. The team must first trek miles of treacherous jungle terrain to help Dr. Means complete his life’s work, searching the cliff wall for undiscovered animal species. The one-hour special is the newest installment of National Geographic’s long-running Explorer series. This Earth Day, learn why the tepuis—much like the Galapagos—are a treasure trove of biodiversity worth protecting.

The Biggest Little Farm: The Return, from National Geographic, is based on the 2018 award-winning feature documentary film that tells the story of John and Molly Chester, who abandon their urban life in Los Angeles to live on a barren farm to grow delicious food in harmony with nature in Ventura County. The new special follows the farmers’ tireless 10-year journey as they transform the land into a magical working farm and document the whole process in this heartwarming special that is akin to a real-life Charlotte’s Web. Apricot Lane Farms is a beautiful, complex world that reflects our planet’s biodiversity, and this special introduces audiences to animals that will quickly burrow into their hearts—like Emma the pig who welcomes her newest litter, and an adorable lamb named Moe who befriends the family. See how the farmers utilize the interconnectedness of nature to help build soil health, maximize biodiversity, and regeneratively grow the most nutrient-dense food possible.

Disney+ is home to a wide range of movies, series, and specials from Disneynature and National Geographic for all nature lovers. The programming can be found in the Earth Month collection on Disney+.

Disney+ invites you to a one-of-a-kind drawing experience in the all-new, six-part Original Series Sketchbook with Walt Disney Animation Studios, streaming Wednesday, April 27. From Supper Club and in partnership with Disney Animation, audiences will be given an insider’s look into the animation process as some of the Studios’ talented artists teach them how to draw beloved Disney characters—including Kuzco from Emperor’s New Groove, Olaf from Frozen, Genie from Aladdin, Captain Hook from Peter Pan, Mirabel from Encanto, and young Simba from The Lion King.

Moon Knight is in middle of an arena with knocked out bodies around him

In addition, brand-new episodes of the Disney+ Original series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder and Marvel Studios’ Moon Knight will continue to debut weekly on Wednesdays.

All the titles coming to Disney+ in April are listed below:

Friday, April 1
Better Nate Than Ever (Premiere)
Critter Fixers: Country Vets (Season 3, Episodes 15-26)
Herbie: Fully Loaded
Step Into the Movies… with Derek and Julianne Hough

Wednesday, April 6
Man in the Arena: Tom Brady (Episodes 1-9)
Moon Knight (Episode 2)
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Episode 8: “Home School”)

Friday, April 8
30 for 30: Fernando Nation
30 for 30: Four Days in October
30 for 30: Jordan Rides the Bus
30 for 30: Silly Little Game
Chasing Mavericks

Friday, April 15
Alex & Co. (Seasons 1-3)
Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends (Season 1, Episodes 18-21)
Puppy Dog Pals (Season 5, Episodes 7-11)
Raven’s Home (Season 5, Episodes 1-5)

Wednesday, April 13
Ice Age: Scrat Tales (Season 1, All Episodes)
Moon Knight (Episode 3)
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Episode 9: “Raging Bully”)

Wednesday, April 20
Moon Knight (Episode 4)
The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder (Episode 10: “Old Towne Road”)

Friday, April 22
Bear Witness (Premiere)
The Biggest Little Farm: The Return (Premiere)
Buried Secrets of Cordoba
Buried Secrets of Keros
Expedition China
Explorer: The Last Tepui (Premiere)
Ghost of the Mountains
Growing Up Wild
The Kangaroo King
O11CE (Seasons 1-3)
The Phantom Cat
Polar Bear (Premiere)
Return of the Clouded Leopards
When Billie Met Lisa (Premiere)

Wednesday, April 27
Moon Knight (Episode 5)
Sketchbook (Season 1, All Episodes)

Fun For the Whole Family at the Cheaper by the Dozen World Premiere

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Yesterday, Hollywood had stars by the dozens on the red carpet for the premiere of Disney+’s original movie Cheaper by the Dozen, which debuts on the streamer this Friday. Zach Braff, Gabrielle Union, two adorable dog actors, and more of the film’s cast and crew dazzled at the premiere of the film, which is a reimagining of the classic novel.

Cheaper by the Dozen is a funny and heartwarming story about the shenanigans of a blended family of 12, the Bakers (they’re a Bakers dozen—get it?), as they navigate a hectic home life while simultaneously managing the family’s restaurant.

Check out some of the highlights from the premiere below, and make sure to tune into Cheaper by the Dozen when it begins streaming on Disney+ this Friday!

Back and Even Better: Cheaper by the Dozen Premieres on Disney+

It’s been 19 years since the last Cheaper by the Dozen film graced our screens, but the wait for a revisit was definitely worth it! Kenya Barris and Jenifer Rice-Genzuk Henry, co-writers of black-ish and grown-ish, worked together to make this updated version more relatable and hilarious than ever before.

Stars Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff lead the film as Zoe and Paul Baker, newlyweds who bring their many children together under one roof. The blended family of 12 must learn how to compromise and prioritize and have a little fun along the way while trying to juggle the family business.

Directing numerous children during union hours with no parents or nannies on deck can be a bit overwhelming, but director Gail Lerner managed not only to handle the chaos but to get some great shots out of it as well. Braff called her eye the “most double black diamond directing I have ever seen.”

The addition to the story of Paul’s ex-wife, Kate (Erika Christensen), and Zoe’s ex-husband, Dom (Timon Kyle Durrett), contributes a whole slew of additional problems. The group’s dynamic is both comic and stressful as they attempt to co-parent in the best way possible for the children.

“I come from a large family,” Durrett said. “At one point, there were 10 of us in the house. I can relate to the chaos when I was younger, so when we were working on the film it was nostalgic to me.”

After two years in and out of quarantine, the cast was just happy to work together after a long break from movie sets. Braff said that unlike some other movies and shows he has been involved in, Lerner put an emphasis on bonding among the cast—including setting up a relay sandwich race.

The chemistry on and off the screen could definitely be felt, the actors said, as the cast became more like a family than co-workers.

Cheaper by the Dozen premieres March 18 on Disney+ and is sure to make the whole family burst with laughter.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend Presented by State Farm®

By Andie Hagemann

Cancel your weekend plans, because lots of exciting new content is coming your way! The Baker family returns in the all-new Disney+ original movie Cheaper by the Dozen, debuting Friday. Sing about Bruno with the Sing-Along version of Encanto, also debuting Friday; that same day, Amy Schumer stars in the new series Life & Beth, which launches with all 10 episodes. Look for Gillian Jacobs’ documentary More Than Robots to debut on Friday—and just in time for awards season, Sunday’s Step Into… The Movies with Derek and Julianne Hough honors iconic dance performances throughout cinematic history.

Cheaper by the Dozen—Friday, March 18, on Disney+
The Bakers are back! Gabrielle Union and Zach Braff star as parents Zoey and Paul Baker in an all-new Disney+ original movie that’s a fresh take on the 2003 hit comedy. Can Zoey and Paul find balance running their family business and a hilariously chaotic household as a blended family of 12?

Encanto Sing-Along—Friday, March 18, on Disney+
It’s time to warm up those vocal cords, because Disney+ is releasing Sing-Along versions of beloved musicals this year—beginning with Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Encanto! Further immerse yourself in the magic of the film by belting your favorite songs including “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” Surface Pressure,” and the Academy Award®-nominated “Dos Oruguitas” as you follow the on-screen lyrics.

Life & Beth—Friday, March 18, on Hulu
Amy Schumer stars as Beth, whose life looks pretty great on paper with her successful career, long-term relationship, and Manhattan residence. But when an unexpected incident forces Beth to revisit her past, her life is changed forever. Beth begins to learn how she became who she is, and who she wants to become during her journey towards living a bigger, bolder, and more authentic life. The original series—intended for a mature audience—debuts with all 10 episodes on the streamer.

More Than Robots—Friday, March 18, on Disney+
The Gillian Jacobs-directed documentary film follows four teams of teenagers from around the world as they prepare for the 2020 FIRST® Robotics Competition. You’ll meet teams from Los Angeles, Mexico City, and Chiba, Japan, as they work towards the goal of taking their unique designs all the way to the highly competitive global championships. Despite facing challenges along the way—including limited community resources and the COVID-19 pandemic—the kids persevere… and learn that there is a lot more to the competition than just robots.

Step Into… The Movies with Derek and Julianne Hough—Sunday, March 20, at 10 p.m. ET, on ABC
Emmy® Award-winning choreographers and professional dancers Derek and Julianne Hough will get you in the Oscar® spirit with this one-hour special recognizing iconic dance moments in movie history. The dynamic sibling duo is joined by a star-studded cast including Academy Award-nominated actress Ariana DeBose from West Side Story, along with Kevin Bacon, Charli D’Amelio, Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr., Baz Luhrmann, Tate McRae, Rob Marshall, Kenny Ortega, Amber Riley, and John Stamos. You’ll have the time of your life watching show stopping performances inspired by classic films.

D23 Gold Member Exclusive from Mickey’s of Glendale – T-Shirt Shopping Opportunity

Dust off your Sorcerer Cap for a special online shopping event with Walt Disney Imagineering exclusive campus store, Mickey’s of Glendale, and snag some special merchandise designed by the Walt Disney Imagineering team. The first special collection features pieces inspired by Walt Disney Imagineering mascot, Sorcerer Mickey, with specialty designs by Imagineer Mike Quinn. An additional collection also features the iconic Attraction Spiels of Disney parks from around the world.

These items were originally available at D23 Expo 2019 and will be available for purchase at the D23 Gold Member Exclusive Shopping Opportunity with Mickey’s of Glendale. This shopping event is now live and will close March 25th, 2022. Please visit here to view available items and make your purchase!

Check out some of the “magically-imagineered” collections that are available. Visit here to view the products and their availability.

Sorcerer Mickey Collection
“Sorcerer Mickey has always been uniquely suited as the symbol of an Imagineer—playful, curious, innovative, inspired, and focused,” Quinn says. “Here’s a reinvigorated and refreshed take on the classic icon, complete with a nod to the foundation which lies at the heart of all my work: a simple sketch.”

Attraction Spiels Collection
From Swiss bobsleds to high-in-the-sky monorails, display your pride for the most stellar attraction spiels from the Disney parks around the world! These specialty pieces feature spiels recognizable to any Disney Fan, all to commemorate the Wildest Rides in the Wilderness!

Not a D23 Gold Member?

Go to D23.com/join to learn more.

 

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge

As a member of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, you know your magic! This week, put your Disney and Pixar knowledge to the test and see if you are the ultimate Disney fan.

What class is Mei in when her mom comes to find her at school?

Correct! Wrong!

Disney and Pixar’s Turning Red tells the story Mei Lee, a confident, dorky 13-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. And as if changes to her interests, relationships and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda! Steam Turning Red now on Disney+.

Are You a Disney Expert? Try This Week’s Trivia Challenge
You are the ultimate Disney Fan!
Looks like you are a Disney expert! Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia Thursday! We will see you next Thursday for your chance to uphold your title as the ultimate Disney fan!
Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming!
Thank you for participating in this week’s Trivia! These questions are tricky, so don’t stop swimming yet. We will see you next week for your chance to earn the title of the ultimate Disney fan!

Magical Encanto Concept Art

It’s true: We’re still talking about Bruno—and all members of the family Madrigal—’round these parts! How could we not? Encanto, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 60th animated feature, is hard to forget, with its incredible songs, fantastic performances, and stunning visuals. And now, it’s nominated for Best Animated Feature (as well as Best Original Song, “Dos Oruguitas” by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Sebastián Yatra; and Best Original Score by Germaine Franco) at the 94th Academy Awards®.

D23 was able to procure some truly amazing concept art for the film, seen in the gallery below. Take a gander at the enchanting images. If you’re anything like us, they’ll make you want to sit down for a second (or 32nd) viewing on Disney+!

Stream Encanto on Disney+