10 Things You Didn’t Know About Doc McStuffins to Celebrate Its 10th Anniversary

By Victoria Hunt

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since the beloved Disney Junior series Doc McStuffins first debuted… On March 23, 2012, viewers were introduced to Doc—a six-year-old girl who wants to be a doctor just like her mom, so she practices on (and can speak to!) her adorable stuffed animals. Not only is the show entertaining (with the kind of incredible storytelling Disney fans know and love), but it also models compassion and good health for kids aged 2 to 7… all while having a lasting impact on how children see themselves and their future.

To celebrate a decade of this influential and empowering series, D23 compiled 10 fun facts about the good Doc:

  1. In 2013, a group of Black female physicians started a movement called “We are Doc McStuffins,” now known as the Artemis Medical Society. It is dedicated to changing the face of medicine and providing the foundation to create a diverse physician workforce.
  2. Michelle Obama, an outspoken fan of the show, guest starred as herself in an episode—giving Doc a tour of the White House. The former first lady even hosted a Doc McStuffins screening at the White House for military families on Veterans Day 2014.
  3. At the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, Disney Junior worked with doctors and scientists to create a virtual reality experience for children undergoing surgeries. Doc McStuffins: Doctor for a Day invites children to virtually sew up stuffed animals and perform medical procedures through VR to help alleviate anxiety. According to a study performed by CHLA, 97% of children who played the game reported feeling more comfortable in the hospital.
  4. A Doc McStuffins traveling exhibit has been making its way through museums around the country, and has now found its way back to the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. The exhibit shows children how to develop healthy habits and how to care for others, which also helps to reduce fear of the doctor’s office.
  5. The name “Doc McStuffins” hasn’t only been heard on Disney Junior—it even made its way to several other popular TV shows, including Parks and Recreation, in which the character Ron Swanson once said, “There is no quiet. There is only Doc McStuffins.” Fans found the quote so funny, it quickly became a viral Internet meme. Doc’s also been mentioned on Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Grey’s Anatomy.
  6. Stephen Colbert seems to be well-acquainted with Doc McStuffins as well; the late-night host has mentioned her several times on his show, including during his opening monologues.
  7. You know you’ve made it when you have become a Jeopardy! answer. In 2020, Alex Trebek showed his players an image of Doc with the caption, “This animated girl has a doctor’s bag—and your kids can have a toy version of it.”
  8. Eight-year-old Noa Lewis was initially assigned a school project on Amelia Earhart—but after an episode of Doc McStuffins taught her about Bessie Coleman, the first African American female pilot, Lewis requested to do the project on Coleman instead. The little girl, like Doc, became an inspiration herself and landed on ABC’s Good Morning America… and the National Aviation Hall of Fame even flew her out to meet Coleman’s great-niece!
  9. Disney and Laya DeLeon Hayes, the voice of Doc McStuffins, have released a new song to celebrate a decade with our favorite toy doctor. The tune, “The Doc is 10,” debuted on March 18 and you can listen to it on all major streaming platforms.
  10. Mark those calendars: Disney Junior is hosting a Doc McStuffins marathon on Wednesday, March 23, in addition to airing episodes of the series throughout the entire month of March!

Everything You Need to Know About The Oscars® on ABC

By Zach Johnson

Hollywood’s biggest night is almost here!

Before ABC rolls out the red carpet for The Oscars® on Sunday, March 27, we’ve created a guide to what you need to know. It covers everything from who’s hosting and presenting to how to watch the ceremony (and the pre- and post-shows). This year’s theme is Movie Lovers Unite—and we hope you join us in watching the show when ABC broadcasts the 94th Academy Awards® live at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2022 Oscars:

How is Disney celebrating Oscars week?
Over the weekend, ABC broadcast Step Into…The Movies with Derek and Julianne Hough, in which the titular duo recreated some of the most legendary cinematic performances alongside special guests such as Kevin Bacon, Ariana Debose, Jenna Dewan, Harry Shum Jr., and John Stamos. The special is available to stream on Hulu, meaning you can watch it anywhere, any time. You might even pick up a few steps!

Throughout the week, Good Morning America will preview Hollywood’s biggest night. Then, on Friday, March 25, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes will anchor GMA3 from the Oscars red carpet, where they will introduce the ceremony’s official trophy presenters.

Airing Friday, March 25, at 9 a.m. ET/PT, Live’s Pre-Oscar Show will feature Adrien Brody and Sandy Kenyon and include special videos of A-list celebs sharing their best Oscars memories and moments—including some from this year’s nominated hopefuls!

Hosted by Tamron Hall, Life Is Shorts: Oscar 2022 celebrates the magic of animation and features three Oscar-winning or -nominated shorts from Disney and Pixar: Bao, Burrow, and Lou. The special presentation, produced by Localish, will debut Friday, March 25, on Disney Channel at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, then on Disney XD at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Through Oscar Sunday, join FXM and FXM Retro as they celebrate six decades of Academy Award nominees and winners, featuring titles such as All About Eve (1950) and The Shape of Water (2017)—and everything in between. The FX Academy Awards Movie Marathon will broadcast past winners, including Jojo Rabbit and The Martian; tune in Friday at 8 a.m. ET/PT, Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET/PT, and Sunday at 7 a.m. PT. FXX will air The Simpsons Academy Awards Marathon starting at 7 a.m. ET/PT Sunday.

How and when can I watch the Oscars pre-shows?
ABC News will present not one but two live pre-shows on Oscars Sunday, starting with the three-hour ABC broadcast of On the Red Carpet Live! Countdown to the Oscars at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT. (It will also stream on ABC News Live at 1:30 ET/10:30 a.m. PT.) Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes will host the broadcast live from the red carpet at Hollywood’s Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, which will feature interviews with Oscars hosts and nominees, highlights of the nominees’ past performances, and so much more. ABC News’ Chris Connelly, Kelley Carter, and Will Ganss will appear during the broadcast, as will Variety’s Clayton Davis and Elizabeth Wagmeister and celebrity stylist Joe Zee.

On the Red Carpet at the Oscars 2022 will present a live, star-studded, and fan-fueled pre-show on Sunday, March 27, at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. The red carpet event will air in 84 markets and across 200 territories worldwide. The star-studded show, hosted by ABC7 Los Angeles’ George Pennacchio and featuring ABC/WPVI-TV Philadelphia’s Alicia Vitarelli and ABC7/WABC-TV New York’s Sandy Kenyon, will also stream online. Nicky Hilton and Roshumba Williams will join ABC7 meteorologist Leslie Lopez in presenting a closer look at this year’s designs, trends, and fashion from the red carpet.

ABC News Live Presents…On the Red Carpet Live! Countdown to the Oscars will stream for two hours on ABC News’ flagship streaming network, ABC News Live, at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT. The pre-show will feature live red carpet interviews with celebrities, prerecorded interviews with nominees, real-time fashion reports, and more.

Actors Vanessa Hudgens and Terrence J and fashion designer Brandon Maxwell will host The Oscars Red Carpet Show, the official lead-in to the 94th Oscars, at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT on ABC. The 90-minute special will highlight Oscar nominees, performers, and presenters, and give fans around the world an insider’s look at Hollywood’s biggest night. The show will feature a special appearance by DJ M.O.S.

How do I play Oscars Pick ’Em?
There’s still time to predict the winners! Through Sunday, March 27, at 4 p.m. PT, you can play for free on ESPN and compete for fun prizes. (Click here for the official rules.)

How can I watch the Oscars?
The awards ceremony will be held Sunday, March 27, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and in more than 200 territories worldwide. You can stream the show if you subscribe to Hulu + Live TV.

ABC News Radio will also feature reporting by entertainment correspondent Jason Nathanson, who will interview nominees and provide in-depth live backstage coverage.

Who are the nominees?
Films from across The Walt Disney Company combined to earn 23 Academy Award nominations. West Side Story leads with seven, followed by Nightmare Alley with five; Encanto with three; Cruella and The Eyes of Tammy Faye with two each; and Free Guy, Luca, Raya and The Last Dragon, Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings, Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) with one apiece. For a complete look at the 2022 nominees, please visit the Oscars website.

Who are the Oscars hosts?
As previously announced, Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes will share hosting responsibilities. This will mark the first time hosting the ceremony for each of them. “I feel really blessed because I have two incredible co-hosts,” Hall says. “What’s been so fun thus far is being able to collaborate and bounce ideas [off of each other].”

Sykes hopes “something crazy” will happen during the ceremony, saying, “I think that’s what keeps it exciting. Be prepared to see something different. Just be open! Just have fun!” Unsurprisingly, Schumer shares Sykes’ sentiment, saying, “I like the unpredictable. The most interesting moments happen when things go wrong, so that’s what I’m most looking forward to that night. I’m going to really prepare and work on my jokes with Wanda and Regina, but the off the cuff stuff? There’s nothing like it.”

Who are the Oscars presenters?
The all-star lineup taking the stage includes Halle Bailey, Stephanie Beatriz, Josh Brolin, Ruth E. Carter, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Kevin Costner, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jacob Elordi, Jennifer Garner, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tiffany Haddish, Woody Harrelson, Tony Hawk, H.E.R., Anthony Hopkins, Samuel L. Jackson, Lily James, Daniel Kaluuya, DJ Khaled, Zoë Kravitz, Mila Kunis, Lady Gaga, John Leguizamo, Simu Liu, Rami Malek, Shawn Mendes, Jason Momoa, Bill Murray, Lupita Nyong’o, Elliot Page, Rosie Perez, Tyler Perry, Chris Rock, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jill Scott, Naomi Scott, J.K. Simmons, Kelly Slater, Wesley Snipes, Uma Thurman, John Travolta, Shaun White, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Yuh-Jung Youn, and Rachel Zegler.

Who are the Oscars performers?
Four of this year’s five nominated songs will be featured during the telecast: King Richard’s “Be Alive,” performed by Beyoncé; Encanto’s “Dos Oruguitas,” performed by Sebastián Yatra; No Time to Die’s “No Time to Die,” performed by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS; and Four Good Days’ Somehow You Do,” performed by Reba McEntire. The Academy invited Van Morrison to perform his nominated song, Belfast’s “Down to Joy,” during the show, but he is unable to attend the Oscars due to his tour schedule.

Encanto cast members Adassa, Beatriz, Mauro Castillo, Carolina Gaitan, and Diane Guerrero, along with Becky G and Luis Fonsi, will also sing “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” marking the first live performance of the song written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

The Oscars’ music director, Adam Blackstone, will lead an all-star band that includes blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, percussionist and singer Sheila E., and pianist Robert Glasper. Joining them during the show will be a live orchestra and DJ D-Nice, the latter of whom will also perform during the Governors Ball, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ official post-Oscars celebration. The Samples, the vocal group led by Jason White, will also be on the lineup. The producers will continue to announce musical guests and performances in the lead-up to the show.

Who makes up the Oscars creative team?
Emmy® Award–nominated producer Will Packer will produce the Oscars, marking his first involvement with the ceremony. “The power, the beauty, the romance of the imagery in movies has always attracted me,” he says. “I’m fully embracing the challenge of bringing an ode to one of the most iconic mediums in the world to life.”

Two-time Emmy-winner Glenn Weiss will direct the Oscars for the seventh time since 2016. Additional returning talent includes supervising producer Rob Paine; production designer and creative director David Korins; lighting designer Robert Dickinson; talent producer Taryn Hurd; head writer Jon Macks; and writers Dave Boonem, Mitch Marchand, Agathe Panaretos, and Chuck Sklar. New to the team are music director Adam Blackstone and writers Dana Eagle, Suli McCullough, and Danielle Schneider.

How can I watch Oscars post-show coverage?
On the Red Carpet After the Awards (9 p.m. PT) and On the Red Carpet After Dark (11:35 p.m. PT)—both hosted by Pennacchio—will recap the awards, fashion, and parties after the ceremony; correspondent Karl Schmid will broadcast from the Vanity Fair party, and ABC7’s Christiane Cordero will be live at the Elton John Foundation Gala. Pennacchio will return to host On the Red Carpet After the Awards at 7 a.m. PT on Monday, March 28. He will joined by ABC7’s Brandi Hitt and Leslie Lopez, 6abc’s Alicia Vitarelli, and Williams. All three post-shows will be available to stream online.

Good Morning America will have full coverage of the Oscars on Monday, March 28, starting at 7 a.m. ET/PT on ABC, featuring backstage interviews from Sunday’s show.

The After Oscar Show edition of Live with Ryan and Kelly will follow at 9 a.m. ET/PT, with Ryan Seacrest and Kelly Ripa celebrating iconic characters and films, from The Eyes of Tammy Faye’s Tammy Faye Bakker to Spider-Man: No Way Home’s Spider-Man. Ripa and Seacrest will score the first winners’ interviews as they walk offstage, while Maria Menounos will interview stars on the red carpet. Later, Carson Kressley and Eva Chen will deconstruct all of the night’s fabulous looks with Ripa and Seacrest. Returning this year is Live’s popular Predict the Winners Ballot Contest. One entrant with the most correct answers will win a grand prize of $10,000. In addition, all viewers who fill out a ballot will be entered to win $5,000! (Click here to read the official rules.)

Later that afternoon, Robach and Holmes will anchor GMA3 from Los Angeles’ Academy Museum. They will give a special surprise to a movie fan and frontline worker. Following the Oscars, ABC Audio’s entertainment podcast Close Up, hosted by Carter, will feature a roundtable discussion with Hollywood insiders who attended the show who will share behind-the-scenes stories and discuss memorable red carpet moments.

Enjoy “Friends of the Festival” Events During the 2022 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival

Great news for foodies this spring: At the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort, additional “friends of the festival” events are available to the public—furthering the tasty fun of the 2022 Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival! These includes food/beverage education and tasting seminars featuring Golden Road Brewing, Peltzer Family Cellars, and Sake from Nova Brewing Co. at GCH Craftsman Bar at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa, as well as a Mixology Seminar at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar and an outdoor Winemaker reception (with culinary action stations) featuring Silver Oak and Twomey Wines at the Rose Court Garden, both at the Disneyland® Hotel.

Events each include a commemorative gift!

Dates:

  • March 22 – Education & Tasting Seminar w/Golden Road Brewery (beer) @ GCH Craftsman Bar

($95 per person, not including tax and gratuity)

  • March 29 – Education & Tasting Seminar w/Peltzer Family Cellars (wine) @ GCH Craftsman Bar

($95 per person, not including tax and gratuity)

  • April 6 – Winemaker Reception w/Silver Oak/Twomey @ Rose Court Garden at Disneyland Hotel

($275 per person, not including tax and  gratuity)

  • April 12 – Mixology Seminar at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

($75 per person, not including tax and gratuity)

  • April 19 – Education & Tasting Seminar w/Nova Brewing Co. (sake) @ GCH Craftsman Bar

($95 per person, not including tax and gratuity)

Education and Tasting Seminars—GCH Craftsman Bar, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa

Learn from beverage industry experts in these 45-minute Beverage Education and Tasting Seminars. Each experience will include a guided tasting selected by the presenter and paired with upscale hors d’oeuvres. Seminars also include a special commemorative gift. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend and purchase or consume alcoholic beverages; a valid photo ID is required.

Select Tuesdays | 11 am
$95.00 per person, per seminar (not including tax and gratuity)
Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to each seminar at GCH Craftsman Bar.
Tuesday, March 22 – Golden Road Brewing (Beer)
Tuesday, March 29 – Peltzer Family Cellars (Wine)
Tuesday, April 19 – Nova Brewing Co. (Sake)

Mixology Seminar—Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, Disneyland® Hotel
Learn from expert Trader Sam’s bartenders in this 45-minute Mixology Seminar. The seminar includes guided instructions for crafting a cocktail and the opportunity to make your own. Includes a special commemorative gift. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend and purchase or consume alcoholic beverages; a valid photo ID is required.

Tuesday, April 12 | 10 am
$75.00 per person, not including tax and gratuity

Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to the seminar at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar.

Winemaker Reception—Rose Court Garden, Disneyland® Hotel
Experience culinary action stations paired with the acclaimed wines of Silver Oak and Twomey. Director of Winemaking, Nate Weis, joins the Disneyland® Hotel Culinary Team for an evening of wine education and interactive small plate delights. Includes a special commemorative gift. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend and purchase or consume alcoholic beverages; a valid photo ID is required.

Wednesday, April 6 | 6pm
$275.00, not including tax and gratuity
Check-in begins 15 minutes prior to the reception at Rose Court Garden.

CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!

PLEASE NOTE:

  • Education and Tasting Seminars include complimentary 3-hour self-parking validation at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa.
  • Mixology Seminar includes complimentary 3-hour self-parking validation at the Disneyland® Hotel.
  • Winemaker Reception includes complimentary 5-hour self-parking or valet parking validation at the Disneyland® Hotel.
  • Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend and purchase or consume alcoholic beverages; a valid photo ID is required.
  • Guest might be seated with mixed parties at the same table.
  • Space is limited and advance reservations are recommended. Subject to restrictions and change or cancellation without notice.
  • Full payment is due at time of booking. Once booked, there are no cancellations, exchanges, or refunds.
  • No discounts apply.
  • Events and event elements and information, including, without limitation, presenters, schedules, pricing, menus, and hours are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice.
  • Visit Disneyland.com/updates for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland® Resort including updates on required face coverings.

5 Delightful Details from the Better Nate than Ever Press Conference

By Courtney Potter

In Disney’s musical comedy Better Nate Than Ever, 13-year-old Nate Foster (Rueby Wood) has one mega-huge goal: to be on Broadway. There’s only one problem… He can’t even land a part in his Philadelphia middle school’s play! But when his parents (Norbert Leo Butz and Michelle Federer) leave town and his seemingly less-than-supportive older brother Anthony (Joshua Bassett) heads off to a track meet, 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 his long-lost Aunt Heidi (Emmy® winner Lisa Kudrow) turns Nate’s journey upside-down—and together they must learn that life’s greatest adventures are only as big as your dreams.

Written and directed by High School Musical: The Musical: The Series creator/executive producer Tim Federle, based on his acclaimed novel of the same name, Better Nate Than Ever premieres on the Disney+ “stage” in just a few weeks’ time. Recently, members of the film’s cast joined Federle for a joyful virtual press conference where they shared some memorable, meaningful anecdotes.

Brooks on what she loves most about her character Libby, Nate’s BFF:
“Libby’s goals in life are very different than mine,” she explains. “She loves to be behind the scenes. That’s not me, personally,” Brooks adds with a laugh. “So tapping into that was something different—but at the same time, I won’t say it was too difficult either, because the way she does things is [still] very similar to how I would do things. I thought it was really inspiring how Tim wrote the film—because usually in those coming-of-age movies, it’s the main character trying to figure themself out, and then the sidekick or the best friend knows what they want. And I thought it was interesting that Nate knew what he wanted, but Libby didn’t—so it flipped [that idea], and I thought it was a really cool take on it… I love Libby. I loved getting to play her!”

Bassett recalls why he wanted to be involved in the project from the jump—and his memories of living in NYC for the first time during filming:
“When we were shooting season two of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Tim pulled me aside and he was like, ‘Hey, we’re making this movie, and I’d love for you to consider the role of Anthony. Can I send you the script?’,” the actor remembers. “And I said, ‘Absolutely.’ … I literally sat down in a coffee shop and in one go, I didn’t get up—I just read the whole thing. I picked up the phone immediately and I was like, ‘Tim, how can I be a part of this film? I need to be a part of this.’

“It was pretty cool shooting in New York,” he continues, “It was my first time living there. I remember wrapping [a scene] on 42nd Street and saying, ‘You know what? I think I’m just gonna walk home.’ And the crew were like, ‘Are you sure? It’s 30 blocks back to your hotel.’ I’m said, ‘Yeah, yeah, I’m gonna walk!’ Being in the city, being with this cast every day, it really was an adventure. We always had so much fun.”

Wood explains why seeing someone like Nate on screen is so important… and how thrilling it is to be making his big-screen debut in a musical comedy:
“I think Nate is a force,” the newcomer says. “He wants to be himself—and the whole story is about him learning just how to do that; learning about who he really is. That’s really magical and really important. I was very lucky to grow up with an amazing support system—I had the most loving group of people around me, and there’s a lot of kids and people out there who don’t have that, who feel like they don’t fit in. And I hope that people can see this movie and watch Nate and really feel like they belong and they have a place in the world.

“I love theater and that’s where my heart is,” he adds. “And being able to make my movie debut in a project that’s about Broadway is just so cool—because not only can I enter this world of Hollywood [filmmaking], but I can also stay with the singing, the dancing, the extravagance, the glamour. I thought it was so amazing and so perfect!”

Kudrow on what made this experience so unique—and so special:
“Set life was fantastic,” the iconic Friends star explains. “I mean, it was the best life. In between shooting, we were sitting in the same room—which I love with all my heart. Especially when it’s nice people. I just loved every step of the way with this project. Reading the script without even putting it down to do something else—it was so perfectly written, and the story just made me think, ‘I wanna be a part of this. This is joy; this is about so many good things that I wanna be a part of.’ And then Tim just knows what he wants and can be generous enough to let everyone do what they do—and you can trust when he says, ‘I’ve got it.’ I’d think, ‘Really? That was two takes.’ He’d say, ‘No, I’ve got it!’ He was so nurturing, and everyone was just so nice. It was really the perfect work environment, I have to say.”

Federle on how his own life informs the film, and what he hopes audiences take away:
“I would take a Greyhound bus after school, at night—I don’t know why my parents let me do this—and then I would go to an audition the next morning,” the writer/director explains. “It’d be a 10-hour bus trip [from Pittsburgh] to New York City. I’d walk to the audition—in one instance, I auditioned for Radio City; I got cut—and I walked right back to Port Authority and took the bus home. And it was ‘the dream’; I was never happier than when I was making like, a dollar a week [performing] because I was surrounded by like-minded people. And that means so much more than the metrics of ‘follows’ and comments and likes and money. It’s not about any of that. It’s about coming together with a group of people, of like-minded souls, to make something. And I think I had that dream from the time I was a teenager crashing auditions—unsuccessfully, by the way,” he adds, chuckling.

“I’m just a ‘theater kid’ from Pittsburgh who dreamed of getting out of my hometown and dancing on Broadway,” he continues. “I never really dreamed of turning that into a movie. And I think the amazing thing about growing up is—it never stops happening, if you surround yourself with people who allow you to dream. This cast brought the movie to life in a way I could only imagine, and I can’t wait for audiences to see it… it’s a dream come true.”

See Disney’s Better Nate Than Ever on Disney+ beginning Friday, April 1!

QUIZ: Can You Finish the Lyrics to These Encanto Songs?

Attention all musical lovers: how confident are you in your ability to finish the lyrics of Walt Disney Animation Studio’ newest fan favorite Encanto? This Colombian-inspired film has stolen the hearts of Disney fans of all ages with its heartwarming tale and catchy tunes. For those of you who have the entire movie’s soundtrack memorized, test your knowledge with this quiz!

“Let's be clear, Abuela runs this show, whoa / She led us here so many years ago, and every year ____________.”

Correct! Wrong!

“A seven-foot frame / Rats along his back / When he calls your name, _______.”

Correct! Wrong!

"Dos oruguitas desorientadas / En dos capullos, ____________.”

Correct! Wrong!

“Under the surface, I hide my nerves and it worsens, _____________.”

Correct! Wrong!

“I can't heal what's broken / Can't control the morning rain ____________.”

Correct! Wrong!

“I may not be as strong but I’m getting wiser / Yeah, _________.”

Correct! Wrong!

QUIZ: Can You Finish the Lyrics to These Encanto Songs?

You may need to rewatch Encanto a few more times. Grab some popcorn and hop onto Disney+ to brush up on your knowledge. Just like Mirabel learned, practice makes perfect!

Chances are you have these songs stuck in your head right now! You may not have gotten all of them correct, but we are still impressed. Abuela Alma would approve.

Even Bruno couldn’t see this one coming. We bet you play Encanto’s soundtrack in the car, in the shower, and everywhere in between. You probably even have the dance moves down!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

Don’t miss plenty of “Good 4 U” content coming to broadcast TV and Disney+ this week! On Tuesday, it’s Open House night on Abbott Elementary, and not everyone is taking the event seriously; later that evening, see if black-ish’s Dre chooses a work event over a family function in a brand-new episode. Travel through alternate timelines by watching the new French original series Parallels, debuting all episodes Wednesday. Spring into the new season with the premiere of The Wonderful Spring of Mickey Mouse on Friday, followed by the highly anticipated launch of OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film) that same day.

Abbott Elementary—Tuesday, March 22, at 9 p.m. ET, on ABC
Your favorite teachers are back! It’s Open House night at Abbott Elementary and it seems Janine (Quinta Brunson) is the only one preparing for event; while she’s stressing out about meeting the mother of her struggling student, the rest of the faculty is unbothered. Meanwhile, Gregory (Tyler James Williams) is shocked when he finds out how Ava (Janelle James) was chosen as the school’s next principal. Plus, a visit from Barbara’s daughter stirs up trouble.

black-ish—Tuesday, March 22, at 9:30 p.m. ET, on ABC
Dre (Anthony Anderson) is nominated for an Ad World Award, but the event conflicts with an important family function. Will he choose career over family? Olivia (Katlyn Nichol) returns from Yale to visit Junior (Marcus Scribner), and he’s pulling out all the stops with a full day of Los Angeles activities.

Parallels—Wednesday, March 23, on Disney+
In the French original series, the lives of four teenage friends are turned upside down when a mysterious event separates the group into different timelines. The friends will do anything to understand what has happened and try to get back to their former lives. Will they succeed? All six episodes will be available to stream on Disney+ worldwide!

The Wonderful Spring of Mickey Mouse—Friday, March 25, on Disney+
Oh boy! Spring is here and Mickey Mouse and his friends are eager to explore all that the season has to offer in the second installment of The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse. The extended special fittingly looks at spring through the lens of a nature documentary.

OLIVIA RODRIGO: driving home 2 u (a SOUR film)—Friday, March 25, on Disney+
Get ready to rock, because Olivia Rodrigo’s highly anticipated original film is here! The Grammy®-nominated singer-songwriter takes a familiar road trip from Salt Lake City, where she began writing her triple-platinum Geffen Records debut album SOUR, to Los Angeles. Along the way, she recounts the 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. Follow Rodrigo’s journey through intimate interviews and never-before-seen footage!

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.

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)