The Walt Disney Company Pledges $5 Million to Support Nonprofit Organizations That Advance Social Justice

June 3, 2020

By the D23 Team

The Walt Disney Company has pledged $5 million to support nonprofit organizations that advance social justice, beginning with a $2 million donation to the NAACP to further their longstanding work promoting social justice by eliminating disparities and racial discrimination through their advocacy and education programs.

“The killing of George Floyd has forced our nation to once again confront the long history of injustice that black people in America have suffered, and it is critical that we stand together, speak out, and do everything in our power to ensure that acts of racism and violence are never tolerated,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This $5 million pledge will continue to support the efforts of nonprofit organizations such as the NAACP that have worked tirelessly to ensure equality and justice.”

Today’s pledge is part of Disney’s ongoing commitment to support organizations that advance social justice. For many years, Disney has worked closely with groups that advocate for and empower communities of color, including the NAACP, whose mission is to ensure a society in which all individuals have equal rights without discrimination based on race. Disney has also previously provided millions of dollars in grants to help students from underrepresented groups make the dream of higher education a reality, including $2.5 million to the United Negro College Fund.

In addition, through the Disney Employee Matching Gifts program, employees are able to increase their impact in their communities by donating to eligible organizations, with Disney matching those gifts.

Disney has used its creative resources and platforms to address issues of race and inequality. On Tuesday night, Disney aired a slate of special programming on a number of its TV networks to encourage a discussion of racism and oppression in America. The programming included an ABC News primetime special, America in Pain: What Comes Next?, that examined the protests and outrage across the country in response to the killing of Mr. Floyd. The special was preceded by the re-airing of two monumental and timely episodes of black-ish: “Hope,” which explores the issue of police brutality and flaws in the judicial system, and “Juneteenth,” which examines the lack of accurate representation of African Americans in our nation’s history.

For more information about the important work of the NAACP, click here.

7 Disney Characters to Inspire At-Home Fun!

June 3, 2020June 2, 2020

By Courtney Potter

There’s no time like the present to start a new hobby—or even recommit to one. (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.) Thankfully, there is plenty of inspiration to be found around the worlds of Disney. From the joys of reading, cooking, and knitting, to learning how to play an instrument, and everything in between… there’s a ton of Disney-related fun to be had right inside your very own home. And the best part? All these films are available to watch on Disney+ for further motivation!

Read on for some of our favorite inspirations for at-home Disney fun:

Belle in Beauty and the Beast
If there’s a Disney “poster child” for all the incredible things that can come from reading—empathy, a keen imagination, a sense of right and wrong—it’s Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The opening song even finds Belle at her favorite place in town: the book shop! There’s nothing like a good book to sweep you off into thrilling worlds of adventure. (Don’t forget: You can often read excerpts of brand-new Disney Publishing books right here at D23.com!)

Remy in Ratatouille
You’ve seen it all over your social media—folks making their way to the kitchen for some good, ol’ fashioned foodie fun. So if you haven’t already given that recipe for pesto or that sourdough starter a go, why not be like Remy in Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille and don an apron, bring out some pots and pans, and make something amazing? We expect to see some gorgeous food photos on your social media shortly…

Ralph and Vanellope in Wreck-It Ralph
What if you could hop into a candy-colored car and race off into the sweetest world you ever saw? Unfortunately, you can’t do that in real life… but you can certainly experience it—and all kinds of crazy worlds like it—through video games. Make like Ralph and Vanellope in Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph and take some time out to enjoy a new video game or two; they’re available for all ages, and some can be played by the whole family.

Miguel in Coco
While it’s some at-home fun that certainly needs a bit more practice, we’d be remiss in not including “learning a musical instrument” on our list—the most recent Disney example of this being Miguel in Disney and Pixar’s Coco. There are all sorts of online tutorials available, for all manner of instruments. But don’t worry… we’re pretty sure learning the guitar won’t eventually result in your interacting with previously deceased relatives and visiting the Land of the Dead.

Ariel in The Little Mermaid
Do you like searching through online auctions for all kinds of trinkets? Is there a beloved item from childhood you keep forgetting to launch a search for? Treasure hunting from the comfort of your couch is possible nowadays, and it’d mean you have a lot in common with Ariel from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. She couldn’t get enough of her incredible collection of “whozits and whatzits,” and—in her case—they actually helped her completely change her life. Ya never know!

Rapunzel in Tangled
Last on our list but certainly not least is the veritable champion of at-home fun: Rapunzel in Disney’s Tangled! What hobby hasn’t she tried? Reading, cleaning, baking, knitting, painting, darts (that one could be a little dangerous), candle-making, a bit of ballet and chess, even ventriloquism… There’s something for every taste in Rapunzel’s usual morning lineup, and we’re suitably inspired.

Dive into the Magical World of Artemis Fowl with an Exclusive Interview with Eoin Colfer

June 2, 2020

By the D23 Team

Artemis Fowl, the film adaption of the fantasy adventure novel by Eoin Colfer, will be casting its spell on us next week s on Disney+. While we count down the days to its June 12 debut, we’re using a little magic to pass the time by chatting with Colfer about the Artemis Fowl series, what it’s been like seeing his story come to life as a film, and creating fairies who are more than a little different from Tinker Bell:

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club: For Disney fans who haven’t yet read Artemis Fowl but plan to watch it on Disney+, give us a quick overview of what they can expect from the movie.
Eion Colfer (EC): Artemis Fowl is a fast paced and fun adventure which tells the story of a young criminal mastermind’s first adventure as he uncovers an advanced fairy world beneath our own, and uses his intellect to outwit the fairy police force who may or may not be holding his father captive. On the way he learns the lesson that maybe it is not so good to be bad. There is also a flatulent dwarf, an excitable troll and an elf who gets too close to both for her own good.

D23: Tell us a little more about Josh Gad’s character, Mulch Diggums.
EC: Mulch Diggums is a dwarf who he uses his tunneling talents to become a burglar. When the fairy police need someone to break into Fowl Manor they offer Mulch a century off his prison sentence to do the job. In the book Mulch is a wise-cracking ne’er do well who enjoys life to the fullest while relieving people of their valuables. Josh has taken the character to new heights by incorporating his own famous improvisational skills so that e very line he says is a comedic delight. His performance is without doubt one of this movie’s highlights.

D23: In Artemis Fowl, there’s a whole secret world of fairies, and we’re not talking about fairies like Tinkerbell. Where did your inspiration come from when exploring these characters?
EC: I wanted to bring something new to the fairy arena, or perhaps I should say something old. When I looked back to 19th and 20th century Irish fairy stories I realized that fairies were not portrayed as tiny waif like creatures- they were magical warriors and these were the fairies I wanted to portray. The idea to make t hem technologically advanced seemed like common sense to me. After all how could the fairy folk have stayed hidden for so long unless they had superior tech?

D23: What was it like getting to watch the movie for the first time?
EC: It was a surreal experience to watch the movie for the first time. Not many people get their books turned into movies, and even fewer people have their books made into movies by Disney. It is still difficult for me to believe that a studio spent tens of millions of dollars hiring the best talent in the world to turn a book that was written in the spare bedroom into a blockbuster movie. I was so stunned that it was happening at all, that it wasn’t until the second viewing that I realized how great it was.

D23: It’s been a long time coming for fans of the series to finally see a live-action adaptation of Artemis Fowl. What are some of your favorite changes that were made in the transition from page to screen?
EC: My favorite change has to be the casting of Judi Dench as Commander Root. She took the character in a fabulous new direction and totally nails her Irish accent. I also liked how Artemis’s backstory was front loaded so people who haven’t read the book will get a handle on why he is how he is.

From now until June 6, you can download the Artemis Fowl Movie Tie-In Edition eBook for only 99 cents!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

June 1, 2020May 29, 2020

By Zach Johnson

The summer season is beginning—just as three television series’ seasons are ending! This week, ABC’s The Baker and the Beauty and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire will join Disney+’s Be Our Chef in airing some fantastic finales. We’ll also be tuning in for The Wonderful World of Disney’s presentation of Up on ABC and tapping our toes to the premiere of Hulu’s inspirational, entertaining documentary We Are Freestyle Love Supreme.

The Baker and the Beauty—Monday, June 1, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC
The two-hour season finale begins with Daniel (Victor Rasuk) and Noa (Nathalie Kelley) reconnecting after a falling out, but Daniel’s desire to have a normal life keeps coming between them. Meanwhile, Natalie (Belissa Escobedo) hopes her quinceañera celebration can mend the growing rift between Rafael (Carlos Gómez) and Mari (Lisa Vidal) and reunite the entire family. Then, Noa makes a seemingly erratic decision about her career as Daniel is approached about an opportunity that would force him to step away from the family business. Back at home, Rafael and Mari discuss the bakery’s legacy as they are faced with a life-altering decision.

The Wonderful World of Disney: Up on Wednesday, June 3, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Disney and Pixar’s Academy Award®-winning animated film centers on 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen (voice of Ed Asner), a retired balloon salesman who seizes his last chance at high-flying excitement. Tying thousands of balloons to his house, Carl sets off to the lost world of his childhood dreams. Unbeknownst to Carl, Russell (voice of Jordan Nagai), an overeager 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer who has never ventured beyond his backyard, is in the wrong place at the wrong time—Carl’s front porch! The unlikely duo reaches new heights, meeting fantastic friends like Dug (voice of Bob Peterson), a dog who can speak using a special collar, and Kevin (voice of Pete Docter), a rare 13-foot-tall flightless bird—and encountering deceptive villains like Charles F. Muntz (voice of Christopher Plummer).

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire—Thursday, June 4, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC
Can he go all the way? In the season finale of the popular game show, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, journalist and news anchor Anderson Cooper will continue his run for the Spikes K9 Fund. He’ll then swap seats with his guest expert, late-night host and television producer Andy Cohen, who will jump in the hot seat on behalf of Planned Parenthood.

Be Our Chef—Friday, June 5, on Disney+
The spectacular finale will find two families facing off in an epic rematch! Each must draw inspiration from their favorite Disney film to create a spectacular treat that could be served in the Disney Parks. But they won’t be making just one dish—they need to make 24! One family will take inspiration from Beauty and the Beast to create a colorful dessert, while the other family will create a treat inspired by a suggestion from Genie in Aladdin. Mickey Mouse will join in the fun of the Garden Game to show the families how to flip pancakes. They families will have to catch on quickly if they want to win the Magic Spoon and use the kitchen advantage. A Disney Cruise Line Vacation is on the line and these families will have to impress a lot of people to win the grand prize. They will be judged by some of Disney’s finest chefs: Chef Amanda, Chef Daniel, Chef Douglas, Chef Gregg, and Chef Jean-Marie!

We Are Freestyle Love Supreme—Friday, June 5, on Hulu
Well before the world fell in love with the Tony® Award-winning Broadway musicals In the Heights and Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda was in an improvisational hip-hop group called Freestyle Love Supreme along with director Thomas Kail and performers Christopher Jackson and Anthony Veneziale. Filmmaker Andrew Fried began chronicling the group in 2005, documenting the early days of Freestyle Love Supreme as they beatboxed and rapped on the sidewalks—unaware of how their story would unfold. Fourteen years later, Fried captures them reuniting for a series of shows in New York City that led to a triumphant run on Broadway. Poignant and inspired, the documentary film recalls the creative dreams of youth and why the show means so much to each of these performers.

The Greatest Showman Concept Art

June 1, 2020May 27, 2020

By Jennifer Vanoni, Walt Disney Archives

Rarely does the Archives receive original, hand-drawn art concepts from today’s feature films. The majority of concept art, construction, design and storyboard materials are now created digitally and delivered via download link, hard drive or server.

It’s a rare exception that we have the opportunity to unroll full size canvas banners and hand-painted watercolor concepts, filling our workrooms with the smell of an artist’s studio.

The Greatest Showman, in addition to being a musical phenomenon, is a visual wonder incorporating both hand-drawn and digital art seamlessly, as the following examples show.

How Mickey Mouse is Making Mornings More Magical for Families

June 1, 2020June 5, 2020

By Beth Deitchman

Everyone’s got their morning routines, but do they bring a smile to your face? Today, Disney Junior launches a new campaign that’s guaranteed to do just that, while helping kids and families ease into their day in the most magical way possible. Better than a second cup of coffee, “Mickey Mornings” are led by the mouse that started it all, with Mickey encouraging kids to brush their teeth, get dressed, and—most important—have fun as they go through their daily regimen of must-dos.

Mickey Mouse has always been a vital part of Disney Junior through series like Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Mickey and the Roadster Racers, and Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures, but this is the first time that Disney Junior has enlisted him to host each morning with his signature warm, friendly smile. Inspiration for the segments, which will be sprinkled throughout the Disney Junior programming block every weekday morning, came from Disney Junior Germany, which introduced their own series of mouse-terful morning spots last year.

Disney Junior’s senior vice president of Original Programming and general manager, Joe D’Ambrosia, recalls first seeing “Mickey’s Mitmach-Morgen” during a meeting of Disney Junior teams from around the globe. D’Ambrosia realized, “What better way to start your day than with Mickey?” The Burbank-based Disney Junior team developed a series of spots that will roll out all summer long. Mickey will kick off each day with a warm welcome and will make additional appearances throughout the morning. Young viewers will even see Mickey join them for their favorite shows, as he pulls up a beanbag chair to watch along with them from the lower part of their TV screen.

“We hear from kids all the time that Mickey is their best friend,” D’Ambrosia shares. And in “Mickey Mornings,” the mouse proves that he’s every parent’s BFF, too. As Mickey goes about his own morning routine, he’ll be beckoning all of his young pals to follow. Disney Junior talked to parents—including members of their own team who have young children—about the challenges they encounter at the beginning of their day and they set out to find a way to help. “We’ve heard from parents that if Mickey tells [a child] to do something, kids want to do it. But if a parent tells them, it might be a little bit harder,” D’Ambrosia says. “This is a really simple way to help families get ready for the day and it’s a fun way for kids to start the day.”

Music is a big part of the fun, and, songs like “Brush to the Beat” help keep things humming along—literally. “The intent of the music was always just to make the morning routine fun for both kids and parents,” Jay Stutler, vice president of Music for Disney Channel, tells D23. Matthew Tishler and Jeannie Lurie—the talented songwriters behind some of your favorite Disney Junior series, including, most recently, Mira, Royal Detective—have written an infectious collection of songs for “Mickey Mornings” that make mundane morning tasks, like brushing teeth, more enjoyable. Stutler emphasizes, “I’m really excited by the overall energy and vibrancy to each of these songs. It’s not something that we’ve done before and I love the way Matt and Jeannie have encapsulated a great, positive energy for all of these things that are part of our daily routine.”

Each day will begin with the signature anthem “Make It a Mickey Morning” to inspire kids to take on the day. The song is upbeat and rousing, but also recognizes that not everyone awakens at the same energy level. “There’s a little ease into the morning and I think Matt and Jeannie captured that amazingly well,” Stutler says. Like so many of our favorite Disney Junior songs, “Make It a Mickey Morning” is super-catchy and you’ll be singing along from the start. Take a first listen, below.

“Mickey Mornings” is available here on Walt Disney Records.

“Mickey is probably the most iconic character from The Walt Disney Company, so I’m glad we get to celebrate him every morning on Disney Junior,” D’Ambrosia tells D23. “Mickey Mornings” begin today at 6 a.m. ET/PT and continue throughout the summer while kids are home from school. The spots have been designed to offer preschoolers a sense of purpose to get up in the morning, but Disney fans of any age are likely to discover—in the unlikely event they haven’t already—that starting the day with Mickey Mouse means starting the day with a smile.

Finding Nemo Poster Development Art

May 30, 2020May 27, 2020

By Julia Vargas, Walt Disney Archives

Pixar’s Finding Nemo was released in 2003, a time when most animated films were being produced digitally. Advertising and marketing development art, like this example from the studio’s Creative Print Services team, is important for the Walt Disney Archives to save because it serves as an original, physical piece that connects our collection to a largely digital production. The piece itself is made with metallic paper, acrylics, and ink. As Mark Cotta Vaz states in The Art of Finding Nemo, “The final movie would be computer generated, but in the field of concept art…which begins with limitless blue sky, the quickest route to an idea is still humble pencil and paper.”

Not only does this type of art give us a peek into the development and promotion of a film, it also illustrates how the characters look on paper before finding their dimension and depth in digital form. Finding Nemo won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and garnered three other nominations for Original Screenplay, Original Score, and Sound Editing, cementing its place as a modern animated classic. Sometimes it’s fun to trace that journey from paper to pixel, and beyond.

Visit Batuu with New Star Wars Virtual Reality Experience—Plus More in News Briefs

May 29, 2020

By Courtney Potter

New ILMxLAB Virtual Reality Experience Brings Batuu to Your Home

If you’re looking for an incredible new way to get your Star Wars fill from the comfort of your own home, have we got some amazing news for you: Later this year, you’ll be able to discover new stories; explore the outskirts of Batuu; and even meet a few new characters—all from home—thanks to ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s award-winning entertainment studio, and Oculus Studios.

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge is a new action-adventure experience that will give fans the opportunity to live their own adventures in virtual reality. The original story will feature both new and iconic characters from the Star Wars galaxy. Multiple styles of gameplay, as well as difficulty settings, are included—so that the experience can be enjoyed by a variety of players, from Star Wars fans to VR gamers and everyone in between.

Just like at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the story will take place between Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on Batuu—with all the action happening along the outskirts of Black Spire Outpost. Stay tuned for more details on Star Wars: Tales from Galaxy’s Edge as we get closer to its debut…

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

It’s the last full weekend in May, which means summer really is almost upon us. And there is plenty of fun to be had from around the worlds of Disney, conveniently showing on your nearby television (or streaming device of choice)! There’s a new season of Heartland Docs, DVM debuting on Nat Geo WILD on Saturday, and be ready to play along during ABC’s Summer Fun & Games lineup on Sunday, with Celebrity Family Feud, Match Game, and more! Read all about this weekend in “what to watch” by clicking here.

Get Goofy with Bill Farmer in New Storytime for #DisneyMagicMoments

We have been loving all of the amazing “Storytime with…” videos that are part of Disney Magic Moments. We’re especially excited about today’s newest entrant—considering we recently spent some quality time with the reader in question, both for D23’s big 25th anniversary reunion for A Goofy Movie and the watch party for his new show on Disney+, It’s A Dog’s Life with Bill Farmer: It’s Disney Legend (and voice of Goofy) Bill Farmer!

In this story, Goofy and Max go on a big outdoor adventure in a tale from 365 Bedtime Stories. See (and hear) what happens in the clip, above.

Disney+’s Secret Society of Second-Born Royals Gets Premiere Date!

We’ve been learning about this brand-new, live-action Disney+ original film for a few months now, and we’ve grown ever so excited to finally see the finished product. Thankfully, we don’t have to wait too much long, as just this week they announced a premiere date for Secret Society of Second-Born Royals: Friday, July 17! Read all about it right here at D23.com.

The 2020 ESPYS are Coming to ESPN June 21

ESPN is set to celebrate the year that was in sports, but with a decidedly different (but still exciting) angle… As announced this week, The 2020 ESPYS Presented by Capital One will highlight narratives of service, perseverance, and courage within the current world of sports—and it’ll be hosted by three of the world’s top athletes: Seattle Storm point guard Sue Bird, OL Reign winger Megan Rapinoe, and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Look for it on ESPN on Sunday, June 21, at 9 p.m. ET.

“There is so much good being done in the world right now, and The ESPYS are recognizing a sports community whose achievements reach far beyond the court,” Bird recently said. Wilson concurred, adding “Although the sports world is on a pause, Megan, Sue, and I hope to shine a light on some of the amazing stories of resilience that we are seeing through this unique time.”

The 2020 ESPYS will include the Sports Humanitarian Awards, sponsored by Bristol Myers Squibb, as well as the Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award, presented by Anthem Foundation, and the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, presented by Dove Men+Care—among others. Each year, The ESPYS help raise awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the charity founded by ESPN and late basketball coach Jim Valvano at the first ESPYS in 1993.

Magic Kingdom’s Dapper Dans Keep on Dreaming in New Video

One of the sweetest sounds on Main Street, U.S.A.—whether you’re at Disneyland park or Magic Kingdom park—is the Dapper Dans, offering their amazing four-part-harmony renditions of some of your favorite Disney songs. Via #DisneyMagicMoments, we can now enjoy a brand-new ditty from Magic Kingdom’s Dapper Dans, in this most recent clip from the #VoicesFromHome series.

Click on the link above to enjoy a truly beautiful rendition of “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes” from the classic Disney film Cinderella.

ICYMI: 10 Perfect New Ways to Chill Out with Disney Animation

Sometimes—that should probably say, all the time—it’s nice to relax and get lost in a favorite Disney animated film. The good folks over at Walt Disney Animation Studios had the same idea, and recently came up with a very cool new way to do just that… it’s a short-form series they’re calling Zenimation, and it’s streaming exclusively on Disney+. Read up on what you can expect from Zenimation (available now!) by clicking here.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

May 28, 2020

By Savannah Salazar

It’s game on. ABC’s Summer Fun & Games lineup continues with Sunday night’s return of Celebrity Family Feud, Press Your Luck, and Match Game. But before you put your thinking caps on, get a healthy dose of Heartland Docs, DVM on Nat Geo WILD, as the show debuts its second season Saturday night. Check out all this and more below:

Puppy Dog Pals—Friday, May 29, at 9 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
Here’s a paw-fect watch for your kids this weekend. Tune into a brand-new episode of Puppy Dog Pals to see Bingo and Rolly go on exciting adventures. On “Keia’s Birthday Balloon Bash/Hide-and-Go-Sleep,” the wily pups go on a mission to find a special balloon for their friend Keia and later, they’ll search for their cousin Cody when he goes missing during a game of hide-and seek.

Heartland Docs, DVM—Saturday, May 30, at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on Nat Geo WILD
Your favorite sweetheart doctors are back with another season of their heartfelt series. Taking on exciting new cases, the upcoming season takes a peak at husband and wife Drs. Erin and Ben Schroeder’s daily lives as the pair become busier than ever with unique experiences caring for livestock and animals of all shapes, sizes, and ailments.

Celebrity Family Feud—Sunday, May 31, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Each season just keeps getting better! Kicking off the sixth season is an epic showdown between the members of the “OG” Queer Eye—Carson Kressley, Ted Allen, Kyan Douglas, Thom Filicia, and Jai Rodriguez—versus “The New Class” of Queer Eye—Bobby Berk, Jonathan Van Ness, Antoni Porowski, Tan France, and Wesley Hamilton (a season four hero). The hour-long special, hosted by Steve Harvey, will have the two teams go head to head competing to win cash for the charities of their choice.

Press Your Luck—Sunday, May 31, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
As part of ABC’s Summer Fun & Games lineup, Press Your Luck, hosted by Elizabeth Banks, premieres its second season with “I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying.” Contestants Chad Aull, Walt Charles, and Emily Dowler compete against each other, answering questions to earn spins on the Big Board, which can win them cash and prizes—but there’s the chance of spinning a WHAMMY, taking away all their winnings.

Match Game—Sunday, May 31, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
Hosted by Alec Baldwin, Match Game debuts its fifth season with a hilarious special detective-themed episode. Joining the celebrity panel are some notable television and film detectives such as Melissa Fumero (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Angie Harmon (Rizzoli & Isles), Michael Chiklis (The Shield), Adam Rodriguez (Criminal Minds), Jennifer Esposito (Blue Bloods), and Mario Cantone (NYPD Blue), who play a competitive game of fill in the blank!

What the Walt Disney Archives Staff is Watching on Disney+, Part Three

May 28, 2020

By The Walt Disney Archives

For the last two weeks (part 1 and part 2), we’ve been sharing what’s on the Disney+ watchlists of the Walt Disney Archives staff. Looking for your next Disney+ movie night selection? Check out the suggestions below, and be sure to look for the summer 2020 issue of Disney twenty-three, the exclusive magazine for D23 Gold Members for even more Disney+ selections from the Walt Disney Archives.

Amy Opoka—The Little Mermaid (1989)

“The Little Mermaid is the movie that reignited Disney feature animation! Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s classic music shaped so many memories of my childhood. Whether I was a mermaid swimming in the pool, singing ‘Part of Your World’ or squeezing flower buds to make Ursula’s signature lipstick during the intro to ‘Poor Unfortunate Souls,’ the film constantly inspired my creativity and still is an absolute favorite of mine.”

Melissa Pankuch—The Three Musketeers (1993)

“The Three Musketeers was one of my favorite movies to watch with my family growing up. Action, adventure, comedy, and Tim Curry… What’s not to love?”

Christina Pappous—Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

“My top pick for Disney + would have to be Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. From the endearing and memorable cast of characters to the fun and fast-paced storyline, Pirates is a swashbuckling blend of adventure, thrills, humor, and heart.”

Joanna Pratt—Sleeping Beauty (1959)

“Not only is Maleficent my all-time favorite villain, the artwork and styling from Disney Legend Eyvind Earle is absolutely stunning.”

Chris Rexroad—The Black Hole (1979)

“Having always been drawn to films made before my time, The Black Hole, starring Maximilian Schell and Anthony Perkins, is one of my favorites out of Disney’s live-action catalog. The great special effects, along with an eclectic cast comprised of robots and humans, make it hard to resist!”

Katie Strobel—Cinderella (1950)

“Cinderella is my go-to Disney+ pick because of its music, color, and styling—my favorite of any Disney film. Audiences are drawn in from the very start with lush sounds of a chorus and visually stunning opening credits.”

Kimi Thompson—Swiss Family Robinson (1960)

“It’s a classic Disney film filled with adventure. I love the theme of family and working together to survive—and even fight off pirates! As a kid, I was obsessed with the treehouse the family made and always made a point to go to the Swiss Family Treehouse at Disneyland.”

Jennifer Vanoni—The Parent Trap (1961)

“I used to watch this with my mom when I was younger and loved Sharon’s perfectly coordinated wardrobe. I hadn’t seen the film in years until it was streaming on Disney+.”

Feel free to share your Disney+ picks and favorite movie memories with the Archives staff by tagging #WDAWatchParty in celebration of the department’s 50th anniversary.