5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

By Savannah Salazar

This weekend is full of adventure!—and you don’t even need to leave your couch. Starting Friday, you can stream The Olympic Elk, a riveting True-Life Adventure film on Disney+ as you celebrate Earth week. And, the very next day, you and your family can surf over to Freeform to watch Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. Finally, on Sunday, catch the season finale of National Geographic’s Secrets of the Zoo! You can watch all these and more this weekend, so plan some time for adventure with this handy guide:

the olympic elk

The Olympic Elk—Friday, April 24, on Disney+
Keep the Earth Day celebrations going with a documentary from Walt Disney’s True-Life Adventure series. Originally released in 1952, The Olympic Elk follows the lives of elk in the Olympia Peninsula as they battle for supremacy of their herd. Directed by James Algar, you can check out this film when it arrives on Disney+ Friday.

afv

America’s Funniest Home Videos (Seasons 12-19, 23)—Friday, April 24, on Disney+
Need a laugh? Well, turn on America’s Funniest Home Videos this weekend. From cute animal videos to pranks gone wrong, this series is sure to bring a smile to your face. Each episode brings a variety of hilarious situations submitted by people around the world as the studio audience determines which video is the most laugh-out-loud funny.

pirates of the caribbean

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl—Saturday, April 25, at 10 a.m. ET, on Freeform
Spend your morning on the high seas as Freeform airs this iconic film, inspired by the classic Disneyland attraction. Follow the roguish Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) as he seeks to recapture his precious ship, the Black Pearl, after his nemesis Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) steals it along with the Governor’s daughter Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley). Swann’s childhood friend Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) joins Sparrow in this wildly exciting adventure.

american idol

American Idol—Sunday, April 26, at 8 p.m. ET, on ABC
The Top 20 will soon be whittled down to the Top 10 as American Idol returns remotely for the first time. Judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, along with host Ryan Seacrest, in-house mentor Bobby Bones, and the Top 20 contestants will participate from different locations. Filming their performances, the Top 20 will sing their hearts out for a chance for the season three crown.

secrets of the zoo

Secrets of the Zoo—Sunday, April 26, at 9 p.m. ET, on Nat Geo WILD
“Cheetah Play Date” marks the season finale of Nat Geo’s Secrets of the Zoo. After a season of wild encounters, the team at the Columbus Zoo take care of a “Golden Girl” mandrill named Eebi, a laser-fast cheetah named Kesi and two grumpy Pallas’s cats.

Cinematic Surroundings: Walt Disney’s Love of the Natural World

By Kevin Kern, Walt Disney Archives

The wonders of nature are endless. Sometimes we can recognize ourselves in animals, that’s what makes them so interesting.” – Walt Disney

Starting in 1948 with the first of the True-Life Adventures films, Seal Island, Walt Disney set out to expand further upon his previous projects that tackled the natural world—projects like the Silly Symphony series, Fantasia, Bambi, and others. In order to bring the documentary wonders of nature to the big screen for the first time, he knew that he would have to weave together the powers of education, artistry, and storytelling to craft a tapestry worthy of Mother Nature’s engaging name.

The inherent power of these images is something that made the True-Life Adventures films stand out right from the beginning. As Walt recalled in a 1952 publicity program: “…we have found that nature not only offers to the motion picture camera the world’s most fascinating thespians, but also provides a stage extending from the equatorial to the polar regions.”

archives cinematic surroundings
This behind-the-scenes look at the iconic globe featured in the series’ opening titles might further reinforce this very thought from Walt—pointing out (even if subtly) that the beauty of nature is universal in appeal, no matter where we are on that spinning spaceship we call Earth.

As Walt foresaw, there was a unique place for this type of offering amongst Hollywood fare at the time, and the first installment of his series received rapt applause. Thanks to that early success, the studio’s nature documentary ambitions continued to grow, and Company projects diversified in ways that can still be enjoyed and experienced today.

archives cinematic surroundings
As Walt so aptly recounted during his lead-in for the television show “Searching for Nature’s Mysteries” (Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color, 1966): “Ever since the beginning of wisdom, man has been fashioning a brighter light and a stronger glass to help him probe deeper and deeper into the marvels of nature’s secret world.”

Not only did additional films and television shows about the natural wonders of the world follow in the ensuing years, but experiences woven into groundbreaking theme park projects—such as the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland—further sought to bring elements of our wild, beautiful surroundings into the spotlight. At one point, early in the development of the park, the master showman considered using live animals for his river-hopping, boat-led trek—an idea that proved infeasible, given the attraction’s operation, footprint and the natural behaviors of wild animals. With the creation of these experiences, however, Walt further bridged the gap between in-theater and in-the-wild cinematic experiences, all in the name of preserving the wilds around us.

archives cinematic surroundings
As he framed Adventureland shortly before the park opened: “Here is adventure. Here is romance. Here is mystery. Tropical rivers—silently flowing into the unknown. The unbelievable splendor of exotic flowers… the eerie sounds of the jungle… with eyes that are always watching. This is Adventureland.”

While Walt wouldn’t achieve the full live-animal experience with the Jungle Cruise that he had initially envisioned, the concept and foundations were certainly laid for the Company to continue to build upon the idea into the future. Just as those early film and theme park examples were impressive and groundbreaking, so, too, do we have current projects to highlight the remarkable legacy that connects entertainment and education with the beauty and grandeur of Mother Nature—today’s Disneynature film series, the global efforts of the Disney Conservation Fund, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park at the Walt Disney World Resort. Both are prime examples of building upon a creative legacy laid by Walt and the Disney studio more than 70 years ago.

archives cinematic surroundings
The sweeping vistas of Walt’s nature documentaries, such as the one in this behind-the-scenes production shot of True-Life Adventures photographer Herb Crisler, highlight how, in Walt’s words: “These films have demonstrated that facts can be as fascinating as fiction, truth as beguiling as myth, and have opened the eyes of young and old to the beauties of the outdoor world and aroused their desire to conserve priceless natural assets.”

Plant-Based Cookie Fries Recipe from Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

The plant-based cookie fries are a unique and yummy treat to serve at the end of any meal. Similar to biscotti, these chocolate chip cookie sticks can be accompanied by several plant-based dipping sauces: marshmallow cream, chocolate, and strawberry. This recipe makes 32 cookie fries and is the perfect serving size for a small gathering of friends or a family dinner.

Makes 32 cookie fries

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup plus one tablespoon plant-based margarine, softened
  • 7 tablespoons warm water
  • 5 tablespoons liquid egg substitute
  • 1 tablespoon molasses
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free mini chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS

  1. Combine flour, powdered sugar, and plant-based margarine in bowl of electric mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until smooth.
  2. In small bowl, combine warm water and egg substitute. Add egg substitute and molasses to mixer. Mix on medium speed until smooth.
  3. Fold in chocolate chips.
  4. Place in an 8 x 8-inch pan and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  5. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
  6. Cut into 32 strips that are 1/4-inch wide and 4 inches long. Place 16 strips on each baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 20–22 minutes, until crunchy.

Cook’s Note: Plant-based egg substitutes vary by brand and may absorb different amounts of flour and sugar. If the dough is too sticky, add 1 additional tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time until it resembles the texture of traditional cookie dough. Fold in chocolate chips, chill, and bake as directed.

MORE PLANT-BASED RECIPES:

Quinoa Salad from Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

Maple-Bourbon Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apple Butter from The Turf Club Bar & Grill Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Quinoa Salad from Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS

1 cup red quinoa
1/2 cup white quinoa
3 cups water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
1 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped mint
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

  1. Combine water and quinoa in medium saucepan. Bring to boil over high heat. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
  2. Cool quinoa in refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
  3. Place cooled quinoa in large mixing bowl. Add raisins, dried apricots, chopped red onion, cucumber, mint, lemon juice, and olive oil and stir to combine.
  4. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

MORE PLANT-BASED RECIPES:

Plant-Based Cookie Fries Recipe from Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

Maple-Bourbon Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apple Butter from The Turf Club Bar & Grill Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Maple-Bourbon Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apple Butter from The Turf Club Bar & Grill Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Serves 4-6

APPLE BUTTER
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 tart apples, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon clove
1/2 teaspoon allspice

MAPLE-BOURBON GLAZE
1 cup bourbon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup maple syrup

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprout, cut in half
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup canola oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups maple-bourbon glaze

FOR APPLE BUTTER:

  1. Combine water, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice in medium saucepan. Bring to simmer over medium heat.
  2. Add brown sugar and stir until dissolved. Add apples, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes, until apples are soft.
  3. Stir in cinnamon, cloves, and allspice and remove from heat. Use potato masher or stick blender to reach desired consistency.
  4. Transfer to medium bowl, and refrigerate for 24 hours.

FOR MAPLE-BOURBON GLAZE:

  1. Bring bourbon to simmer in small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 7 minutes, until reduced by half.
  2. Stir in sugar and mix until dissolved. Add maple syrup, and increase heat to medium. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Set aside until ready to use.

FOR BRUSSELS SPROUTS:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Combine Brussels sprouts, red onion, oil, salt, and pepper in large bowl. Place on a baking pan, and roast for 25 minutes.
  3. Remove from oven. Coat Brussels sprouts with maple bourbon glaze. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  4. Serve with apple butter.

MORE PLANT-BASED RECIPES:

Quinoa Salad from Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

Plant-Based Cookie Fries Recipe from Beaches & Cream Soda Shop

Enjoy Discounted Disneynature Films For a Limited Time

By the D23 Team

This week, we’re celebrating Earth, and we invite you to join in the fun! Take in the beauty of our wild world with these Disneynature films, which are being offered on digital for a discounted price of $7.99 SD/HD/UHD from Tuesday, April 21, to Monday, April 27.

Click here starting April 21 to purchase the following films at a discounted price:

  1. African Cats
  2. Bears
  3. Born In China
  4. Chimpanzee
  5. Earth
  6. Expedition China
  7. Ghost of the Mountains
  8. Monkey Kingdom
  9. Oceans
  10. Wings of Life

QUIZ: Match the Disney Character to Its Real-Life Animal Counterpart

By the D23 Team

Across the worlds of Disney, plenty of classic characters have captured our hearts—Pascal, Judy Hopps, Simba, and Crush, just to name a few! And those characters are inspired by important animals from our own planet Earth. As part of the celebration, we put together a fun quiz to see if you can match Disney characters to their real-life animal counterpart.

What type of animal is Rajah from Aladdin?

Correct! Wrong!

Which animal resembles the Heffalumps?

Correct! Wrong!

The dapper and entertaining birds from Mary Poppins are which animal?

Correct! Wrong!

Which slow-moving Zootopia character is a sloth?

Correct! Wrong!

The character Kenai turns into which animal?

Correct! Wrong!

What type of animal is King Louie from The Jungle Book?

Correct! Wrong!

What type of animal is Crush from Finding Nemo?

Correct! Wrong!

Which Disney character is a lion?

Correct! Wrong!

What type of animal is Monstro from Pinocchio?

Correct! Wrong!

What type of animal is Abu?

Correct! Wrong!

Discover the Hidden Backstory of The Evil Queen with This Free E-Book

By the D23 Team

Before she had her magic mirror or poisoned apples, who was the Evil Queen? That is what Fairest of All, the latest title in Serena Valentino’s Villains series, seeks to answer. Are you bewitched by the prospect of exploring her story? From now until April 25, you can download Fairest of All for free here.

Find out more about this enchanting exploration of one of Disney’s most famous villainesses from the author herself. We had the chance to ask Valentino a few questions about the story:

D23: The Official Disney Fan Club: Why is Fairest of All a great story for Disney fans to read?
Serena Valentino (SV): I think Disney fans not familiar with the series will enjoy all the little nods to the original animated film. Everything from how Grimhilde gets her spell books, to how she learns magic, where the boat under the castle leads, to who the man in the mirror is… not to mention how she met Snow White’s father!

D23: What do you like most about exploring the Evil Queen’s backstory?
SV: What I like most about this story is her life before she became Snow’s stepmother and what her relationship with Snow and her father was like before Snow’s father passed away. Fairest of All ties up a lot of loose ends from the original tale, and gives Grimhilde’s character more depth. It never seemed quite right to me that Grimhilde tried to have her stepdaughter killed because she was jealous of her beauty, and in my version it’s much more sinister and heartbreaking, and maybe even a little relatable, if not redeemable.

D23: Why do you enjoy telling the Villains’ backstories?
SV: I love really getting to know these characters and exploring why they did the evil things they did in the original animated films. I love dreaming up the backstories of characters I have loved since I was young, and finding ways to make them feel more real and relatable. Most of the time we find that our villains weren’t born evil, but were made evil. If readers feel bad for a woman who wanted to wear puppy fur, like in my next book, Evil Thing, about Cruella De Vil (coming out July 7), then I have done my job!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Zach Johnson

There’s a lot to watch this week—and you won’t want to miss a minute! The fun begins Monday with the season finale of Cosmos: Possible Worlds on National Geographic. Then, in honor of Earth Day, National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD are presenting two brand-new specials, Born Wild: The Next Generation and Jane Goodall: The Hope. From April 23–25, ABC, ESPN, and ESPN+ will be providing multinetwork coverage of the 2020 NFL Draft. Finally, on Friday, the third season of Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure will drop on Disney+, giving families something new to binge-watch together!

cosmos

Cosmos: Possible Worlds—Monday, April 20, at 8 p.m. on National Geographic
Young Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson first discovered their passion for science at the New York World’s Fairs of the past. And so, in the season finale of the imaginative series, “Seven Wonders of the New World,” audiences will get to visit the dazzling pavilions of the 2039 New York World’s Fair, where problems currently considered intractable may have been solved through public commitment and scientific imagination.

born wild

Born Wild: The Next Generation—Wednesday, April 22, at 8 p.m. on National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the one-hour television event, hosted by Disney Legend Robin Roberts, will present stories of hope and offer a revealing look at our planet’s next generation of baby animals and their ecosystems, which face daunting environmental changes. Featuring National Geographic Explorers and photographers, actor Chris Hemsworth, and ABC News correspondents, the special will take viewers on a journey to stunning, breathtaking environments—like Australia, California, Canada, Hawaii, Minnesota, Sri Lanka, and Kenya—to witness and celebrate the diversity and splendor of charismatic baby animals, their families, and their habitats. The special will make its broadcast network debut Saturday, April 25, at 8 p.m. on ABC.

jane goodall

Jane Goodall: The Hope—Wednesday, April 22, at 9 p.m. on National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD
This two-hour special is the story of Dr. Jane Goodall, a global icon in animal welfare and conservation. The documentary celebrates Dr. Goodall’s four decades of advocacy work for chimpanzees and depicts the next chapter for generations to come. Picking up where National Geographic Documentary Films’ award-winning JANE left off in 2017, the special follows Dr. Goodall throughout her robust travels, capturing her relentless commitment and determination to spread a message of hope. The film offers an intimate perspective of her pivotal transformation from scientist to inspirational activist and shows the harrowing obstacles she has faced throughout her remarkable career. Featuring an extensive collection of photographs and footage that spans over seven decades, the documentary illustrates how Dr. Goodall’s passion for wildlife and unshakable drive have persevered, making her one of the most important figures in wildlife conservation who has galvanized a future generation to create lasting change.

nfl

2020 NFL Draft—Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m.; Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, April 25, at 12 p.m. on ABC and ESPN

ESPN and NFL Network will offer a singular presentation of the NFL Draft across both networks, while ABC will present its own telecasts for Rounds 1–3 Thursday and Friday, in addition to simulcasting the ESPN and NFL Network telecasts of Rounds 4–7 Saturday. The 2020 NFL Draft will also serve as a three-day virtual fundraiser benefitting six charities that are battling the spread of COVID-19 and bringing relief to millions in need.

ABC’s unique prime-time telecasts of the NFL Draft on April 23 and 24 will be led by hosts Rece Davis, Jesse Palmer, and Maria Taylor and feature NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay; college football analysts Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, and David Pollack; and correspondent/feature reporter Tom Rinaldi. Trey Wingo will host ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage all three days, with ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr., Louis Riddick, and Booger McFarland making remote appearances. NFL Network host Rich Eisen, Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Michael Irvin and Kurt Warner will contribute remotely all three days. ESPN NFL host Suzy Kolber will conduct remote interviews with NFL draftees, and ESPN Senior NFL Insiders Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter will be featured remotely all three days.

ESPN reporters covering the draft remotely for the networks will include Josina Anderson (Vikings, Redskins, Browns, 49ers), Jeff Darlington (Dolphins, Jaguars, Buccaneers, Chiefs), Dan Graziano (Packers, Lions, Chargers, Panthers, Raiders), Sal Paolantonio (Giants, Ravens, Eagles, Jets), Mike Reiss (Patriots), Dianna Russini (Titans, Bengals, Saints, Falcons), and Ed Werder (Broncos, Seahawks, Cowboys, Cardinals).

rapunzels tangled adventure

Disney’s Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (Season 3)—Thursday, April 23, on Disney+
The latest season of Disney Channel’s animated series starts streaming this week! Follow along as Rapunzel (voice of Mandy Moore), Flynn Ryder (voice of Zachary Levi), Lance (voice of James Monroe Iglehart as Lance), Shorty (voice of Paul F. Tompkins), and Varian (voice of Jeremy Jordan) band together to save Corona and its people—including Rapunzel’s parents, King Frederic (voice of Clancy Brown) and Queen Arianna (voice of Julie Bowen)—after being betrayed by Cassandra (Eden Espinoza).

The music is by Academy Award®-winning Disney Legend Alan Menken and lyricist Glenn Slater. Joining the talented voice cast in guest voice roles for season three are Sean Giambrone as a teenage Eugene; Khary Payton as the new age thug Kai; Chris Diamantopoulos as a budding Flynn Rider; Betsy Sodaro as the memory-stealing witch Clementine; Artemis Pebdani as the werewolf hunter Creighton; Gina Torres as the rival Queen of Ingvarr; and Tara Fitzgerald as Zhan Tiri, an ancient demon sorceress.

10 Disneynature Films on Disney+ to Celebrate Earth Month

By Courtney Potter

On April 22, 1970, a global movement began to honor this little blue planet we call home. Fifty years later, Earth Day (and more recently Earth Month, celebrated during all 30 days of April) continues to call attention to the ways we can nurture and protect Mother Earth, including its incredibly diverse animal population. Disneynature—launched in 2008 to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to share engaging and inspiring wildlife stories on the big screen—has made a meaningful habit of honoring Earth Month over the years by not only debuting their films in April, but also supporting related organizations and communities through the Disney Conservation Fund.

Disney+ is getting in on the action this month by debuting two brand-new Disneynature films for audiences of all ages to enjoy… but that’s not all: They’re also offering a curated collection of other Disneynature movies to stream. (As an added bonus, check out Disney+ for some related behind-the-scenes specials on the latest Disneynature titles!) Read on for a rundown of the adventures you can take from the comfort of your very own living room—and don’t forget to visit Disneynature.com for more info, including some super-fun educator’s guides and activity packets for several of the films!

disney nature roundup

Elephant
Elephant follows African pachyderm Shani and her spirited son Jomo as their herd makes an epic journey hundreds of miles across the vast Kalahari Desert. Led by their great matriarch, Gaia, the family faces brutal heat, dwindling resources, and persistent predators as they follow in their ancestor’s footsteps on a quest to reach a lush, green paradise. In honor of the film, Disneynature and the Disney Conservation Fund are supporting Elephants Without Borders, an organization working in Botswana to ensure people and elephants thrive. See Elephants, narrated by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, on Disney+ beginning April 3.

disney nature roundup

Dolphin Reef
Also premiering on April 3 is Dolphin Reef, narrated by Oscar® winner Natalie Portman; created with Disneynature’s signature storytelling style, the film introduces Echo, a young Pacific bottlenose dolphin who can’t quite decide if it’s time to grow up and take on new responsibilities. Dolphin society is tricky, and the coral reef that Echo and his family call home depends on all of its inhabitants to keep it healthy.

disney nature roundup

Penguins
Additionally, last year’s Disneynature theatrical release is making its Disney+ debut on April 3! Penguins, narrated by Ed Helms, is a coming-of-age story about an Adélie penguin named Steve who joins millions of fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family. None of it comes easily for him, especially considering he’s targeted by everything from killer whales to leopard seals, who unapologetically threaten his happily ever after.

disney nature roundup

Born in China
Narrated by John Krasinksi, Born in China follows the adventures of three different animals—the panda, the golden monkey, and the snow leopard—and their families. The film navigates the vast terrain, from the frigid mountains to the heart of the bamboo forest, on the wings of a red-crowned crane… showcasing beautiful, intimate family moments captured on film for the first time ever. This 2017 Disneynature release is now available on Disney+.

disney nature roundup

Monkey Kingdom
Set among ancient ruins in the storied jungles of South Asia, 2015’s Monkey Kingdom follows Maya, a resourceful monkey who finds her world forever changed when she welcomes her son Kip into her colorful extended family. The film captures all manner of magical footage as Maya strives to keep Kip safe through unexpected—and sometimes perilous—adventures. These truly adorable monkeys will make you laugh, and warm your heart, as Maya realizes her dreams for Kip’s future. With narration by Emmy® winner Tina Fey, this film is now streaming!

disney nature roundup

Bears
This Disneynature film, released in 2014, showcases a year in the life of a bear family. Mother Sky is committed to teaching her two impressionable cubs, Amber and Scout, about life’s most important lessons. Set against an incredible Alaskan backdrop, their journey begins as winter ends; emerging from hibernation, the three face the bitter cold and an exciting (but very risky) outside world. Follow along as this endearing family learns to live life to its fullest in one of the planet’s last great wildernesses. Bears, narrated by Oscar nominee John C. Reilly, is now available on Disney+.

disney nature roundup

Wings of Life
Who knew a story about small winged creatures (and the natural world around them) could be filled with so much drama and intrigue? Narrated by Oscar winner Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats, and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world’s food supply depends on these incredible—and increasingly threatened—creatures. This 2013 Disneynature release is ready to stream on Disney+!

disney nature roundup

Chimpanzee
Journey deep into the African rainforest and meet Oscar, an adorable lil’ chimp with a thoroughly entertaining approach to life—and his remarkable story of individual triumph and family bonds. The world is a playground for Oscar and his fellow young chimps who love creating mayhem; full of curiosity, with a joyful zest for discovery and a love for mimicking others, Oscar—along with his family—navigate the complex territory of the forest. This 2012 film, narrated by Disney Legend Tim Allen, can be streamed now.

disney nature roundup

African Cats
Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, 2011’s African Cats is an epic true story set against the backdrop of one of the wildest places on Earth—capturing the love, humor, and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. You’ll meet Mara, an endearing lion cub who works to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit, and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion and his sons. Watch it on Disney+!

disney nature roundup

The Crimson Wing: Mystery of the Flamingos
In a place like no other on the planet, the dramatic and desolate Lake Natron in northern Tanzania, 2008’s The Crimson Wing bears witness to a spectacle unlike anything audiences have seen before: a million crimson-winged flamingos arriving to continue the circle of life. Focusing on the adventures of a single chick, and set against a backdrop of never-before-filmed landscapes, this Disneynature film is narrated by journalist Mariella Frostrup and is now available for streaming.