Tommy Walker – Celebration Specialist

By Michael Buckhoff, Walt Disney Archives

Most today would not immediately recognize the man standing with Walt Disney near the central hub of Disneyland in 1964, but if you have enjoyed a fireworks spectacular at the park you have Tommy Walker to thank. Son of Disneyland bandleader, Vesey Walker, Tommy served as band director at the University of Southern California. After seeing USC’s halftime show in 1955, Walt Disney asked Walker to come join him as the Entertainment Director for his soon-to-open theme park in Anaheim. Walker planned the opening day festivities and would later go on to help organize events such as Dixieland at Disneyland and Disneyland After Dark. He would also serve as Pageantry Director for the 1960 Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, California. Walker’s suggestion for fireworks at Disneyland was so popular that they would eventually become a mainstay, a nightly extravaganza.

Disneyland Fireworks

Le Tournament de Disneyland Paris

By Becky Cline

Every Disney fan knows that Disneyland was built on orange groves in Anaheim, California, and that Walt Disney World Resort was constructed amidst the undeveloped everglades of central Florida. Many know that Tokyo Disneyland Resort and Hong Kong Disneyland Resorts were built on land reclaimed from the sea, and that Shanghai Disneyland was built on undeveloped land in the Pudong district of Shanghai. But what many people don’t know is that Disneyland Paris sits on a historic plain that was once one of the most popular places in Europe for medieval entertainment, more than 800 years before.

archives disneyland paris
William Marshal at a joust unhorses Baldwin Guisnes. From the Historia Major of Matthew Paris, Cambridge, Corpus Christi College Library

During the medieval period, the field of Lagny-sur-Marne was the most popular place in France for jousting tournaments. The field at Lagny was located east of Paris on the east bank of the River Marne, bordering the region of Champagne. Disneyland Paris now sits on a portion of that vast field.

The largest and most spectacular of all medieval tournaments ever held was hosted there in November 1179, by King Louis VII of France, to celebrate the coronation of his nephew and heir—Philip. (It was a tradition in that era that a king would sometimes crown his heir during his own lifetime.) On All Saints Day 1179, the nearly 15-year-old Philip was anointed and crowned at Reims Cathedral and following the ceremonies, more than 3,000 men—noble knights and their men—met at Lagny-sur-Marne for what might be considered the “Super Bowl” of the Middle Ages.

archives disneyland paris
Le Carrousel de Lancelot, Disneyland Paris Resort (2014)

Today, we think of a tournament as a jousting match with individual knights riding with lances to meet each other on a field of single combat, and this was indeed a component of the tournament—but it was never its main feature. The “Melee” was the focus of the event, and consisted of a mock battle where two teams of mounted knights fought one another on a very large “battlefield.” The object was to capture opposing knights so that they could be ransomed, (a very profitable business for skilled knights such as these).

Notable participants from all over what is now France attended the coronation and tournament in 1179 as well as team of luminaries from the court of England. Led by England’s own 24-year-old “young king” Henry Plantagenet (the eldest son of King Henry II) the English team of knights also included his brothers, Richard, Duke of Acquitaine (the future King Richard “The Lionheart”) and Geoffrey, Duke of Brittany, as well as the man many refer to as the greatest knight who ever lived, William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke. Also participating in the coronation and tournament were the Count of Flanders, the Duke of Burgundy, David Huntington (brother of the King of Scotland), and many others, both French and English.

Though the tournament was a friendly “mock” combat, the melees were very dangerous events, and there was the real possibility that a knight could be seriously injured or even killed. On the day of the tournament the teams formed on each side of the field, lined up for the charge. At the signal, the lines rode at each other with their lances leveled. Those who were able to remain on horseback after that first charge, would turn about quickly and seek out knights to engage individually, hoping to capture them for ransom. Throughout the rest of the day, running battles spread over multiple miles until both sides were exhausted, or daylight faded away. The day then ended with a lavish banquet, entertainment, and the awarding of prizes. Following the Lagny tournament, great praise was heaped on the victorious William Marshal, who was lauded by the Young King Henry who nearly met disaster when his brother Geoffrey abandoned him to chase opponents for ransom. William Marshal and a knight named William de Preaux came to his rescue and even though his helmet was torn from his head, he was saved from capture.

We are fortunate enough to have a contemporary account of the famous tournament, described in detail by William Marshal’s own biographer.

There were to be seen banners unfurled, so many of them and of such diverse types that no man could make them out sufficiently to be able to describe them in detail. The entire field of combat was swarming with them, the plain so full of them that there was not an inch of ground to be seen.

I can tell you that that encounter was not a stealthy affair, indeed, there was great noise and tumult as all strove to deal mighty blows. There you would have heard such a great clash of lances, from which the splinters fell to the ground as the companies met and impeded the forward charge of the horses.

The throng across that plain was huge, with each company shouting out its battle cry.  On all sides you would have seen horses running and sweating with their exertions.  Every man strove hard and did all within his power to perform high deeds, for it is in such a situation that prowess is shown and displayed for all to see. It was a very fiercely fought contest, many were the feats of arms performed that day; the tournament was an exceedingly fine one.

My lord William the Marshal performed so many feats that … afterwards, the King, those who witnessed the event, and those who heard speak of it, said that never before had finer blows been witnessed from a single knight, or known of, as those dealt by the Marshal that day. The bravest amongst them gave him high praise for this.

archives disneyland paris
Le Carrousel de Lancelot, Disneyland Paris Resort (2014)

So, the next time you take up the reins of your noble steed, ready to embark on an enchanting ride aboard Le Carrousel de Lancelot… don’t forget the dashing young King Henry and his valiant knight William Marshal, who gallantly defeated their adversaries on the field beneath your feet.

Share Your Disney Opinions With These 5 Brackets

By Jocelyn Buhlman

As Disney fans, we can’t help it: We have opinions about our favorite Disney films, characters, attractions—you name it, we have thoughts on it! If there’s one thing we love more than having Disney favorites , it’s sharing our favorites—and sharing how correct our opinions are. Over the years, we’ve asked Disney fans to give their opinions on everything from Disney Parks snacks to Disney babies—and while collectively Disney fans have voted a winner from each bracket, now we want to know YOUR opinion. That’s right! Download these brackets and fill them out yourselves, choosing what you think should win each round. Make sure to tag us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to let us know what YOU think is the best in the world of Disney.

Plus—make sure your opinion is heard in this year’s March Hare Mania. It’s down to the final two, so vote now to determine which Disney Adventure Duo will win!

1. A Zoo-per sized bracket
As first featured in our 2016 March Hare Mania bracket, choose which Disney animal should be the winner! They are all so cute—but you can only pick ONE to be the champion.

Click the image to download.
March Hare Mania 2016 tournament bracket

2. D23 Snack Bracket
So delicious, yet so challenging. In 2017, we asked Disney fans to pick which Disney Parks snack was the best of the best. How will you rank these tasty treats?

Click the image to download.
D23 March Hare Mania: Snack Bracket Round 1

3. D23 Track Bracket
You hum the tunes while you walk, you belt out the words in the shower—but can you pick which song reigns supreme? Our 2018 March Hare Mania bracket was the most toe-tapping challenge yet.

Click the image to download.
March Hare Mania 2018 bracket Round 1

4. D23 Baby Bracket
2019’s March Hare Mania was a big challenge with small characters! Can you pick which Disney baby you think is best?

Click the image to download.
D23 March Hare Mania: Baby Bracket

BONUS: The Ultimate Disney Couple’s Tournament
We first challenged the cast of ZOMBIES 2 to rank their favorite Disney couples—but now, we need to know from you which Disney couple you think is the fairest of them all!

Click the image to download.
Ultimate Disney Couples Tournament bracket

Renié Conley, Costumer to the Stars – Part Two

By Lynne Drake and Heather Hoffman, Walt Disney Archives

We continue our look at costumer, Renié Conley, whose Disneyland costume designs were spotlighted last week as part of her earliest wardrobe concepts. If you happened to miss part one, check it out here.

Renié is also well known for designing the female costumes for the 20th Century Fox film, Cleopatra (1963). She worked alongside famed costumer Irene Sharaff, who exclusively designed the costumes for Elizabeth Taylor, and Vittorio Nino Novarese who designed all of the costumes for the male cast. The three won an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for the film at the 36th Academy Awards held on April 13, 1964.

Here are three of Renié’s original costume design sketches from our photography collection as well as the original informational captions written by 20th Century Fox publicist, Sonia Wolfson. #1, an Egyptian handmaiden’s gown, #2 “Charmain” gown, and #3) “Calpurnia” sheer chiffon gown.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Zach Johnson

Three finales. Two premieres. One week. Our calendar is filing up fast, and we’re anxiously awaiting the finales and premieres of original series from Disney Channel, ABC, Freeform, and Disney+. It all begins tonight with the season two premiere of Sydney to the Max and extends through Friday with the series premiere of Be Our Chef. So plan accordingly, because we’ve rounded up five series you should watch this week:

Disney Things to Watch

Sydney to the Max—Monday, March 23, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel
The season two premiere, “Farther of the Bribe,” kicks off a weeklong rollout of new episodes. Set in the present day with flashbacks to the 1990s, Sydney to the Max continues to follow outgoing middle schooler Sydney (Ruth Righi) who lives with her single dad Max (Ian Reed Kessler) in his childhood home, along with her free-spirited grandmother Judy (Caroline Rhea). In the season opener, Sydney is excited when she makes the school’s first girls fencing team. But when she learns her dad helped Coach Carlock (guest star Eric Allan Kramer), Sydney fears she may have gotten on the team for the wrong reason. Episodes of Sydney to the Max will also be available in DisneyNOW.

Disney Things to Watch

Stumptown—Wednesday, March 25, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
The freshman series’ season finale finds Dex (Cobie Smulders) taking matters into her own hands after finding herself at the forefront of a murder investigation where she’s the prime suspect. Meanwhile, Hoffman (Michael Ealy) struggles to remain impartial in the investigation—and he just might lose everything if he continues to help Dex. Elsewhere, Grey (Jake Johnson) attempts to work on his budding relationship with his estranged father, Michael (Matt Craven), while a familiar face from the past makes a surprise visit.

Disney Things to Watch

The Bold Type—Thursday, March 26, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Freeform
The spring finale, “Some Kind of Wonderful,” is set on Sutton (Meghann Fahy) and Richard (Sam Page)’s wedding day—and Sutton is faced with a big decision. Jane (Katie Stevens) tries to celebrate their big day while also struggling to process recent discoveries. Meanwhile, Kat (Aisha Dee) faces unexpected and life-altering consequences for her continued crusade against Scarlet magazine’s board.

Disney Things to Watch

A Million Little Things—Thursday, March 26, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC
There are a million little reasons to tune in for the season two finale! It starts with Eddie (David Giuntoli) and Katherine (Grace Park) preparing to renew their vows—just before Eve (Ebboney Wilson) goes into labor and everyone rushes to the hospital. Meanwhile, things are getting serious with Delilah (Stephanie Dzostak) and Miles (Parker Young). Maggie (Allison Miller) shares some shocking news with Gary (James Roday)—and Eddie learns more about his involvement in the mysterious lake accident.

Disney Things to Watch

Be Our Chef—Friday, March 27, on Disney+
This new cooking competition series invites five food-loving families to create themed dishes, all inspired by the magic of Disney! They will compete for a once in a lifetime opportunity to present their very own signature dish to be served at Disney Parks. In each episode, hosted by Angela Kinsey, two of the five families go head-to-head in a themed cook-off challenge, using family traditions and learned skills. The two families with the most wins make it to the spectacular finale. The premiere episode, “Bibbidi Bobbidi Bon Appetit,” is a Cinderella-inspired challenge that asks the Merrill and Robbins families to magically transform a classic comfort food in to a gourmet meal.

Dining at Disney’s – The Commissary at The Walt Disney Studios Turns 80

By Rebecca Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives

When The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank opened in 1940, employees were struck by the admirable lawns and pedestrian thoroughfares which were ideal for walks, picnicking, or leading to the nearby studio restaurant, or “Commissary” as it is called, which featured relaxing outdoor patios or air-conditioned indoor seating areas.  The Commissary itself opened 80 years ago today.  Please enjoy the following excerpt from the book “The Walt Disney Studios: A Lot to Remember” (by Steven Clark and Rebecca Cline, Disney Editions, 2019):

The Walt Disney Studios: A Lot to Remember” (by Steven Clark and Rebecca Cline, Disney Editions, 2019):

The Commissary was both convenient for employees and practical given rigorous production schedules.  “Our restaurant was designed on the basis of feeding the maximum of people in the shortest length of time, and give them food that would keep them from going off the lot,” explained architect Frank Crowhurst.  The facility was divided into two parts: “…a restaurant for those who want to linger over their dinner, and a coffee shop where they can be served quickly and where they can turn them over three times an hour.”  Both areas, of course, offered high food quality and service at an affordable price.  After all, given the lack of lunch options in the Burbank area in the 1940s and the distance to the nearest restaurants, Walt ensured that the studio commissary was subsidized, operating at either break-even or a slight loss, so that his staff would remain on campus and productive. 

Before the Commissary opened on March 21, 1940, a temporary restaurant was located on the soundstage, offering “Fine Food at Popular Prices,” according to the January 12, 1940, Bulletin.  The article continued:

A complete restaurant, even flowers on the tables, has been laid out in the Live Action Stage on the Burbank lot and is being operated by the Brittingham Commissary.  This has been done for the comfort and convenience of the employees and everyone is invited to take advantage of its excellent facilities.

This restaurant came into being over last weekend, with carpenters, painters, plumbers and electricians working night and day to complete the setup for Monday’s lunch.

The Brittingham Commissary is to be complimented on the fine food and service.  Both a cafeteria and dining room have been installed.  A full-course luncheon in the dining room may be had for 60¢ — the same luncheon is 50¢ in the cafeteria.  Sandwiches and salads are offered at popular prices, pies and desserts are 10¢ and coffee is a nickel.

In order to provide the best possible facilities and insure that only the highest quality food is served, the studio pays a flat rate of 80¢ for each person served, regardless of the amount of the check.

The “Cartoon Special,” on the menu daily, is a particular feature.  This consists of an entrée, rolls and butter, coffee, milk, or buttermilk, and is offered at 35¢ in the cafeteria, and 40¢ in the dining room.

 The temporary location was a fine offering, but once the permanent commissary opened, it was an instant hit.

The Commissary became a vital place to dine and to see and be seen.  Most Disneyites would frequent the restaurant, including Walt himself.  According to Katherine Beaumont, the voice of Alice from Alice in Wonderland and Wendy from Peter Pan, “Walt was a person who was quite visible.  Most studio heads, I had learned, you know…they’re in an office somewhere.  But, Walt would come down to the cafeteria and go through the line at lunchtime, with his tray, and find a place to sit just as everybody else was doing at lunch.  He would visit with people.”

Years later, during one of her visits with Walt in June 1963, renowned Hollywood gossip columnist Hedda Hopper joined Walt at the Commissary, noting, “Disney employees were standing under the trees talking, or sitting on the many benches that are scattered over his campus.  Some were playing ball.  Walt said, ‘I used to have a baseball field and a putting green, but had to take them out and make parking spaces.’”

 Hopper continued, “A small boy was playing ping pong.  A little boy with a yellow necktie and yellow socks was playing around outside the entrance to the dining room.  Walt said, ‘Hello, Matthew.  How are you?’ and as he passed patted him on the head.  The little boy glowed.”  Of course, Hopper’s visit was during the production of Mary Poppins, and the little boy on his lunch break was Matthew Garber, who played young Michael Banks.  Moments later, as Hopper recounts, “Julie Andrews came by in a pert little hat with a daisy sticking up in front.  Walt said, ‘I’m gonna give you that when the picture’s done,’” referring to Mary Poppins’ signature hat.  Julie replied, “’I want it so badly and didn’t want to ask.’”

As Walt and Hopper left the Commissary, she noted, “In the serve yourself cafeteria is a big case that holds the Oscar with the seven little Oscars Walt got for Snow White; the Legion of Honor from France; the Irving Thalberg Awards and right beside the Legion of Honor are two Mickey Mouse watches – one for a boy, one for a girl.  On the girl’s watch is a sign: ‘The 5,000,000th watch.’  On the boy’s, ‘The 25,000,000th watch.’  On his way out [of the Commissary, Walt] stopped to weigh [himself].  You get a fortune with this.  He weighed 191 – was upset.  His fortune read: ‘You have great self control and can take great abuse.’”

From Ink and Paint to Imagineering: The Remarkable Career of Joyce Carlson

By Nicole Carroll, Walt Disney Archives

Disney Legend Joyce Carlson began her impressive career with The Walt Disney Company in 1944, in the studio traffic department, where she was responsible for delivering mail and other items like pencils, brushes, or coffee to animators and artists. “Traffic was where you could get the lay of the land. It wasn’t a place you’d be very long. Just a place to see where you wanted to go,” Joyce recalled. Just six months later she transferred to the Ink and Paint Department where she would spend 16 years as an inker working on such films as Victory Through Air Power (1943), The Three Caballeros (1945), Cinderella (1950), Peter Pan (1953), Sleeping Beauty (1959), and countless others. Throughout her time in Ink and Paint, Joyce honed her skills at various art schools including: Chicago Art Institute, USC, and the Chouinard Art Institute (now CalArts).

As the studio’s use of the Xerox process developed and began to replace Inkers, many were trained on the Xerox machine, went back to painting, left the company, or like Joyce, went to WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering). One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961) would be Joyce’s last film before leaving the Ink and Paint Department and being hired by WED in 1962 where she worked in the famed model shop.

Not long after transferring, Joyce was busy working on attractions for the 1964–1965 World’s Fair in New York. She worked on the models for the Progressland pavilion, including General Electric’s Carousel of Progress and recalled using a coworker’s earring collection as models for lamps and other room décor. Perhaps her most well-known contribution to The Walt Disney Company, however, was her involvement in making “it’s a small world” a reality, where she worked side-by-side with Disney Legends Mary Blair and Marc Davis. Joyce worked on both the original model for the attraction and many of the dolls inside. In a call back to her previous role in the Ink and Paint Department, Joyce naturally took a liking to painting many of the small props for the attraction. Because of her involvement, Joyce was among the artists Walt sent to New York to install “it’s a small world” for its big debut. Following the fair, she helped move the popular attraction to Disneyland Park. As she was essentially the “small world” expert, Joyce helped create new versions of the attraction for both the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World in 1971 and Tokyo Disneyland in 1983.

With a remarkable career spanning 56 years (a rare feat itself!) it should come as no surprise that Joyce was the first woman in The Walt Disney Company to reach both 50 and 55-year service milestones. Even though she retired and became a Disney Legend in 2000, Joyce continued consulting and sharing her expansive knowledge with the young artists tasked with the upkeep of attractions until 2006. Today, there are five “it’s a small world” attractions to be enjoyed by Guests around the world – thanks in part to the incomparably joyous Joyce Carlson.

Celebrate the Music of Coco in a Whole New Way—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Mark your calendars for Disney+’s new Coco special, and go behind the scenes of Artemis Fowl… Read more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

Get Ready to Relive Your Favorite Music from Disney and Pixar’s Coco

We can’t get enough of the incredible music from Disney and Pixar’s Coco ’round these parts, so you can imagine our excitement when Disney+ announced this brand-new special just a few days ago… A Celebration of the Music from Coco is a reimagined live-to-film concert experience recorded at the legendary Hollywood Bowl, and it’s coming to Disney+ next month! Bringing to life performances from the spectacular animated film, this magical celebration of the Day of the Dead includes performances and appearances by Benjamin Bratt, Jaime Camil, Felipe Fernández del Paso, Alex Gonzalez, Sarah Hicks, Natalia Jiménez, Eva Longoria, Rudy Mancuso, Mariachi Divas, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Miguel, Carlos Rivera, and Alanna Ubach—along with Lee Unkrich, the film’s director.

The special features a full 60-piece orchestra, and will include performances of the Academy Award®-winning original song “Remember Me”… plus other incredible tunes from the film, including “Un Poco Loco,” “The World Es Mi Familia,” “Proud Corazón,” and some fan favorites from the Latin-American soundtrack, to boot—including “La Bikina,” “Bésame Mucho,” “Recuérdame,” and many more.

Directed by Fernandez del Paso and produced by Disney Concerts and Live Nation/Andrew Hewitt & Bill Silva Presents, A Celebration of the Music from Coco premieres on Disney+ on April 10! Mark those calendars!

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Weekend

There’s a ton of new content to watch from all around the worlds of Disney this very weekend—and because we’re friends (hi friends!), we’ve put together a handy-dandy round-up of what you can expect on your favorite streaming apparatus. From a brand-new Descendants special featuring Descendants 3 star Cheyenne Jackson on Disney Channel to the next installment of the ever-surprising Hollywood Week on ABC’s American Idol, and everything in between, there’s something for every taste. Click here for the full rundown.

Go Behind the Scenes with Artemis Fowl

Wanna see how the incredible story of a 12-year-old genius and his battle against a hidden race of fairies comes to life? Check out this brand-new Artemis Fowl featurette, above.

Disney’s Artemis Fowl, based on the beloved book by Eoin Colfer, is a fantastical, spellbinding adventure that follows the journey of Artemis (Ferdia Shaw), a descendant of a long line of criminal masterminds, as he seeks to find his father (Colin Farrell) who has mysteriously disappeared. With the help of his loyal protector Butler (Nonso Anozie), Artemis sets out to find him, and in doing so uncovers an ancient, underground civilization—the amazingly advanced world of fairies. Deducing that his father’s disappearance is somehow connected to the secretive, reclusive fairy world, cunning Artemis concocts a dangerous plan—so dangerous that he ultimately finds himself in a perilous war of wits with the all-powerful fairies.

Artemis Fowl is directed by Kenneth Branagh and also stars Lara McDonnell, Josh Gad, Tamara Smart, Josh McGuire, Nikesh Patel, Adrian Scarborough, Miranda Raison, and Judi Dench.

Disney news

You’ve Just Gotta Check Out the Brand-New Imagineering in a Box!

Who amongst us has never thought about designing their very own theme park? (If you haven’t, your imagination is seriously missing out.) Well, thanks to a partnership between Khan Academy and Pixar, now you can!

Imagineering in a Box is a brand-new, free online program designed to “pull back the curtain” and show people how artists, designers, and engineers work together to create theme parks. Users will go behind the scenes with Disney Imagineers and complete project-based exercises to design a theme park of their very own. The series of interactive lessons includes 32 videos of Imagineers; actual case studies (neat!); and a ton of fun activities.

People of all ages can experience firsthand how science, technology, engineering, and math can be combined with creativity and design to create larger-than-life entertainment for millions all around the world. The lesson plans will guide the building of worlds, attractions, and characters; modules range from a tutorial on engineering software to an interactive exercise where users are encouraged to gather items around them and create something new. And the best part? Each activity is designed to be scalable, meaning it’ll allow people to learn on their own or in a classroom-style setting.

Click here for more information, and to get started!

Disney news

Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and Disneyland Paris Resorts Give Back

During their temporary closure, the good folks at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Disneyland Paris Resort are continuing their commitment of reducing food waste by donating surplus food to help their local communities.

Earlier this week, Walt Disney World Resort cast members joined the Distribution Services team that oversees collection and delivery of donations to help the community and share surplus food inventory like fresh salads, greens, and expertly cooked hot items with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Meanwhile, at Disneyland Resort, food donations actually started over the weekend; while closely following safety guidelines, excess inventory of dairy, fruit, vegetables, packaged goods, and banquet meals were shared with Second Harvest Food Bank to be quickly moved out to pantries and food distribution sites throughout Orange County.

And “across the pond,” Disneyland Paris recently donated 15 tons of surplus food inventory to local and national associations in France, including Secours Populaire Français and Restaurants du Cœur. The large-scale donation operation was accomplished thanks to resort cast members who were mobilized to identify, collect, and redistribute fresh products—including salads, fruit, dairy, and more—as quickly as possible.

ICYMI: Frozen 2 is Now Available on Disney+!

Looking for a very special treat to watch on Disney+? Look no further than this week’s amazing streaming surprise: Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film Frozen 2! Streaming a whopping three months early! Read all about it right here at D23.com.

Everything New You Can Stream on Disney+ in April 2020

By Zach Johnson

This spring, we’re going to steal the Declaration of Independence…. well, not really. But we are going to watch Ben Gates pull off one of the most epic heists in movie history when National Treasure begins streaming on Disney+ April 30. That’s just one of the many beloved titles coming to the streaming service next month. Enjoy new episodes of Disney+ Originals such as Be Our Guest, One Day at Disney, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as the finale episodes of Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings and Shop Class. Plus, Walt Disney Studios also announced Onward will arrive on Disney+ early!

Coming to Disney+ in April 2020

On April 3, Academy Award® winner Natalie Portman narrates Dolphin Reef, a Disneynature documentary that follows a young Pacific bottlenose dolphin named Echo. A week later, A Celebration of the Music from Coco arrives on Disney+. The reimagined live-to-film concert experience was recorded at the legendary Hollywood Bowl last year. Bringing to life performances from the spectacular Disney and Pixar film Coco, this magical celebration of the Day of the Dead includes performances and appearances by Benjamin Bratt, Jaime Camil, Felipe Fernández del Paso, Alex Gonzalez, Sarah Hicks, Natalia Jiménez, Eva Longoria, Rudy Mancuso, Mariachi Divas, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Miguel, Carlos Rivera, and Alanna Ubach. Lee Unkrich, the movie’s director, is featured, as well.

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

Coming to Disney+ in April 2020

Wednesday, April 1
Doctor Doolittle

Friday, April 3
A Tale of Two Critters
In a Nutshell
Don’s Fountain of Youth
Donald’s Dog Laundry
Double Dribble
Dragon Around
Elmer Elephant
Fish Hooks (Seasons 1–3)
How to Play Football
Lambert, The Sheepish Lion
On Ice
Onward
Out of Scale
Penguins
Pluto’s Party
Sea Scouts
Sonny with a Chance (Seasons 1–3)
The Boy Who Talked to Badgers
The New Neighbor
The Small One
The Straight Story
Life on the Edge (“Penguins Behind the Scenes”) (Premiere)
Dolphin Reef (Premiere)
Diving with Dolphins (“Dolphin Reef Behind the Scenes”) (Premiere)
Elephant (Premiere)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Episode 707—“Dangerous Debt”)
Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings (Episode 208—“Marry ME”) (Finale)
Shop Class (Episode 106—“Downhill Derby”)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 122—“Minnie Mouse: Apron”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 118—“Patti Murin: Frozen Musical, Broadway”)
Be Our Chef (Episode 102—“Diagnosis: Delicious”)

Coming to Disney+ in April 2020

Friday, April 10
Life Below Zero (Season 14)
Paradise Island (Season 1)
Playtime with Puppy Dog Pals (Season 1)
Running Wild with Bear Grylls (Season 5)
Tut’s Treasures: Hidden Secrets (Season 1)
A Celebration of the Music from Coco (Premiere) (Special)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Episode 708—“Together Again”)
Shop Class (Episode 107—“Ready for Launch”)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 119—“Minnie Mouse: Kite”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 119—“Francheska Roman: Candy Maker”)
Be Our Chef (Episode 103—“Hidden Within”)

Sunday, April 12
PJ Masks (Season 3)

Coming to Disney+ in April 2020

Friday, April 17
Brain Games (Season 8)
Let’s Stick Together
Mickey and the Roadster Racers: Nutty Tales (Seasons 1-2)
Pluto’s Purchase
The Incredible Dr. Pol (Season 16)
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Episode 709—“Old Friends Not Forgotten”)
Shop Class (Episode 108—“Build Your Own Adventure”) (Finale)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 124—“Finding Nemo: Terrarium”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 120—“Steve Sligh: Golden Oak Ranch Manager”)
Be Our Chef (Episode 104—“Curiouser and Curiouser”)

Sunday, April 19
Just Roll with It (Season 1)

Monday, April 20
Secrets of the Zoo: Tampa (Season 1)

Tuesday, April 21
The Disney Family Singalong

Wednesday, April 22
Fury Files
Jane Goodall: The Hope

Coming to Disney+ in April 2020

Thursday, April 23
Disney Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure (Season 3)

Friday, April 24
America’s Funniest Home Videos (Seasons 12–19, 23)
Man in Space
Mars and Beyond
The Olympic Elk
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Episode 710—“The Phantom Apprentice”)
Disney Family Sundays (Episode 125—“WALL•E: Recycling Container”)
One Day at Disney (Episode 121—“Tia Kratter: Pixar University”)
Be Our Chef (Episode 105—“Beyond the Reef”)

Thursday, April 30
National Treasure

Coming to Disney+ in April 2020

Throughout April, Disney+ will be celebrating Earth Month with a curated collection of documentaries, series, and films from National Geographic and Disneynature, including:

African Cats (Disneynature)
Chimpanzee (Disneynature)
Bears (Disneynature)
Born in China (Disneynature)
Crimson Wing (Disneynature)
Monkey Kingdom (Disneynature)
Wings of Life (Disneynature)
America’s National Parks (National Geographic)
Wild Yellowstone (National Geographic)
The Flood (National Geographic)
JANE (National Geographic)
Before the Flood (National Geographic)
Planet of the Birds (National Geographic)
Sea of Hope: America’s Underwater Treasures (National Geographic)
Kingdom of the White Wolf (National Geographic)
Tree Climbing Lions (National Geographic)
Hostile Planet (National Geographic)
Wild Russia (National Geographic)
One Strange Rock (National Geographic)
Giants of the Deep Blue (National Geographic)
Kingdom of the Blue Whale (National Geographic)
Great Migrations (National Geographic)
Earth Live (National Geographic)
Winged Seduction: Birds of Paradise (National Geographic)
Into the Grand Canyon (National Geographic)

JUST ANNOUNCED: Disney and Pixar’s Onward to Arrive Early on Digital and Disney+

By the D23 Team

Behold: The most enchanting news! The Walt Disney Studios announced today that Disney and Pixar’s Onward will be available to buy digitally and on Movies Anywhere beginning today at 5 p.m. PST/ 8 p.m. EST and on Disney+ on April 3 in the U.S.

The film premiered in theaters on March 6 and earned rave reviews from audiences, including a 95% Verified Audience Score on RottenTomatoes. With cinemas currently impacted by closures due to the global health crisis, Disney will offer the film ahead of schedule to purchase on digital platforms in the U.S. beginning today at 5 p.m. PST /8 p.m. EST for $19.99.

“While we’re looking forward to audiences enjoying our films on the big screen again soon, given the current circumstances, we are pleased to release this fun, adventurous film to digital platforms early for audiences to enjoy from the comfort of their homes,” said Dan Scanlon (Director, Onward) and Kori Rae (Producer, Onward).

In Onward, teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley Lightfoot (voices of Tom Holland and Chris Pratt) get an unexpected opportunity to spend one more day with their late dad, embarking on an extraordinary quest aboard Barley’s epic van Guinevere. Like any good quest, their journey is filled with magic spells, cryptic maps, impossible obstacles and unimaginable discoveries. But when the boys’ fearless mom Laurel (voice of Julia Louis-Dreyfus) realizes her sons are missing, she teams up with a part-lion, part-bat, part-scorpion, former warrior—aka The Manticore (voice of Octavia Spencer)—and heads off to find them. Perilous curses aside, this one magical day could mean more than any of them ever dreamed.