H2O+ Releases New Thingamabobs as Part of a Collection for The Little Mermaid’s 30th Anniversary

By D23 Team

The fin-tastic H2O+ collection that debuted at D23 Expo 2019 is now available to add to your trove of whozits and whatzits galore! In celebration of The Little Mermaid’s 30th anniversary, this limited-edition 3-Step Hydration system features the little mermaid herself, Ariel. You can swim to Shopdisney.com to get your set, but until then, let’s go under the sea to look at this stuff because, well, isn’t it neat?

H2O+ Beauty Cleanser

Elements Keep It Fresh Face Cleanser by H2O+
Your collection wouldn’t be complete without this luxurious cleanser. Gently washing away dirt, oil, and makeup, it’s formulated with water lily extract to smooth and hydrate.

 H2O+ Hydrating

Oasis Hydrating Beauty Essence by H2O+
Rounding out the collection is this skin care product that softens, hydrates, and primes your skin after cleansing. Super-charge your routine with this prep step that helps maximize the benefits of all the products in the collection.

H2O+ Gel Moisturizer

Oasis Hydrating Treatment Water-Gel Moisturizer by H2O+
Powered by signature hydrating technology, this water-gel product moisturizes on contact, absorbs rapidly, and lasts all day, keeping you as fresh-faced as Ariel herself.

Go Inside Frozen 2 with New Podcast—Plus More in News Briefs

By Courtney Potter

Hear directly from the filmmakers of Frozen 2, and stay tuned for some holiday fun from ABC and Disney Channel… See more, along with other news from around Disney, in this week’s news briefs!

ABC Audio Presents Brand-New Inside Frozen 2 Podcast

 Want to learn everything there is to know about the world of Arendelle in a fresh new way? Then make sure to tune into ABC Audio’s new podcast—Inside Frozen 2—debuting Wednesday, November 20 (just a few days before Frozen 2’s theatrical release)!

The six-part podcast series, produced in collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios, takes listeners on a rare deep dive into the making of the sequel to Frozen, the biggest animated movie in box office history. Hosted by ABC News Chief Meteorologist and Good Morning America stalwart Ginger Zee, the series’ first episode features an interview with Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez—the married duo who wrote all seven new original songs for Frozen 2 and won an Oscar® for Frozen’s iconic song “Let It Go.” In the series, the Lopezes will not only talk to Zee about their creative process (and the evolution of songs from conception to completion), but also give some intimate piano performances, previewing highly anticipated songs from Frozen 2 including “Into the Unknown.”

Later in the series, we’ll hear interviews with Frozen 2 directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck and producer Peter Del Vecho; score composer Christophe Beck; Walt Disney Animation Studios’ senior vice president of music Tom MacDougall; head of Frozen 2 animation Becky Bresee; “Elsa” supervising animator Wayne Unten; members of the voice cast; and more!

Inside Frozen 2 will be available for free on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Pandora, Spotify, Stitcher, TuneIn, and the ABC News app—with new episodes releasing every Wednesday, concluding on Christmas Day. And guess what? Video versions of each episode will also be available on ABC News Digital! So mark those calendars and join in on all the Frozen 2 fun…

Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:

D23 and Walt Disney Archives
November 14, 2019
D23’s Behind-the-Scenes Experiences: A Day at the Studio Lot
November 16, 2019
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Up at Walt Disney World
November 18, 2019
Behind the Scenes at Walt Disney Animation Studios
November 20, 2019
Attend Disney’s Frozen 2 Red Carpet Premiere in Toronto!
November 23, 2019
D23’s Magical Screening Series: Up on the Lot
December 8, 2019
Light Up the Season with D23—2019
January 17, 2020
Get VIP Tickets to Disney’s Frozen The Hit Broadway Musical
January 31, 2020
Disney’s Aladdin the Hit Broadway Musical VIP Tickets
August 9, 2020
Adventures by Disney Rhine River Cruise Presented by D23
Parks
August 29—November 23, 2019
2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
November 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24;
December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 2019
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom park
November 29—December 30, 2019
2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
December 5, 2019
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
January 17, 2020
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens at Disneyland park
January 17—February 9, 2020
Lunar New Year returns to Disney California Adventure park
February 28—April 21, 2020
Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival returns to the Disneyland Resort
March 4—June 1, 2020
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort
Studios
November 22, 2019
Frozen 2 opens in U.S. theaters
December 20, 2019
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in U.S. theaters
March 6, 2020
Onward opens in U.S. theaters
March 27, 2020
Mulan opens in U.S. theaters
May 29, 2020
Artemis Fowl opens in U.S. theaters
Television
November 16, 2019
Big City Greens Kicks Off Season Two on Disney Channel (9:30 a.m. EST/PST)

Disneyland

Make Merry with These New Holiday Specials from ABC and Disney Channel!

Speaking of ABC, they’re getting into the holiday spirit in a big way—and they’re teaming with our pals over at Disney Channel to make all our spirits bright… Beginning later this month, ABC and Disney Channel will transport the magic of Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line during the holidays to viewers with three incredible new specials featuring star-studded performances, merry entertainment, and so much more.

It all kicks off on ABC, on Thanksgiving night (Thursday, November 28, at 8 p.m. EST) with The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration; join Golden Globe®-nominated actor/singer Matthew Morrison, The Great American Baking Show’s Emma Bunton, and TV host Jesse Palmer as they present a two-hour prime-time special from in front of Cinderella Castle at Walt Disney World Resort and Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland Resort. This magical evening will feature musical performances from the likes of Sting, Pentatonix, Portugal. The Man, Ingrid Michealson, and more—all among a veritable flurry of Disney holiday entertainment! During the special, viewers will be treated to several Disney Parks sneak peeks, including a behind-the-scenes look at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance—opening in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on December 5 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and on January 17, 2020, at Disneyland Park.

Then, on Friday, December 13, at 8 p.m. PST on Disney Channel and the DisneyNOW app, tune into Disney Channel Holiday Party @ Walt Disney World—featuring Morrison alongside co-hosts Megan Donnelly and Milo Manheim (ZOMBIES 2) as they present even more holiday fun… including a sneak peek at Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year. And be sure not to miss Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade, ABC’s annual fan-favorite special airing Christmas morning, Wednesday, December 25, beginning at 10 a.m. EST/9 a.m. PST.

Now, if you’ll excuse us, all this holiday talk has us hankerin’ for a mug of hot cocoa…

United Airlines Unveils Amazing Star Wars-Themed Plane

Could it make the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the coolest-looking planes currently flying the skies…

As first announced by our friends at the Disney Parks Blog, United Airlines just introduced a special Star Wars-themed Boeing 737-800 aircraft featuring a Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker-themed look and onboard experience. The new paint design captures the galactically grand atmosphere of the Star Wars universe, and features imagery of iconic Star Wars spacecrafts—including the X-wing and TIE fighter starships. The aircraft’s tail also displays different colored lightsabers against a black backdrop on each side, indicating both sides of the Force.

Passengers are greeted with classic Star Wars-themed music during the boarding process; watch an inflight safety demonstration video that features characters from the new film (so fun, right?!); and enjoy headrests with the emblems of the Resistance and First Order. Plus, commemorative pins will be distributed throughout December to celebrate the movie’s premiere. See what makes the plane so unique in the new video, above.

It’s truly an “out-of-this-world” journey… and if you’re flying United in the near future, perhaps you’ll be “recruited” onboard!

 Tree of Life Awakens for the Holidays at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

If you’ve been following along here at News Briefs, you’ve already heard that Disney’s Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort is celebrating the holidays in a big way—bigger than ever before in their two-decade-long history… And now, we have a look at what that means for the park’s incredible Tree of Life. Take a gander at what you can expect this season in the new clip, above.

The new Tree of Life awakenings are themed to several holiday-related stories and are colorful (and adorable) as can be. And some of the animals seen in the awakenings can also be observed around Discovery Island during the day, in the form of incredible new puppets created just for the occasion. So if you and your family should find yourselves at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the next few weeks, don’t miss your chance to see it all in person!

Freeform logo

Freeform Gets Romantic with New Valentine’s Day-Themed Movie

The holidays may still be on the horizon, but the new year will be here before we know it—which means Valentine’s Day isn’t far behind! (Time certainly flies, right?) And our pals over at Freeform just announced the start of production on a brand-new Valentine’s Day-themed romantic comedy film, to debut on the network in February…

The Thing About Harry (currently shooting in Chicago, and directed by Good Trouble and The Fosters creator Peter Paige) follows two high school enemies—uber-jock Harry (newcomer Niko Terho) and out-and-proud Sam (Grey’s Anatomy’s Jake Borelli)—who are forced to share a car ride to their Missouri hometown for a friend’s engagement party on Valentine’s Day. Things take a turn when Sam learns Harry has come out; stuck spending the night together in a roadside motel, Harry and Sam begin to develop a deep friendship—with neither admitting a potential romance may be brewing—leaving them wondering if one road trip could change the rest of their lives.

Rounding out the cast are Karamo Brown (Dancing with the Stars, Queer Eye) as Paul, an exceedingly well put-together (yet just a touch overbearing) gay man; Britt Baron (GLOW) as Stasia, Sam’s edgy and opinionated best friend; and director Paige himself as Casey, Sam’s warmhearted roommate.

Look for The Thing About Harry on Freeform this spring!

Epcot International Festival of the Arts

Epcot International Festival of the Arts Announces 2020 Schedule

Speaking of “fun things to look forward to next year,” Epcot just released some new info about its upcoming International Festival of the Arts—which will celebrate all things visual, culinary, and performing arts for a whopping 39 days, from January 17 to February 24, 2020. The event features visiting artists; an array of delicious foodie delights; and plenty of opportunities for guests to embrace their own inner artists.

The popular Disney on Broadway Concert Series will return to America Gardens Theatre with three daily performances, headlined by amazing Broadway stars who’ll reprise fan-fave songs from past turns in Disney’s award-winning Broadway shows. The show-stopping schedule—which includes several alums of the recent D23 Expo 2019 Disney on Broadway event—currently features:

  • 17, 20, 21, 24, and 25 – Kissy Simmons and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King)
  • 18, 19, 22, 23, and 25 – Heidi Blickenstaff (The Little Mermaid, Freaky Friday) and Gavin Lee (Mary Poppins)
  • 25 – Special performance featuring Simmons, White, Blickenstaff, and Lee
  • 26, 28, 29; Feb. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 9 – Kara Lindsay (Newsies) and Kevin Massey (Tarzan)
  • 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 22, 23 and 24 – Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast) and Josh Strickland (Tarzan)
  • Additional January and February performances still to be announced.

But that’s not all: New for 2020 is the Le Cellier Brunch in the Canada pavilion, a leisurely prix fixe bounty each Saturday and Sunday in the relaxing Canadian chateau (reservations required)… And the festival will also feature photo ops aplenty; opportunities to watch our favorite artists in action; delicious eats and treats; your chance to grab your own paintbrush and add color to a wall mural along World Showcase Plaza; and so much more!

Ready to get artistic? Click here for more information, don your favorite painter’s smock, and we’ll see ya there!

The Inspiration Behind The Mandalorian? Jon Favreau Fills Us In

By Jim Frye

The hotly anticipated new live-action Star Wars series The Mandalorian blasted off this week with the launch of Disney+, the marquee new streaming service bringing together all the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Sitting in the pilot seat of this new series is Disney Legend and boffo Star Wars fan Jon Favreau, who most recently directed Disney’s The Jungle Book and The Lion King. Here, Favreau talks exclusively with D23 about this epic new series from Lucasfilm and the inspiration behind it.

D23: When and where did you get the idea for The Mandalorian?

Jon Favreau: It goes back as far back as 2012, when it was announced that Disney was going to be making other films in the Star Wars universe when Lucasfilm became part of Disney. I watched all the Star Wars movies again, and I was writing down notes about the type of story I would like to tell. After that, I did Jungle Book while Episode Seven [Star Wars: The Force Awakens] was being filmed. I visited the set [of Episode Seven] that [director] J.J. Abrams was filming—that was very fun and exciting to see that world come to life and to be on that set. And then Disney announced the streaming service [Disney+], and it seemed that that was the right size and scale for the type of story I wanted to tell.

Cara Dune

D23: Specifically, what type of story is it that you want to tell?

JF: A story that is evocative of the genres that really inspired George Lucas when he was doing the original Star Wars film, which were the Western and Samurai films. And both of those genres are set against a backdrop of living on the edge of chaos and the outer boundaries of civilization.

Taika Watiti

D23: Will viewers see anything new with The Mandalorian?

JF: We invented a whole new set of characters and new planets that we hadn’t seen before. The Empire falls at the end of Return of the Jedi, and by the time you’re in Episode Seven, the First Order has come back. So, there was this 30-year period of uncertainty that is fresh now.

D23: How did you end up choosing this particular character to build a series around?

JF: I have always loved the Mandalorians. I even did the voiceover of a Mandalorian on [executive producer] Dave Filoni’s show Star Wars: The Clone Wars. And he and I partnered up on this project after I had pitched my story to Kathy [Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy]. It’s basically the story of a lone gunfighter—the Mandalorian—a bounty hunter working his way through this new world.

D23: How much does The Mandalorian touch the world of the Star Wars films?

JF: Occasionally we interconnect, and it does graft into the continuity of Star Wars. There are Easter eggs for people who are beyond just the casual fan, so the more you know Star Wars, the more you’re going to see in it. But we’re just having a really fun time with the freedom of not having to continue any stories or worrying about what we’re setting up. We’re just trying to have fun telling the story and make it fun for the fans.

9 Stories Worth Melting For from the Frozen 2 Press Conference

By Savannah Salazar

For directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck, the ending of Frozen was only the beginning. As Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell) and Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) came together, that reunion only started a new journey for the sisters—one that Lee and Buck wanted to know about as much as the fans. So, similarly to Anna and Elsa venturing into the enchanted forest in Frozen 2, the filmmakers and cast set off on a new journey to go, well, “Into the Unknown.”

“This is a journey Disney Animation doesn’t usually do. There’s never been a second musical to a feature,” Lee said, adding, “We just knew we couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen.”

Before Frozen 2 opens in theaters November 22, here are some heartwarming highlights from the press conference:

Frozen 2 Jennifer Lee

1. Directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck missed the Frozen characters.
“We did a small short [Frozen Fever] and when we saw the characters animated again, we got emotional,” Lee said. But, it wasn’t until Del Vecho, the producer of both Frozen and Frozen 2, had been traveling the world and was always asked “Why does Elsa have powers?”—the same question that had been intriguing Lee and Buck. “The questions kept rolling, and we realized we had been talking about those same questions,” Lee said. “And, we naively just said, ‘We have more story to tell,’ because we’re not ready to leave this world. We love this world.”

Idina and Kristen

2. For Bell and Menzel, their characters have never left them.
If you ever see Bell and Menzel together, it’s hard to tell them apart from Anna and Elsa. “Returning to this family, this beautiful film that’s gifted us with so much joy in our lives—and getting to connect with another human being and sister like Kristen—is something we’re proud of,” Menzel said. Bell jumped in, adding to her co-star’s sentiments. “And I think that it generally never really ended. I’m very similar to Anna, and I’ve tried to infuse a ton of me into this character—maybe more so than I’ve ever really done,” she said.

3. Technically, “For the First Time in Forever” marked the second time in forever that Bell and Menzel sang together.
Before Lee officially joined Frozen and Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Bobby Lopez even wrote a song, Menzel and Bell sang a duet of a song of their choice to test their chemistry for the first Frozen film. “It was Kristen’s idea to do a duet of ‘Wind Beneath My Wings,’” Idina said, to which Lopez jokingly added, “This has to happen now!”, inspiring Menzel and Kristen to burst into song, with everyone in the room cheering and singing along.

Frozen 2 Josh and Jonathan

4. Olaf does a bit of growing up in Frozen 2.
“He got a license. He took out an insurance policy,” Gad joked. “But, really, he’s had a lot of growth.”

Early on, when developing Frozen 2, Gad told Lee, Buck, and Del Vecho a story about his daughter, and how her fears of growing up affected his performance as Olaf. “My oldest child was sitting at the table one day, and all of sudden tears started streaming down her face. She looked my wife and me and goes, ‘What if I don’t want to grow up?’” Gad recalled. “It was so unbelievable, because I think we all have had that experience as kids.”

“I still have those moments as an adult!,” Evan Rachel Wood quipped.

 Gad continued, “That is the way I feel about Olaf in this movie. In the first movie, he was this innocent ball of naiveté who was willing to basically go out into the summer sun because he didn’t know any better, and in this movie he’s almost gone from toddler to fully grown child. Now, he’s starting to ask those questions that don’t always have easy answers, and from a comedic perspective, there was so much to play with.”

Frozen 2 Jonathan

5. The Frozen 2 cast has proclaimed Kristoff’s song “Lost in the Woods” as one of the film’s best songs.
Kristen Bell had a tiny criticism of the first film: “It’s an excellent film but Jonathan Groff doesn’t sing!” To which Kristen Anderson-Lopez jokingly replied, “Who knew he was so talented?” But rest assured, because the cast collectively agreed the song Lopez and Anderson-Lopez have written for Groff’s character, Kristoff, is brilliant. “Dare I say, it’s one of the best, or at least one of the top three moments of the film,” Bell explained, while Gad added that Kristoff’s song is “the funniest song in Disney Animation history.”

Frozen 2 Lopez-Songwriters

6. The songwriters and Menzel didn’t worry too much about outdoing “Let it Go.”
When the first Frozen was released, “Let it Go” became a musical phenomenon. Although the song’s giant impact could be a bit daunting to try to top, Menzel, Anderson-Lopez, and Lopez never let that bother them anyway. “I feel so trusting of the situation and this creative process… There’s something about how Kristen and Bobby can write such memorable and powerful melodies while also telling story that evolves character. [It] is just quite a gift,” Menzel said. “So, I can just go in there and have fun.”

Intentionally planning to outdo “Let it Go” just wasn’t for Lopez and the Frozen 2 team. “We never think about hits or anything like that,” he said. “The reason for that is that is because of Jennifer, Chris, and Peter. When they first began this project, they didn’t think about trying to top the first one. They just thought about the characters and the story. They pitched us this bit of an idea that they had, and it gave us the chills.”

7. Frozen 2 celebrates its representation of both its female and male characters.
“The coolest thing about watching Frozen and now, Frozen 2, with my daughters is that they have Idina and Kristen as their role models,” Gad said. “I get to share this with two girls who get to look up to two fiercely independent Disney princesses who I think are changing the way we view what a princess is, and I love that.”

Along with Anna and Elsa, Bell explained how Kristoff is a phenomenal role model, as well: “We talk about female empowerment, it’s led by two women, but I personally think that the representation Jonathan gives for the guys is out-of-this world.” Wood added to the sentiment, saying that there are some moments with Groff’s character that are “mind-blowing,” and she sums up Kristoff as being “Prince Sincere, not Prince Charming.”

Frozen 2 Evan Rachel Wood

8. Getting to sing in a Disney film is a dream come true for Evan Rachel Wood.
“Disney raised me… These films are just living breathing works of art, and there’s so much love and care poured into all of them,” Wood said. She’s one of the newest cast members, joining the Frozen family as Queen Iduna, Anna and Elsa’s mom, in Frozen 2.

“I’ve been singing Disney lullabies to my son since he was born, so to be welcomed into the Disney family is already huge, and then to be given a Disney lullaby of my own was… I’m still processing it,” Wood said.

Frozen 2 Cast

9. Frozen’s impact isn’t lost on the cast and filmmakers.
The whole team can agree that the Frozen franchise is full of love. “This is a movie which has a lot of action and a lot of emotion and drama,” Del Vecho said. “And this is a movie for everyone.”

At the close of the press conference, director Chris Buck shared stories of fan’s experiences with Frozen, from those who the film inspired to join art school, to those getting through tough times. “We’ve been floored by the response. People come up to us to say the movie brought their family together, that it’s changed their lives, and it’s all very, very powerful… everything else is ‘whatever’ because ultimately, it’s all about touching people.”

Everything You Need to Know to Be a Disney+ Expert

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!

By Zach Johnson

If you’re like us, you’ve watched (and re-watched) your favorite Disney movies and dreamed of exploring places like Arendelle’s ice palace and Jakku’s remote deserts. And now, you’re able to do just that—without leaving the comfort of your own home!

Disney+ launched today in the U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands, preceding a launch in Australia and New Zealand on November 19. On March 31, 2020, Disney+ will launch in markets across Western Europe, including the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and other countries. A direct-to-consumer experience featuring original feature films, documentaries, scripted and unscripted series, and short-form content, along with unprecedented access to Disney’s library of films and television series, Disney+ is the exclusive streaming home for movies released by The Walt Disney Studios in 2019.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

“The launch of Disney+ is a historic moment for our company that marks a new era of innovation and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “Disney+ provides an exceptional entertainment experience, showcasing our library of beloved movies, TV series, and exclusive original content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.”

Fans got a first look at some of the exciting new titles coming to Disney+ over the summer at D23 Expo 2019 in Anaheim, Calif. And, during the streaming service’s first-ever presentation, six new series were revealed to be in development. “Storytelling is the cornerstone of The Walt Disney Company,” said Kevin Mayer, chairman, Direct-to-Consumer & International, “and we’re thrilled to unveil a new slate of original shows from the Star Wars and Marvel cinematic universes, along with popular television franchises set to return with all-new series streaming only on Disney+.”

Sleeping Beauty

How Much Does It Cost?
Disney+ is available at the following price points:

  • U.S.: $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year
  • Canada: $8.99CAD per month or $89.99 per year
  • The Netherlands: €6.99 per month or €69.99 per year
  • Australia: $8.99AUD per month or $89.99 per year
  • New Zealand: 9.99NZD per month or $99.99 per year

Disney+ is now available on a variety of mobile and connected devices, including gaming consoles, streaming media players, and smart TVs. Consumers in the U.S. can also select a bundled offering that includes Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu—for just $12.99!

Purl

How Can I Access Disney+?

At launch, consumers in the U.S. can subscribe to Disney+ directly or via in-app purchase. Then, they can stream from the following partner platforms and devices:

  • Amazon (Fire TV Devices, Fire TV Edition Smart TVs, and Fire Tablets)
  • Apple (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Apple TV, and fully integrated with the Apple TV app; customers can subscribe to Disney+ via in-app purchase)
  • Google (Android phones, Android TV devices, Google Chromecast, and Chromecast built-in devices)
  • LG Smart TVs with webOS
  • Microsoft (Xbox One)
  • Samsung Smart TVs
  • Sony/Sony Interactive Entertainment (all Android-based Sony TVs and PlayStation®4)
  • Roku (Roku® streaming players and Roku TV™ models)

Disney+ offers subscribers high-quality and commercial-free viewing, up to four concurrent streams, unlimited downloads on up to 10 devices, personalized recommendations, and the ability to set up to seven different profiles. Parents can set up Kids Profiles with an easy-to-navigate interface to access age-appropriate content.

The Mandalorian

Which Original Programming Will Be Available?
Fans who attended the Disney+ Showcase during D23 Expo 2019 at the Anaheim Convention Center got a first look at some of the content coming exclusively to Disney+.

Original films include Flora & Ulysses (TBD); Lady and the Tramp (available at launch); Noelle (available at launch); Togo (available in December); The Phineas and Ferb Movie (working title, year one); Secret Society of Second Born Royals (year one); Stargirl (year one); and Timmy Failure (year one). Meanwhile, live-action series include Diary of a Female President (year one); The Falcon and The Winter Soldier (year one); High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (available at launch); Love, Simon (TBD); The Mandalorian (available at launch); Untitled Cassian Andor Series (year two); and WandaVision (year two). Animated series and shorts include Chip ‘n’ Dale (year one); Disney Family Sundays (available at launch); Forky Asks a Question (available at launch); Lamp Life (year one); Marvel’s What If…? (year one) Monsters at Work (year one); Short Circuit (year one); SparkShorts (available at launch); and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (year one). Documentaries, unscripted series, live specials and short form series include Be Our Chef (year one); Dolphin Reef (year one); Earthkeepers (working title, year two); Encore! (available at launch); Ink & Paint (year two); Into the Unknown: Making Frozen 2 (year one); Magic of Animal Kingdom (year one); Marvel’s 616 (year one); Marvel’s Hero Project (available at launch); Pixar IRL (available at launch); Prop Culture (year one); (Re)Connect (year one); Rogue Trip (year one); Shop Class (working title, year one); The Imagineering Project (available at launch); and The World According to Jeff Goldblum (available at launch). Beginning on November 15, 2019, most new episodes of each original series will premiere on Fridays at 12:01 a.m. PT.

During D23 Expo 2019, Ewan McGregor made a surprise appearance to announce his return as Obi-Wan Kenobi in a new untitled series from Lucasfilm; Kevin Feige also teased Marvel Studios is developing three new live-action series: Ms. Marvel, Moon Knight and She-Hulk, all derived from Marvel comics; Hilary Duff revealed she will reprise the role she made famous in a new Lizzie McGuire series from Terri Minsky; and Kermit the Frog, Missy Piggy, and the gang promised they will bring a new kind of mayhem and laughter with their first-ever unscripted short-form series, Muppets Now. Guests were also the first to learn about One Day at Disney, a collaboration between Disney+ and Disney Publishing Worldwide showcasing the talents of people all over The Walt Disney Company. Both the book and documentary will arrive on December 3.

Mary Poppins

Which Library Content Will Be Offered?

Recent releases including Captain Marvel, Dumbo, Avengers: Endgame, Aladdin, Toy Story 4,The Lion King, and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, as well as the upcoming films Frozen 2 and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, will call Disney+ home; the former three titles are available at launch, with the others to follow at a later date. By the end of year one, Disney+ will house more than 7,500 episodes of television and 500 movies.

Some of the films we can’t wait to watch once Disney+ launches include 101 Dalmatians, A Bug’s Life, A Goofy Movie, An Extremely Goofy Movie, Ant-Man, Avatar, The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Endgame, Bambi, Bao, Big Hero 6, The Black Cauldron, Born in China, Camp Rock, Captain America: The First Avenger, Captain America: Civil War, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain Marvel, Cars, Descendants, Descendants 2, Doctor Strange, Fantasia, Finding Dory, Finding Nemo, Free Solo, Frozen, Fun and Fancy Free, Guardians of the Galaxy, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Hercules, High School Musical, High School Musical 2, High School Musical 3: Senior Year, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Inside Out, Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Iron Man 3, Lady and the Tramp, Lilo & Stitch, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, Mickey, Donald, Goofy: The Three Musketeers, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, Moana, Monsters University, Peter Pan, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Pixar Short Films Collection Vol. 1, Ratatouille, Remember the Titans, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: A New Hope, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Steamboat Willie, The Good Dinosaur, The Incredibles, The Little Mermaid, The Parent Trap (1961), The Prince and The Pauper (1990), The Princess Diaries, The Rocketeer, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Short), The Sword in the Stone, The Three Caballeros, Thor, Thor: The Dark World, Toy Story, Tron (1982), Up, WALL•E, and Zootopia.

Born in China

TV series available at launch are as exciting as they are varied, with Amazing Planet, Andi Mack, Boy Meets World, Brain Games, Dog Whisperer With Cesar Milan, Dr. K’s Exotic Animals, Dr. Oakley Yukon Vet, Drain the Ocean, DuckTales (1987), DuckTales (2016), Earth Live, Goof Troop, Great Migrations, Howie Mandel’s Animals Doing Things, Kim Possible, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, Marvel’s Runaways, Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man, Mickey and the Roadster Racers (Seasons One and Two), Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Mickey Mouse Shorts, One Strange Rock, Raven’s Home, Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue, Science Fair, Spider-Man, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, That’s So Raven, The Incredible Dr. Pol, The Simpsons, Unlikely Animal Friends, Wicked Tuna, X-Men, and more available.

For a more comprehensive look at basically everything coming to Disney+, click here.

Lady and the Tramp

Where Can I Follow Disney+ on Social Media?
Disney+ launched accounts in five countries on August 19:

Visit DisneyPlus.com to register your email and stay informed on the latest updates.

Check Out These 11 Must-See Movies on Disney+

By Savannah Salazar

Today’s the day! Disney+ is finally here, and we’re excitedly adding every movie and series to our watchlist. But for the novice Disney fan, we put together a list of pivotal, must-see movies for any Disney fan. And so, in no particular order, we present 11 movies on Disney+ that are  must-adds to your queue.

Steamboat willie

Steamboat Willie (1928)
Whether you’ve seen this classic cartoon short or not, you may recognize Mickey in his grey tall hat, steering and whistling his iconic melody—is it stuck in your head now? This short film is a must-see for all Disney fans and is a cartoon featuring many firsts from being the first cartoon with synchronized sound to having the first ever appearance of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Snow White

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
There’s the mouse who started it all, and the Disney princess who started it all. With the film’s infectious songs like “Heigh-Ho” and “Whistle While You Work” and its unforgettable characters—from the devious evil queen to each of the seven dwarfs’ unique personalities—Walt Disney’s first feature length film captured the hearts of Disney fans and casual viewers alike. In 1939, the film even received a special Academy Award® consisting of one full-size Oscar® and seven dwarf-size Oscars to accompany it.

Mary Poppins 

Mary Poppins (1964)
Take a step in time while watching this story of a wonderous nanny and the two Banks children. The lush storytelling takes a technological leap forward using a combination of live action and animated sequences. The supercalifragilisticexpialidocious film starred Disney Legends Dick Van Dyke and Julie Andrews—in her film debut—and became an instant Disney classic.

Living Desert

The Living Desert (1953)
Long before Disneynature was established in 2008, there was Disney’s True-Life Adventures series. The series began with nature documentary featurettes starting in the 1940s. But in 1953, the first True-Life Adventures feature-length film, The Living Desert, was released, which inspired the modern nature documentary as we know it. It even won an Oscar!

Frozen 

Frozen (2013)
Six years ago, audiences were transported into the world of Arendelle with the story of two sisters Anna and Elsa. Now, the film has cemented itself as a huge pop cultural phenomenon—evoking Frozen fever in people of all ages. The film’s lovable characters—how can we forget our favorite snowman?—and addictive songs that we won’t ever let go of make this a film worth melting for.

 Treasure Island

Treasure Island (1950)
Disney’s first live-action film, Treasure Island, is an ayy-conic film. This swashbuckling adventure tells the tale of Jim Hawkins—played by a young Bobby Driscoll, voice of Peter Pan—and his friends who travel to a mysterious island in search of treasure. It’s a can’t miss, me hearties.

Fantasia

Fantasia (1940)
A truly unique film, Fantasia features a symphonic concert by Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra embellished by Disney animation. The highly regarded Disney classic features “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” sequence, presenting Mickey Mouse in his iconic red robes and blue sorcerer’s hat—and was released in theaters eight times from 1946 to 1990. And now, you can watch this magical film on Disney+!

 High School Musical

High School Musical (2006)
The Disney Channel Original Movie started a phenomenon and became the start of something new when High School Musical became the first full-length film available on digital streaming. With its charming cast and karaoke-style songs—we know every lyric—this film launched two additional films and now, a brand-new original series inspired by the films, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, all available on Disney+. Get ready to start streaming, Wildcat!

 Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast (1991)
A tale as old as time, Disney’s 1991 animated classic earned itself a best picture nomination, being the first animated film ever to do so. From enchanting songs and timeless story to dazzling animation, be our guest and watch Beauty and the Beast over and over!

TRON 

Tron (1982)
It’s game on! If you’re into films like Star Wars, add Tron to your watchlist. While computer imagery had been used in the original trilogy of Star Wars, Tron was the first to create a three-dimensional world using the technique. Following the adventures of Flynn, a young computer genius, after he enters a computer dimension, Tron builds a fantastical world like we had never seen before.

20,000 Leagues

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)
Speaking of science fiction, 65 years ago 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea became the first sci-fi film released by The Walt Disney Studios. Based on a classic story by French writer Jules Verne, this film is full of wonder and adventure, featuring characters seeking a fabled creature in the depths below.

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Every Snow Cool Moment from the Frozen 2 Premiere

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Last week, Hollywood was turned into an autumn wonderland complete with trees, leaf-shaped confetti, and the occasional troll or two. Why this sudden seasonal transformation? For the enchanting Frozen 2 world premiere, of course. We hit the red carpet to talk with the cast, crew, and celebrity fans of Frozen 2—and had a flurry of fun along the way!

Frozen 2 Cast

Welcoming New Faces to the Frozen Family
Besides Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, and other returning stars of the film, we met some new faces (to the Frozen films, anyway) while chilling out on the red carpet. Alfred Molina, who joins as the voice of Anna and Elsa’s father, Agnarr, stopped to share what it meant to him to be joining the world of Disney animated films.

Frozen 2 Alfred Molina

“It’s a real privilege,” Molina told us. “I’ve been a Disney fan since I was a kid—like many actors, Disney was my first introduction to storytelling. Being part of a movie that comes from a studio with such hallowed history—it’s a big thing!”

Frozen 2 Jason Ritter

Jason Ritter, who joins the cast as Ryder, is no stranger to the Disney family, having previously voiced Dipper Pines on the beloved Disney Channel original series Gravity Falls. Now, he’s swapping his summer at the Mystery Shack for an autumn going into the unknown—and he can’t believe his luck!

“I am so excited. It’s such a thrill!” he told us. “I almost exploded when I found out I was gonna be in this one.”

Ritter had not seen the film in full, and was just as on the edge of his seat as we were to find out what would happen—and specifically, what new music he would hear: “I can’t wait to hear all of the songs for the first time along with everybody else!”

Frozen 2 Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

Music to Our Ears
After the smash-hit success of the original film’s song, “Let It Go,” Disney fans have been eagerly awaiting what new music will capture our hearts (and ears) in Frozen 2. We got a sneak peek of some of the new songs—including the already infectious “Into the Unknown.” At the premiere, we had a chance to get even more details from the musical source itself—the Academy Award®-winning songwriting duo of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez!

Frozen 2 Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

We asked them about their journey with the Frozen story—spanning eight years since the original story’s inception.

“It’s ok,” Lopez joked about their amazing journey that began back in 2011.

Anderson-Lopez added, “It’s changed my life certainly. We have our children, and then we have Anna and Elsa that sort of sprang from this incredible collaboration with Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck, and Disney Animation. I think this time around, we were able to see how much the amazing animators bring to this process, and how lucky we are to have these songs brought to life by some of the greatest artists.”

The songwriters also share the special distinction of having “story by” credits for Frozen 2 as well. Being part of the storytelling team was a highlight of the Frozen 2 experience. “We have a camera in our office where we video into Burbank every day,” Lopez explained. “It’s a lot of fun—connecting with a little spaceship far away.”

“It’s the most important spaceship in our lives!” Anderson-Lopez added. “Out of our talks, they will then have meetings with the storyboard artists, and then they’ll come back with pages. Then, the next day maybe we’ll read something and we’ll say, “Oh my gosh, Jen! What about this? What if we sing here? And she might say, ‘Yeah try a verse or two, let’s try it. It’s like the greatest, longest, weirdest playdate ever.”

Frozen 2 Jennifer Lee

The Next Chapter in Anna and Elsa’s Adventures
The creative team behind the film (directors Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck and executive producer Peter Del Vecho) stopped by to answer our burning questions—namely, when they exactly knew there was more to tell in Anna and Elsa’s story.

“The ‘Aha!’ moment was when we found out where Anna and Elsa would end up at the end of this film. Once we had that, it became our true north and we tried to craft a story that would earn that,” Buck explained.

Frozen 2 Jennifer Lee

“I know I’m blessed and I feel very grateful” Lee told us, reflecting on her chance to continue telling the story of Anna and Elsa, who after eight years feel “like sisters” to her.

Frozen 2 Jonathan Groff

When it comes to the continuation of the story, Jonathan Groff (Kristoff) thinks that the creative team have their sights focused on the right place: “I think there’s a lot of humanity in the characters. Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee have kids, and they made this movie for their kids and that trickled down into the project.”

Frozen 2 child actors

The Young Royals
Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel (the adult voices of Anna and Elsa) weren’t the only Arendelle royalty on the carpet—the voices of Anna and Elsa’s younger counterparts were also on the scene to share their experiences.

“I’m in awe! I’m an actual Disney princess!” exclaimed Hadley Gannaway (Young Anna), who is a newcomer to the world of Frozen—but delighted to be part of the magic. “My favorite part is going in and doing lines,” she told us. “I do them cold, and sometimes it’s hard! But I like how Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee always help me with that. It’s really fun.”

Mattea Conforti is new to the role of Young Elsa—but not to the world of Frozen! Prior to bringing Young Elsa’s voice to life, she acted onstage as Young Anna in Frozen on Broadway. Having portrayed both sisters, Conforti was just as excited as Gannaway to be Disney royalty. “I’m a Disney princess! It’s incredible!”

Of course, few have the unique insight of playing both sisters, so we had to know: What’s it like being both Anna and Elsa? “It’s really cool seeing both perspectives,” Conforti shared. “Anna is more outgoing, more outspoken. Young Elsa is more mature. She’s not as outgoing, but she’s very bold.”

A 360° Bedtime Story
Besides premiering Frozen 2, another peek into Arendelle debuted that night— Walt Disney Animation Studios’ groundbreaking new VR short, Myth: A Frozen Tale. The short explores the world of Frozen 2 in an immersive way, using the latest advances in VR technology, an original music score, and stylized art direction from Brittney Lee to deliver a unique virtual and visceral experience.

To celebrate this groundbreaking animation work, we stopped to chat with the short’s director, Jeff Gipson, who shed some light on what we can expect from Myth: A Frozen Tale. “It’s kind of a bedtime story,” he explained. “It’s more of a stylized concept—It’s animation in a world you can look all the way around.”

The short gives us deeper insight into the cultural world of Arendelle, transporting the audience into a mystical and enchanted forest where the elemental spirits come to life. Gibson explains, “Jen and Chris and Peter were all creative advisors on this, so it was great to have them along in the process to create what we’ll be showing tonight.”

Announcements on where VR and Frozen fans can view the short are still to come—so stay tuned!

See More from the Premiere
Check out this gallery below for a closer look at every moment from the premiere, and make sure to mark your calendar for November 22, when Frozen 2 debuts in theaters!

Find Out What You Should Watch First on Disney+

By Savannah Salazar

With Disney+ arriving tomorrow—yes tomorrow!—we’re already planning on adding every new show and movie to our queue. From a galaxy far, far away to the halls of East High and beyond, there’s something for everyone, but if you’re still wrestling with what to watch first—we’ve got the perfect solution. Take our quiz below, and get ready to start streaming! Make sure to match up your answers below to see what show you should watch first!

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!

1. It’s vacation time! Where do you go?
A) Disneyland
B) I’m relaxing at home
C) New York
D) Paris
E) I’m not sure but as long as it’s far, far away from here, I’m good!

2. Which Disney character would you like to hang out with the most?
A) Kim Possible
B) Mickey Mouse
C) Chewbacca
D) Olaf
E) Belle

3. Your ideal night in consists of?
A) Playing board games (Forky)
B) Reading a book (The Mandalorian/Jeff Goldblum)
C) Eating a beautiful dinner (Lady and the Tramp)
D) Catching up with your closest friends (HSM//Encore)
E) Listening to your favorite podcasts (Imagineering)

4. Favorite movie night snack?
A) Ice cream
B) Popcorn
C) Snack? I’m eating dinner
D) Candy
E) Food? How about a drink..

5. What kind of movies do you like to watch?
A) Action
B) Comedy—I need a good laugh
C) Documentary
D) Drama—It’s a break from my own drama

6. What’s one word to describe you?
A) Curious
B) Romantic
C) Adventurous
D) Confident
E) Inventive

7. Favorite color?
A) Blue
B) Orange
C) Red
D) Yellow
E) Pink

8. What’s your streaming style?
A) Binging
B) I take my time

9. What’s your preferred way to stream?
A) TV, hands down!
B) Phone
C) Laptop

If you answered…

1. E) I’m not sure but as long as it’s far, far away from here, I’m good!
2. C) Chewbacca
3. B) Reading a book
4. C) Snack? I’m eating dinner
5. A) Action
6. C) Adventurous
7. B) Orange
8. B) I take my time
9. A) TV, hands down!

The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian

You’re in the mood for adventure—and what’s better than exploring the outer reaches of a galaxy far, far away! As the first live-action series from Lucasfilm on Disney+, if you’re a fan of Star Wars or anything action-packed, this is for you.

If you answered…

1. C) New York
2. A) Kim Possible
3. D) Catching up with your closest friends
4. B) Popcorn
5. B) Comedy—I need a good laugh
6. D) Confident
7. C) Red
8. A) Binging
9. C) Laptop

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

 Sofia Wylie

Time to start watching something new, so how about this remix of the High School Musical movies? For those who have the music in them, stream this docu-style scripted series for big laughs, heart-felt moments, show-mances, and more.

If you answered…

1. D) Paris
2. C) Chewbacca
3. C) Eating a beautiful dinner
4. C) Snack? I’m eating dinner
5. D) Drama—It’s a break from my own
6. B) Romantic
7. E) Pink
8. B) I take my time
9. A) TV, hands down!

Lady and the Tramp

 Lady and the Tramp Disney+

This is the night to start watching a “tail” of two lovely pups falling in love. The reimagining of the 1955 classic is full of some doggone good moments for romantics and dog lovers alike.

If you answered…

1. B) I’m relaxing at home
2. D) Mickey Mouse
3. A) Playing board games
4. A) Ice cream
5. B) Comedy—I need a good laugh!
6. A) Curious
7. C) Red
8. A) Binging
9. B) Phone

Forky Asks a Question

 Forky Asks a Question

You asked a question, and, well, here’s our answer! This series of shorts explore Forky’s important questions about how the world works. Perfect for the young-at-heart, this charming series lets you dive into the world of Toy Story 4 once again with our favorite new toy.

If you answered…

1. A) Disneyland
2. B) Mickey Mouse
3. E) Listening to your favorite podcasts
4. B) Popcorn
5. C) Documentary
6. E) Inventive
7. A) Blue
8. B) I take my time
9. C) Laptop

The Imagineering Story

 The Imagineering Story

As a Disney fan, you’ll love this peek behind the curtain at the Disney Parks. Spearheaded by Leslie Iwerks—the granddaughter of Disney Legend Ub Iwerks—viewers will see what it takes to create and design all the magic that goes into building Disney theme parks around the world.

If you answered…

1. C) New York
2. E) Belle
3. D) Catching up with your closest friends
4. E) Food? How about a drink..
5. A) Drama—It’s a break from my own
6. D) Confident
7. E) Pink
8. A) Binging
9. B) Phone

Encore!

 Kristen Bell

A show “with the best kind of drama,” this show is a perfect way to put a smile on your face. If you’re into musicals and heartwarming television, grab your tissues and start watching Encore!

If you answered…

1. A) Disneyland
2. B) Mickey Mouse
3. B) Reading a book
4. A) Ice cream
5. C) Documentary
6. A) Curious
7. A) Blue
8. A) Binging
9. C) Laptop

 The World According to Jeff Goldblum

The World According to Jeff GoldBlum

Now, who wouldn’t want to spend some time with Jeff Goldblum? Step into his world and watch his curiosity run wild. From denim to ice cream, there’s a plethora of subjects to explore in this series.

Meet East High’s New Wildcats in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

By Zach Johnson

Attention, Wildcats: Starting November 12, you’re invited to watch the drama unfold in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series! Set at the same East High where the original movie was filmed, the 10-episode scripted series follows a group of students as they prepare for opening night of their school’s first-ever production of—you guessed it!—High School Musical. With meta references and docu-style elements, it’s a modern twist on the movie we fell in love with 13 years ago! Call it… the start of something new.

At D23 Expo 2019 in August, we caught up with cast members Joshua Bassett (Ricky), Olivia Rodrigo (Nini), Matt Cornett (E.J.), Julia Lester (Ashlyn), Larry Saperstein (Big Red), Sofia Wylie (Gina), Dara Reneé (Kourtney), and Frankie A. Rodriguez (Carlos) to get the inside scoop on their characters and find out what set this series apart from the film trilogy. This is Disney+… You didn’t expect them to stick to the status quo, did you?

Watch the video below to get the 411. And don’t worry, there isn’t a pop quiz afterward:

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, which has already been renewed for a second season, hails from creator Tim Federle and also stars Kate Reinders as Miss Jenn and Mark St. Cyr as Mr. Mazzara. As a special gift for fans, three networks—ABC, Disney Channel, and Freeform—will present the first episode, directed by Tamra Davis, for one night only on November 8 at 8 p.m. ET. Now this is what we’ve been looking for!

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!

8 “Hidden Gem” Disney Films You Need to Check Out on Disney+

By Jocelyn Buhlman

Since Disney+ is a treasure trove of Disney content available for streaming, now is your chance to discover the “hidden gems” of Disney’s filmography—meaning, the fun and unique Disney films that you might not have in your current collection. Discover new favorites (or track down that one wacky film you haven’t had a chance to rewatch!). Here’s 8 we recommend you check out first:

the rocketeer film

1. The Rocketeer (1991)
One of the quintessential Disney “hidden gems,” this sci-fi adventure about a high-flying pilot has captured the hearts of fans for its eye-catching 1930s aesthetic and adventurous storyline. Once you’re done streaming the movie on Disney+, make sure to catch the new Disney Junior series of the same name, where Bill Campbell reprises his role as the titular hero!

This year, we celebrated the film’s 30th anniversary with a D23-exclusive pin set featuring logos for the Rocketeer and two of Cliff Secord’s favorite Hollywood haunts, the South Seas Club and the Bull Dog Café. D23 Gold Members can grab a limited-edition set for themselves here—but hurry, before they fly away!

the black hole

2. The Black Hole (1979)
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, this Disney sci-fi tale has it all: Adorable robots! Scary robots! Lost spaceships! Dazzling special effects! If you love classic sci-fi films like Star Wars and Tron, add this story of a spaceship crew who uncovers a horrific plot to turn humans into robots to your must-watch list ASAP!

Blackbeard's ghost

3. Blackbeard’s Ghost (1968)
What would you do if you accidentally awakened the ghost of an infamous pirate captain? In this live-action comedy, the answer is, of course, get into wacky hijinks! Track coach Steve Walker accidentally summons Blackbeard’s spirit, and the two are bound together until Blackbeard can complete a good deed—and in the process, they embark on some of Disney’s most entertaining special effect sequences, including a motorcycle driven by the invisible Blackbeard and a track meet where the participants get some ghostly assistance in their competition.

bedknobs and broomsticks

4. Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
This movie, following an apprentice witch (portrayed by Disney favorite Angela Lansbury) who just wants to learn some magic so she can help England win World War II, has been a fan-favorite for Disney film buffs for years, and now Disney+ gives you the chance to see the magic for yourself. This film has all the makings of a Disney classic—memorable Sherman brothers songs, stunning animated sequences, and some familiar faces (Mary Poppins’ David Tomlinson returns as professor of witchcraft, Emelius Browne).

darby o'gill and the little people

5. Darby O’Gill and the Little People (1959)
Fans of practical effects need to add this delightful film to their queue ASAP! The story of Darby O’Gill, who captures the king of the leprechauns in order to get three wishes, is jam-packed with special effects magic from legendary effects wizards like Peter Ellenshaw, Eustace Lycett, and Joshua Meador. Forced perspective, massive soundstages, and other movie magic were used to make the leprechauns appear tiny next to the human characters. Plus, the film also features an early appearance of Sean Connery as Michael McBride—who sings!

flight of the navigator

6. Flight of the Navigator (1986)
12-year-old David Freeman has a problem: After being knocked unconscious, he awakens to discover eight years have passed, and he hasn’t aged at all! What happened? The answer: aliens! During those mysterious eight years, David was the “Navigator” for aliens on a scientific mission across the galaxy—and now he has to figure out how to find his family while avoiding NASA!

frankenweenie

7. Frankenweenie (1984)
If you’ve seen Tim Burton’s 2012’s feature film of the same name, now’s your chance to check out his original 1984 live-action short that started it all, made in Burton’s early days as a Disney animator. In this electrifying tribute to classic monster movies, a young boy named Victor Frankenstein brings his beloved pet dog back to life using electricity—much to the shock (pun intended) of his neighbors.

return to oz

8. Return to Oz (1985)
Dorothy Gale’s first trip to the land of Oz was an enchanting fairy tale—but when she returns to the land, she discovers it’s now in ruins thanks to the Nome King and Princess Mombi. Featuring fantastical creatures like the Tik-Tok, Jack Pumpkinhead, the wheelers, and more, the film utilizes a plethora of special effects to create a surreal (and sometimes terrifying!) wonderland.

Want more Disney+ news? Click here to stay up-to-date with what’s streaming!