Enchanting Moments from the Disenchanted Press Conference

By Courtney Potter

Ever wondered what happens after “happily ever after?” In just a few days’ time, we’ll get a magical, tune-filled answer when Disney’s Disenchanted debuts exclusively on Disney+.

It’s been more than 10 years since the events of the beloved, fan favorite film Enchanted. Now, Giselle (Amy Adams) and Robert (Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey) are happily married, but Giselle has grown a bit disillusioned with the city, so they move their growing family to the sleepy suburban community of Monroeville in search of a more fairy tale life. Unfortunately, it isn’t the quick fix she had hoped for. Suburbia has a whole new set of rules—as well as a local queen bee, Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph), who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been so easy to find, she turns to the magic of Andalasia for help, accidentally transforming the entire town into a real-life fairy tale and placing her loved ones’ future happiness in jeopardy. This puts Giselle in a race against time to reverse the spell and determine what happily ever after truly means to her and her family.

To celebrate the film’s approaching debut, Adams, Dempsey, and Rudolph recently joined fellow Disenchanted cast members Disney Legend Idina Menzel (Nancy), Gabriella Baldacchino (Morgan), Yvette Nicole Brown (Rosaleen), Jayma Mays (Ruby), and Oscar Nunez (Edgar/Barista/Mirror)—as well as producer Barry Josephson, director/executive producer Adam Shankman, and composer and co-songwriter Disney Legend Alan Menken—for a joyful virtual press conference, where they shared insights about making such a special film.

In a production still from Disenchanted, Giselle (Amy Adams), Morgan (Gabriella Baldacchino), and Robert (Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey) are standing in their new house; they have quizzical looks on their faces, and are looking just off camera. Giselle is holding baby Sophia. A stairway is seen behind them, as are a few workmen to their right.

Adams on returning to Andalasia:

“We were looking at where Giselle would be now,” Adams, who also produced the movie, explained. “When we leave her in Enchanted, there’s been an evolution from the beginning of the movie to who Giselle is at the end of the movie. So, this film is taking that evolution of who she might be after spending 10 years [away]—but also making sure we keep her grounded and true to her feelings, without losing that joy, and that naivete and innocence and purity that makes Giselle so special. That’s where my launching place was—taking everything that I loved about Giselle in the first movie, and then getting this opportunity to spin it throughout. It was really just such a pleasure.”

Jacobsen on continuing Enchanted’s enchanting elements while telling a whole new tale:

“Amy really was our starting point of wanting to play Giselle again,” he said. “It was just such a joy to see the script come together and become something really joyous, a musical with comedy but with the right amount of drama, all pivoting around, what is Giselle’s new ‘character?’ What is her dilemma? How do we progress from the original movie and yet make something that was definitively a new movie, a fresh new start for her character and the other characters that everybody loved from the first film?’ And I can’t think of anybody’s stewardship that it was better to develop with than Adam, because he really understood what the music elements needed to be and how all the characters needed to grow.”

Rudolph on the “dream come true” of working on a movie musical with Broadway and Hollywood icons:

“We all had fun; we really did,” the actress admitted. “Even though I’ve had a chance to sing in things before, it was nothing like this experience. And knowing that I was going to get to sing this Menken and [Stephen] Schwartz song was really, truly like a ‘life fulfillment’ [thing—like I’d been training for the marathon my whole life! And that’s what it was every day. We’d go to vocal rehearsal and we’d go to dance rehearsal, and we were working towards the day where we shot the song. And then we shot it, and it was amazing! Truly, I’m not worthy. Such a dream come true. There are no words for stuff like that… This was little Maya’s dream of what it’s like to be in a musical.”

In a production still from Disenchanted, Rosaleen (Yvette Nicole Brown), Malvina (Maya Rudolph), and Ruby (Jayma Mays) are standing and looking off camera. There is a group of people clumped together behind them, exiting through a door. Rosaleen (on the left) is wearing a black and pink gown with a black hat; Malvina (in the middle) is wearing a black gown with gold beaded trim and a black cape, as well as a red beaded necklace and a gold crown; and Ruby (on the right) is wearing an orange and purple gown with an orange hat. The three have smirks on their faces.

Brown on how the cast of Disenchanted helped her through a particularly challenging time:

As the friend of D23 explained, “I want to say, since you’re all here, people know that I lost my mom while we made this film. And I want to take a moment to thank everyone that I’m looking at, [as well as] our entire crew. Maya swooped me up and took me to her house and kept me for a weekend. Jayma was like my touchstone. And Adam took me to a… what was it? The little fair they had [near the filming location in Ireland] every Sunday. I got calls from Patrick. Everyone enveloped me in love. I don’t have any sadness about my time with you, at the hardest time of my life, because that was the love of this film. So, I wanted to make sure I thanked you all again, and I’m so happy that our love letter is about to be out in the world. And I know my mother would want to thank you all, too, for taking care of her baby.”

Menzel on the shifts her character Nancy makes this time ‘round:

“Mine was a pretty drastic change [in the first film],” she admitted, chuckling. “I go from this cynical New York chick who jumps down a portal—or a manhole—and then I come out [entirely different].” (Shankman interrupted at this point, adding, “That’s not even the movie, that’s just her life!”—much to the assembled group’s delight.) Menzel continued, “It was so much fun, but the challenge was figuring out the balance; Adam and I would talk, and I’d say, ‘How much of my New York accent do I still have, coming back from Andalasia? And how much has this idyllic, romantic, beautiful, perfect place rubbed off on me?’ And then putting on the corset and all that—it was an easy journey for me.”

Mays, Nunez, and Baldacchino on being “newbies” in the cast:

“I was so excited to join this cast,” Mays said. “I was a huge, huge fan of the first film. So, when I got this job, I was like, ‘Great, I can retire now. I did it!’ And it was a dream. We had so much fun.” Nunez concurred, remembering one scene in particular: “I got to do a scene with Maya and Amy—Maya, who I’ve wanted to work with forever, and Amy was on The Office 35 years ago,” he kidded, laughing. “In between, while we were waiting to shoot, Amy—I don’t know if you remember this, but you would sing, always. We were so happy, just hanging out, and you wouldn’t stop singing with a big smile on your face. There was a lot of love there.”

“When I was little and even growing up, Enchanted was my favorite movie,” added Baldacchino, “so being able to join all these people was surreal to me. And I’m so, so grateful to sing music written by Alan Menken and Schwartz; I grew up performing, I love musical theater and singing—so that wasn’t new for me—but to get to originate something that they wrote is an honor.”

In a production still from Disenchanted, Robert (Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey) is outside, standing in front of a board that has announcements tacked to it; he’s looking off screen to the left and smiling wide. He’s wearing a blue tunic with a white shirt underneath, as well as brown gloves. The sun is shining.

Dempsey on catching back up with Robert, and what movie musicals have taught him:

“At the very beginning, Robert is very much the same,” the actor explained, “although he is kind of trying to balance life with his new baby—and with his older child, and the conflict [there] between the stepmother, and that dynamic. But then getting into the larger-than-life stuff was completely freeing and really fun. For me, it was a fantastic ride. I had a great time, where I could do some sight-seeing in Ireland and work on the musical. And that whole process of finding your voice—working with the [vocal] coach on that—learning the lyrics and the choreography was an extraordinary experience, and something I’d never done before. I really appreciate the talent, the voices—the singing that Idina and Amy and Maya and everyone [does]. It’s an extraordinary feeling you get when you sing; the vibration—there’s something very intoxicating about it. So, it was nice to get a taste of that.”

Menken on working with Schwartz again to set Giselle and company’s world to music:

“Rather than write for any individual actors,” he explained, “Stephen and I—in the case of this musical—write for the characters and the storyline and take it from there. It just so happens that the actors are perfect for this. In terms of ‘where to start,’ in a way you start from the first Enchanted, which had the most amazing premise: We start in the world of early Walt Disney animation, and this animated princess is thrown into Times Square, where she’s totally unequipped to deal with what happens, and the score kind of grows up with her as she begins to adapt to this world. Well, in the new version, she longs for that world. So, we still go back to those early [themes]—but there’s no ‘happily ever after’ in our world, unlike, an animated ending. So, she makes this wish, and that just throws us into this amazing storyline.”

“Stephen and I had the best time working together,” Menken added. “It’s our fourth movie together: Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Enchanted, and now this.”

Shankman on why now is the right time for Disenchanted, and his own idea of “happily ever after”:

“Things were getting really complicated out in the world when we started all of this,” the director said. “There was just a lot of conflict going on, and it felt like it was a good time. The stars definitely aligned; the movie is coming out at the right time.”

He continued, “And I would say my ‘happily ever after’ is just the continued love and support of my friends and my loved ones around me. ‘Happily ever after’ sort of says ‘time stops’—because it indicates that life ceases; like bad things never happen again, which is not how life works. To be able to move through life with the joy and the love and the support, in good and bad, with my friends—this group included, for sure, and that is not bologna—that’s ‘happily ever after’ to me. To be able to keep that level of love and support and friends—and laughing!—that’s ‘happily ever after.’”

See Disney’s Disenchanted on Disney+ beginning this Friday, November 18!

Dreams Came True at the World Premiere of Disenchanted

Wednesday evening was a wish come true as the cast and crew of the Disney+ Original movie Disenchanted walked the red carpet at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California. Set 10 years after the events of Enchanted (2007), Disenchanted follows Giselle, Robert, and Morgan as they move from bustling New York City to the small suburb of Monroeville. Their new home is a picture-perfect fairytale town, not far off from Giselle’s animated world of Andalasia—however, the family will soon learn that so much comes after happily ever after.

The cast of Disenchanted poses in a group photo in front of a sign for the film’s world premiere

Amy Adams looked regal at the premiere with newly inducted Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey. The pair return in Disenchanted as Giselle and Robert, a couple from opposite worlds who fell in love when Giselle was thrown into the human world by the evil Queen Narissa in Enchanted. Also returning for this charming sequel are Idina Menzel (Nancy) and James Marsden (Prince Edward) whose characters have been living in Andalasia since we last saw them get hitched at the end of Enchanted. Marsden performed two songs in the original film but gets the opportunity to sing with Menzel in Disenchanted. “Idina’s song is one of my favorite songs Alan [Menken] has ever written. It’s really fantastic. I can’t wait for it to drop and for everyone to start listening to it!” gushed the film’s music producer, Matthew Rush Sullivan. Fans will be delighted to find out that every main cast member sings in Disenchanted, so you’ll be sure to hear your favorite character on the soundtrack.

Gabriella Baldacchino poses on the red carpet for the Disenchanted world premiere.

 

This includes newcomer Gabriella Baldacchino, who is taking over the role of Robert’s daughter, Morgan, now age 16. For Baldacchino, being cast in Disenchanted still does not feel real. “To actually get to be in Disenchanted is something I could have never thought possible, and I am just so freaking grateful,” Baldacchino said. Luckily, cast members including Amy Adams were ready with lots of advice for her. “She said to me to not deny those feelings [of self-doubt], to just embrace them and bring them to my character and use them. And ever since, I think I have taken that with me in everything I do.”

Yvette Nicole Brown poses next to the poster for Disenchanted

Playing new characters in Disenchanted are acclaimed comedian and actor Maya Rudolph, Glee’s Jayma Mays, and Disney+ superstar Yvette Nicole Brown. Rudolph plays Malvina Monroe, a new foe for Giselle to face in Monroeville. Malvina is very popular in town—the place is even named after her! Along with Malvina comes Ruby (Mays) and Rosaleen (Brown), personal assistants who become new foes in Giselle’s quest to create her happily ever after.

Disney Legend Alan Menken in front of the step and repeat for the Disenchanted world premiere.

The final touch on this picture-perfect sequel is the magical music of composer Disney Legend Alan Menken and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. Menken has written music for over a dozen of your favorite Disney movies, from The Little Mermaid to Captain America: The First Avenger, and has worked with Schwartz on films such as Pocahontas, Mulan, and, of course, Enchanted. For Disenchanted, Menken says he drew inspiration from the Disney classics: “This is the most Disney of all of them, because it goes deep into the history, the vault, of the writers who worked on Snow White, Cinderella, and Pinocchio—we were pulling from everything!”

Matthew Sullivan added, “There’s new music top to bottom! It’s all new songs.” We are sure that the songs created for Disenchanted will become earworms for the rest of the year and fan favorites for decades to come!

You can stream Disenchanted on Disney+ starting Friday, November 18. In the meantime, check out all the magical moments from the world premiere in the gallery below.

Stream Disenchanted on Disney+

Peter Sohn Breaks Down the Spark Between Ember and Wade in Elemental

By Zach Johnson

Opposites react in the just-released teaser trailer for Elemental, an all-new, original feature film from Pixar Animation Studios releasing on June 16, 2023. Set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together, Elemental centers on Ember (voiced by Leah Lewis), a tough and fiery young woman, and Wade (voiced by Mamoudou Athie), a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy.

Director Peter Sohn says Elemental is inspired by his formative years in New York City. “One piece is that there were fun times and hard times in my family,” he says. After his parents emigrated from Korea in the early 1970s, they built a grocery store in the Bronx, a neighborhood bustling with different cultures, languages, and people—much like Element City. While Ember and Wade may not appear to be compatible, Sohn says that’s the point: “The other piece is that I fell in love with someone who isn’t Korean—and my parents really wanted me to marry someone Korean—so there was a bit of a culture clash. Those two pieces of my life formed what would later become Elemental.”

Element City is made up of diverse inhabitants, including Ember and Wade, who will soon discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common. “The concept of the city itself started off with Ember,” Sohn tells D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “We thought, ‘What’s the best city we can build to support Ember’s journey of identity and belonging?’ It started by thinking about a city that would be hard for fire, and so we based it off of water. The idea is that Water got to this area first, and then Earth came, so it became a delta. Then, they built a water infrastructure with water canals and elevated water channels everywhere, making it even tougher for Ember. Then, Air came in after that, and Fire was one of the last groups to come into the city.”

In other words, Sohn says, “It’s not the easiest for Ember.”

Life gets a little easier—and better—when Ember drops her headphones and her hand grazes Wade’s on the subway. “We wanted to create a good introduction to Ember and Wade’s possible relationship,” Sohn says. “There’s a little drop on Ember’s hand to remind you, ‘Oh, yeah, they can’t mix very well.’ It’s a subtle thing, but there’s a little smile at the end; there’s something there. What is that? It’s just a tease.”

Ember and Wade have instant chemistry, despite their seemingly obvious differences. “When I first pitched this story and started developing it, I asked myself: ‘What’s fire?’” Sohn tells D23. “People can see it as a temper. People can see it as passion. As a practical thing, fire burns and sparks—but what does it mean to burn bright? There are all these ingredients to what we already perceive as fire, and that started to form Ember’s personality. It’s the same thing for Wade. Water can be transparent. What does that mean? He wears his emotions on his sleeve. He goes with the flow. That helped form these personalities that were already pretty opposite, and then we had to find that Venn diagram of where they overlapped. That’s the hopeful magic. I hope people can buy into the sparks, the chemical reaction, that could form a relationship.”

Celebrate Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever with Products from These Black-Owned Businesses

It is time to return to Wakanda, as Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is now playing in theaters nationwide! To further extend the magic for our fans, Marvel has collaborated with a group of inspiring Black-owned businesses to develop product and collectibles that will bring joy for years to come. These collaborations embody the spirit and storytelling of the film and the importance of authentic representation. Marvel is excited to continue working with these brands and other Black-owned businesses on future projects.

World of EPI

The Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Fresh Fierce Collection was named the Doll of the Year at the 2022 Toy of the Year (TOTY) Awards. World of EPI and founder Dr. Lisa Williams authentically designed this Fresh Fierce Dolls collection in collaboration with Marvel. Featured are the iconic and strong female warriors from the film: Shuri, Okoye, and Nakia.

BLK & Bold

BLK & Bold coffee has developed a new collection inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which includes coffee grounds and beans, as well as Keurig K-Cups themed to the film with reimagined special-edition packaging that highlights fan-favorite characters.

Pear Nova

Award-winning, luxury nail care brand Pear Nova has created a https://www.pearnova.com/pages/black-panther-wakanda-forever inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. This nail collection embodies the resilience, vibrancy, and innovation of the Wakandan culture and even includes “vibranium” claws!

FUBU

Sportswear brand FUBU has released apparel featuring Black Panther designs, and this collection has the coolest streetwear styles for men and women. Pictured above is the Black Panther Tie Dye Crewneck and the Women’s Black Panther Tee.

A Dozen Cousins

This product line from A Dozen Cousins features characters from Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and includes new, co-branded Jollof Rice, Jerk Chicken, and Coconut Rice Seasoning Sauces, alongside a “vibranium” spoon, which is inspired by the rare and powerful metal native to the fictional nation of Wakanda.

Young King Hair Care

Young King Hair Care develops natural hair care products. The Young King Hair Care Black Panther Styling Balm Hair Pomade and Young King Hair Care Black Panther Co-Wash Hair Treatment products are inspired by Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and include characters from the film on the packaging.

Actively Black

Athleisure brand Actively Black has released a collection that features styles for both men and women—which includes performance shirts, tights, hoodies, and joggers—emblazoned with official Black Panther artwork.

All of these items would make great holiday gifts for Marvel fans! Check out these incredible Black-owned businesses and make sure to watch Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, now in theaters.

DuckTales Sails the Jungle Cruise in New Chibi Tiny Tales Short

By the D23 team

Are you excited to see the backside of water?

Well, you’re in luck, because on Saturday, November 19, Disney Branded Television will unveil the third brand-new adorable Chibi Tiny Tales short that pairs an iconic Disney Parks attraction with a fan-favorite animated Disney Channel series. This time, the DuckTales characters embark on the rollicking thrill ride Jungle Cruise. The new short—and the previously released two—will be available for viewing on Disney Channel, Disney Channel YouTube, and DisneyNOW. 

In this new adventure, the DuckTales crew discovers the legendary Golden Banana but soon find themselves pursued by wild animals! Can they escape the perilous Jungle Cruise?

To tide you over until the network premiere, here’s an exclusive clip:

Seeking Adventure at the World Premiere of Strange World

By Zach Johnson

Ironically, nothing strange was in the air at the world premiere of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Strange World. Hosted at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood Tuesday, the event brought out stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Jaboukie Young-White, and Gabrielle Union; director Don Hall; co-director and screenwriter Qui Nguyen; producer Roy Conli; composer Henry Jackman; and Walt Disney Animation Studios executives President Clark Spencer and Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee; among other guests.

In addition, D23 Gold and Gold Duo Members were among the first to see the cast and crew arrive on the maroon and pink carpet! They were even invited inside for the screening—and Spencer, for one, couldn’t wait to share Strange World with an audience. “From the beginning, I’ve been so blown away by what the visual development artists designed in terms of the characters in this film—not just the human characters, but the strange world itself. The audience is going to be blown away,” said Spencer. “It’s probably the most complex movie we’ve ever made. It was made to be seen on the big screen so that you can really see how this strange world comes to life.”

Strange World introduces audiences to a legendary family of explorers, the Clades, as they attempt to navigate an uncharted, treacherous world alongside a motley crew that includes a mischievous blob named Splat and a three-legged dog named Legend. Although Gyllenhaal has a diverse and impressive list of film, television, and theatrical credits, he’s relatively new to the world of animation. It wasn’t a strange leap, though, to bring Searcher to life. “Jake wanted so badly to be involved in the story,” Conli said. “That’s what we do: We’re an iterative group that wants people to dive in and help.” In fact, Gyllenhaal—who voices Searcher Clade—told D23 he was surprised by “how collaborative and artistic” the process was, explaining, “I brought different ideas. I actually got to know and love the character. I was a part of creating the whole thing.” According to Nguyen, the story “kept revealing itself” each time a new collaborator joined the film. “It wanted to be told a certain way,” he said, “so that was really fun.”

Just as Gyllenhaal got to make Searcher his own, Young-White, who voices Ethan Clade, said he “definitely” shares similarities with his character. However, he said he’s most like Union’s Meridian Clade than any other character in the film. “Meridian is just so on top of it in a way that I really relate to,” Young-White said. “When push comes to shove, I’ve always got a plan.” As for Union? She most relates to Ethan, especially when the 16-year-old is trying to forge his own identity separate from his family. “[Ethan is part of] a younger generation trying to branch out in their own direction, following their own passions and dreams—maybe with a love where you don’t know if it’s requited or unrequited. There’s a lot about that I relate to,” Union told D23. “I‘m the only one in my family in show business, and it can be a solitary trek. Not everyone understands it.”

Before Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Strange World opens in theaters on Wednesday, November 23, enjoy photos of the stars and filmmakers at the premiere:

Tickets Now on Sale for Disney100: The Exhibition, Opening February 18 in Philadelphia

The D23 Team

Tickets are now on sale for the world premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition, debuting at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia on February 18, 2023. Created for the 100-year celebration of The Walt Disney Company, the exhibition invites guests to step into their favorite stories using innovative and immersive technology throughout 10 galleries in the 15,000-square-foot exhibit.

The Walt Disney Archives is opening its vault of treasures, showcasing more than 250 of its “Crown Jewels,” rarely seen original artworks and artifacts, costumes and props, and other memorabilia—five of which were unveiled today, including:

  • Disneyland Employee Badge #1 (1955), issued to Walt Disney
  • Steamboat Whistle used for Steamboat Willie (1928)
  • Prop Storybook featured in Snow White and Seven Dwarfs (1937)
  • Skywalker Lightsaber Hilt from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), used by Daisy Ridley
  • Magic Ring from The Shaggy Dog (1959), used by Tommy Kirk

Daytime tickets, which include admission to The Franklin Institute, valid 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. daily, are $45 for adults, $43 for seniors and military, and $41 for children ages 3–11. Evening tickets, which include admission only to Disney100: The Exhibition, valid from 5 p.m. until closing, Thursday–Saturday, are $25 for all guests. Tickets are timed and dated, and advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. For information on purchasing tickets, please visit www.fi.edu.

It was also announced today that composer Steve Mazzaro—whose work can be heard on the soundtracks of such Disney-produced films as The Lion King (2019), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales(2017), and The Lone Ranger (2013)—has composed an original soundtrack for the exhibit blending themes of such beloved classics as “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio (1940) and “Let it Go” from Frozen (2013) with a new theme crafted exclusively for the exhibition.

Also exclusive to this exhibition, Disney has curated special behind-the-scenes glimpses into the creation of the company’s most popular characters, films, shows, and attractions—from Disneyland to Walt Disney World and beyond. The 10 magnificent and imaginatively themed galleries, all featuring moving stories, unique interactive installations, and exciting background information, will take guests on a journey through 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, celebrating the classics from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Strange World, as well as the latest members of the Disney family—Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and National Geographic.

Exhibitors today shared the first look at six gallery renderings, including:

Alt Text: An artist’s rendering of the gallery titled “Where It All Began” within Disney100: The Exhibition portrays guests walking around and looking at exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays related to the early years of The Walt Disney Company.

  • Where It All Began: This gallery introduces visionary filmmaker and innovator Walt Disney and his philosophies that laid the foundation for The Walt Disney Company. Guests will explore his story from before Mickey Mouse to Mickey’s debut in Steamboat Willie in 1928, to the fantastic breakthroughs in animation during the early 1930s.

Alt Text: An artist’s rendering of the gallery titled “Where Do the Stories Come From” within Disney100: The Exhibition portrays guests walking around and looking at exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays related to the iconic stories from 100 years of The Walt Disney Company.

  • Where Do the Stories Come From?: A gallery dedicated to the art of storytelling with ever-changing multimedia environments that illustrate how Disney storytellers bring characters to life. Guests can explore the sources of inspiration for Disney’s most beloved and iconic films through art and artifacts from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Frozen, and The Princess and the Frog.

Alt Text: An artist’s rendering of an interactive station within the gallery titled “Where Do the Stories Come From” within Disney100: The Exhibition portrays guests at a table that appears to be piled with books, while around them are video screens displaying images related to the original sources of the iconic stories from 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, such as the book illustrations from Alice in Wonderland.

  • Sources of Inspiration: From classic fairy tales and legends to original creations, this immersive and interactive installation within the “Where Do the Stories Come From?” gallery invites visitors to explore the literary influences behind some of their favorite stories and see how they inspired Disney artists and storytellers.

Alt Text: An artist’s rendering of the gallery titled “The Spirit of Adventure and Discovery” within Disney100: The Exhibition portrays guests walking around and looking at exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays related to adventure tales from movies and other media produced by The Walt Disney Company, such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and Pirates of the Caribbean.

  • The Spirit of Adventure and Discovery: From the depths of the ocean and the mysteries of the jungle to the outer reaches of the galaxy, Disney adventure stories from Disney, Star Wars, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe invite exploration and discovery in this interactive gallery where curious youngsters can embark on a quest to uncover hidden artifacts from favorite films.

Alt Text: An artist’s rendering of an interactive station within the gallery titled “The Spirit of Adventure and Discovery” within Disney100: The Exhibition portrays guests looking at a reproduction of the round window from the Nautilus submarine from the movie 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, while projected video images appear around them, depicting undersea adventure stories from The Walt Disney Company. 

  • The Nautilus Window: Within the “Spirit of Adventure and Discovery” gallery, guests can peer through an interactive window of Captain Nemo’s legendary submarine, as seen in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, for a glimpse of Disney and Pixar’s enchanting underwater worlds.

Alt Text: An artist’s rendering of the gallery titled “Your Disney World: A Day in the Parks” within Disney100: The Exhibition portrays guests walking around and looking at exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays related to the Disney Parks, including full-size ride vehicles from the Matterhorn Bobsleds and Peter Pan’s Flight as well as a rendering of Main Street, U.S.A., that fills one wall.

  • Your Disney World: A Day in the Parks: Guests step into a recreation of Main Street, U.S.A., to explore the legacy and development of Disney parks and attractions worldwide.

“In 1923, Walt Disney set our company on a path that would revolutionize the entertainment industry, creating unforgettable stories, beloved characters, and unparalleled experiences that generations of fans around the world have enjoyed,” said Becky Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives. “This incredible exhibit will take guests on a remarkable journey from those earliest days into Disney’s dazzling future using seamless technology, a rich musical score, and—of course—treasures from the Walt Disney Archives collection.”

“The Franklin Institute has spent almost 200 years bringing stories of innovation and discovery to the public in an immersive and interactive way, so Disney100: The Exhibition is a perfect fit for us and our audience,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. “We are proud to host the world premiere at The Franklin Institute so fans across Philadelphia and beyond can have the first opportunity to see these crown jewels come to life in beautifully crafted galleries reflecting Disney’s imaginative storytelling, innovation, discovery, and wonder.”

Disney100: The Exhibition is created and curated by the Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions. The Franklin Institute is proud to present and play host to the world premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and the Mandell Center. PECO, the Premier Corporate Partner of the Franklin Institute, is the Local Presenting Sponsor of the exhibition, and PNC is the Associate Sponsor.

A photo depicts Disney Employee Badge Number 1, one of the historical artifacts that will be included in Disney100: The Exhibition. The badge has been photographed against a neutral white background. 

The Artifacts

The following historical Disney artifacts are to be featured in World Premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute:

  • Disneyland Employee Badge #1 (1955), issued to Walt Disney: Disneyland Employee Badge #1 was worn briefly by Walt Disney during rehearsal for Disneyland’s Opening Day in 1955 and, later, on television in The Disneyland Tenth Anniversary Show (1965). Disneyland Cast Members wore similar badges from 1955 through 1962, establishing a longstanding tradition of becoming proud ambassadors of Disney culture when wearing their Disneyland name tags.

A photo depicts the whistle used for sound effects in Steamboat Willie, one of the historical artifacts that will be included in Disney100: The Exhibition. The whistle has been photographed against a neutral white background.

  • Steamboat Whistle used for Steamboat Willie (1928): Debuting at the Colony Theatre in New York City on November 18, 1928, Steamboat Willie was the first theatrically released Mickey Mouse cartoon and the first cartoon to feature synchronized sound. Sound effects devices, like the whistle seen here, helped to capture an all-new level of artistry in Walt Disney’s groundbreaking animated films.

A photo depicts the prop storybook used in the opening of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, one of the historical artifacts that will be included in Disney100: The Exhibition. The storybook has been photographed against a neutral white background.

  • Prop Storybook featured in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937): This prop storybook opened Walt Disney’s first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), drawing moviegoers into the fairy tale world from which Snow White originated. This introductory convention would go on to appear in many of Disney’s future animated films, including Pinocchio (1940), Cinderella (1950), and Sleeping Beauty (1959). 

A photo depicts the hilt of a lightsaber used in the film Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, one of the historical artifacts that will be included in Disney100: The Exhibition. The lightsaber hilt has been photographed against a neutral white background.

  • Skywalker Lightsaber Hilt from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), used by Daisy Ridley: Once wielded by Anakin Skywalker, and later inherited by Luke and mysteriously gifted to Rey, filmmakers recreated the Skywalker Lightsaber hilt for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) in its repaired form, still emulating the real-world Graflex camera flash holder from which the original was fabricated.

A photo depicts two views of the magic ring used in the Disney film The Shaggy Dog, showing the outside of the ring and inscription inside the ring. The ring is one of the historical artifacts that will be included in Disney100: The Exhibition, and has been photographed against a neutral white background.

  • Magic ring from The Shaggy Dog (1959), used by Tommy Kirk: In Walt Disney’s hit 1959 film The Shaggy Dog, teenager Wilby Daniels (played by future Disney Legend Tommy Kirk) accidentally discovers this magic ring in a museum and, by repeating the Latin inscription featured on the band, transforms into a large and clumsy Bratislavian sheepdog.

About The Franklin Institute

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in science and technology learning and a dynamic center of activity. As Pennsylvania’s most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.

About the Walt Disney Archives

For more than 50 years, the Walt Disney Archives has carefully safeguarded the most treasured items from The Walt Disney Company’s history, including original scripts, movie props and costumes, Walt Disney’s correspondence and script notes, theme park artifacts, merchandise, millions of archival photographs, and many of Walt’s personal effects. Founded by Disney Legend Dave Smith in 1970, the Walt Disney Archives is a vital resource for every part of Disney, as well as an important research center for Disney scholars, researchers, and writers. The Archives also shares its countless pieces with Disney fans everywhere through its exhibitions and close association with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

Meet the Characters of Disenchanted

By the D23 Team

Set 10 years after the original Enchanted, Disenchanted follows Giselle and Robert as they move their growing family to the suburbs of Monroeville in search of a fairytale life. Suburban life turns out to be less about singing with the birds and more about dealing with a local queen bee—Malvina Monroe, who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Still searching for some magic in her life, Giselle accidentally transforms the town into a real-life fairytale—consequently placing her family’s future happiness in jeopardy! Watch the film on November 18, streaming exclusively on Disney+, to find out whether Giselle can reverse the spell and learn what happily ever after truly means to her and her family.

Before you start streaming Disenchanted this weekend, we have a question for you: How will you know… the characters? We’ve created this handy guide to the characters both new and familiar—and that’s how you’ll know!

Giselle stands on her balcony with a hand up to her mouth as she calls out a song.

Giselle (Amy Adams)

Originating from the fairytale kingdom of Andalasia, Giselle was once betrothed to the kingdom’s prince, before discovering a new kingdom and a new prince that set her life on a different path! Now, she lives in New York City, married to Robert Philip, a pragmatic divorce attorney who has learned to see the magic in life.

About her character, Adams says, “Giselle comes from this place of such extreme joy and optimism, and she understands that outside of that, there’s an impact that she can have on the world by just seeing the best in every situation. And that is such a beautiful thing to get to play.”

Her newest situation? Moving to the suburbs and dealing with the local alpha female. Can this problem be solved with some fairytale magic? That’s something Giselle will have to find out for herself.

Robert, wearing a puffy shirt and navy overcoat, holds his gloved hand to his chest with a smile.

Robert Philip (Patrick Dempsey)

Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey returns as Giselle’s husband, Robert, who had a lot to learn about the magic of life in Enchanted. Now, he’s adjusting to married life and a new home.

Dempsey explains, “They’ve moved to suburbia, and Robert has to commute into the city for work. He is wondering what he is doing with his life, as he needs more meaning. Then a spell is cast, and he suddenly becomes a fairytale version of himself. He becomes a knight on a quest, which he thinks gives him a purpose.”

His fairytale self is less serious and more swashbuckler—and he’s not afraid to break into song. Director Adam Shankman explains, “Patrick is singing and dancing and doing all sorts of stuff that he never thought he was ever going to do.”

Unlike his character, Robert, Dempsey couldn’t wait to burst into song: “That was the best part of the entire movie because I had to challenge myself in different ways. I have never really sung before, so it was all about finding my voice and working with the dancing.”

Prince Edward pops out from behind Nancy, wielding a magic wand and a smile. Both are dressed in elaborate outfits befitting a prince and princess.

Prince Edward (James Marsden)

Giselle’s would-be husband, the silly and sweet Prince Edward, returns in Disenchanted. Now married to Nancy, he had been living his typical fairytale life before being called to Monrovia to visit Giselle and Robert. “I had so much fun on Enchanted, and I’d been wanting to jump back in,” says Marsden. “Edward is the only character of the bunch that has not really changed. Giselle has adapted to this new world, and Robert’s adapted to having a fairytale princess bride. [Nancy] had to adapt from the real world to Andalasia. Edward? He is the same. He is a hopeless romantic who is in love with being in love.”

Nancy Tremaine (Idina Menzel)

In Enchanted, Nancy started the film betrothed to Robert and ended it marrying a prince—and moving to Andalasia! Disney Legend Idina Menzel is no stranger to fairytale life, having also voiced Elsa in the Frozen films. In Disenchanted, she joins her husband Prince Edward to visit Giselle and Robert—and once Giselle’s spell is cast, she gets to do more than just tour their new house!

While Nancy famously did not sing in Enchanted, she has her own musical number in the new film. “‘Love Power’ is a beautiful ballad that tells an integral part of the story,” Menzel explains. “Nancy encourages Morgan to find love and embrace Giselle. It is an opportunity to grow Morgan’s character and bring her closer to Giselle in their mother-daughter story.”

Giselle, Sophia, Morgan, and Robert stand inside their new home, all reacting in surprise to something in front of them.

Morgan Philip (Gabriella Baldacchino)

Disenchanted in many ways in a mother-daughter story, between Giselle and her stepdaughter, Morgan. When we last saw Morgan, she was a little girl trying to make sense of her father’s impending wedding—and the fairytale woman crashing in their house. In Disenchanted, that fairytale woman is now married to her father. Plus, she’s adjusting to an expanding family and a new home—that’s already a lot for a young woman to handle! Then, Giselle goes and makes a wish for life to be like a fairytale, and the rules of fairytale life have unexpected consequences between stepmother and stepdaughter…

Rosaleen and Ruby flank Malvina as they all walk through a crowded room. Malvina is dressed like an evil queen, while Rosaleen and Ruby both wear simpler gowns and hats.

Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph)

New to the world of Disenchanted is Malvin Monroe, Giselle’s suburban adversary. When Giselle first meets Malvina, portrayed by Maya Rudolph, she is already controlling—but with the magic of Giselle’s wish, things get a little out of hand.

“Playing a Disney villain was an unbelievable dream,” Rudolph says of the role.

Adams adds, “Maya is a totally different type of villain who works more through manipulation and has created this power dynamic that reflects the power dynamics she had in her non-fairytale life as the alpha female of the town.”

Rosaleen (Yvette Nicole Brown) and Ruby (Jayma Mays)

What’s a Disney villain without henchmen? Yvette Nicole Brown and Jayma Mays play Rosaleen and Ruby, Malvina’s two sidekicks. “They are sort of an echo of the ugly stepsisters from Cinderella,” jokes Shankman.

Circle of Life: The Lion King’s 25-Year Broadway Journey

By Courtney Potter

Twenty-five years. A quarter century. It’s an illustrious milestone in the history of Broadway. Only two other productions have achieved such status before... and on November 13, Disney Theatricals’ The Lion King joined those rarified ranks. Featuring songs by Disney Legends Sir Elton John and Sir Tim Rice, the show opened in 1997 at the New Amsterdam Theatre and has since moved to the Minskoff Theatre—where it celebrated this past Sunday with a truly star-studded 25th anniversary performance.

Not only has The Lion King been thrilling theatergoers for two-plus decades in New York City, but it’s been simultaneously bringing its tale of heart and home to audiences in over 100 cities in 21 countries, and on every continent except Antarctica! Performed over its lifetime in nine different languages (English, Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin, and Portuguese), there are currently nine productions of The Lion King around the globe: Broadway, London, Paris, Hamburg, Madrid, Tokyo, on tour across North America, and on tour in the U.K. & Ireland, with a separate production touring internationally. Winner of six 1998 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical and Best Director of a Musical for Julie Taymor (the first woman winner ever), the show—produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher)—has now been seen by an astonishing 112 million people. 

Such a momentous achievement within the show’s “Circle of Life” is obviously worth celebrating—and to that end, we spoke exclusively with several members of The Lion King’s current cast and staff, many of whom have been with the show for nigh on two decades... and one who was there when it all began!

A production still from The Lion King on Broadway, of ensemble members performing as a cheetah and two giraffes, during “Circle of Life.” A large yellow “sun” is seen in the background. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Where it began, in fact, was in Minneapolis, Minnesota—where South African performer Lindiwe Dlamini joined the show during its summer 1997 pre-Broadway run. Incredibly, and historically, she’s been with the show’s triple-threat ensemble ever since. “When we first started, I had no idea what the show was going to look like,” she explains. “So going through the audition process, and then starting rehearsals—we started to see the costumes, and I thought to myself, ‘How are we going to perform in these? How do we walk in a hyena costume?’... But just to see the whole thing unfold—learning all these movements; the singing, the dancing, with the puppets. The first day of previews came, and that’s when I thought, ‘Oh, we have something amazing here.” Dlamini and those Minneapolis cast members are in a particularly exclusive group: they got to watch as audiences encountered the show—director Julie Taymor’s soon-to-be-Tony-winning vision—for the very first time: “It was an experience that I wish a lot of people who perform in The Lion King [now] could experience,” she admits, “because it was the first time that people saw something this different in theater.”

Two of Dlamini’s Broadway castmates—L. Steven Taylor and Bonita Hamilton, currently starring as noble patriarch Mufasa and cunning hyena Shenzi, respectively—have been with The Lion King for nearly as long... a testament to the familial warmth that permeates the show, not just onstage but behind the scenes as well. In Taylor’s case, it took several years of auditions—including a week-long “Lion King School” in San Francisco, learning different South African languages and traditions—before he joined the cast; at the time, it was only for a temporary “replacement” role, in the ensemble and as a Mufasa understudy, covering someone who was taking a leave of absence. “One of the things that stands out for me is, all of my rehearsals were with the music supervisor, the dance supervisor, and the resident director; I didn’t really meet a lot of the cast until I had my final ‘put-in’ rehearsal—and I’ll never forget how everybody rallied around me. It sounds cliche, but it’s true: it’s like they had known me all my life. It really set me up for success... and 17 years later, here I am.”

Meanwhile, Hamilton’s Lion King audition story reads like Hollywood script: Newly graduated theater performer goes to New York City, navigating the transit system for the first time to attend frenzied concurrent auditions; later, in a rush to get back to upstate New York for the show she was currently performing in, she’s pulled over for speeding! “The state trooper said, ‘Where are you going so fast?’” Hamilton recalls, chuckling “And I said, ‘I just had two Broadway auditions! But I’ve got a show to get to!’ And he said, ‘I’m going to give you a warning in hopes that one day I’ll see you on the Broadway stage.’ By the time I got back to my apartment in Albany, my agent called me.” Hamilton had booked both auditions that day—but chose The Lion King, and has been with the show for 18 years.

Jayden Theophile as Young Simba and L. Steven Taylor as Mufasa, along with the ensemble of The Lion King on Broadway. Young Simba and Mufasa are up on a set piece, at center, denoting “Pride Rock”; Mufasa’s hand is outstretched. Ensemble members are wearing headdresses outfitted with small platforms of grass. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Behind the curtain, several former Lion King cast members have transitioned into current staff roles—a common occurrence for long-running productions, but all the more prevalent when the show truly feels like a second family. Rufus Bonds Jr. joined The Lion King’s first national tour in Los Angeles in 2000, as Mufasa, and toured with the show for two years. Several other Broadway (and London) shows later, as well as another Lion King tour stint, Bonds decided to go back to school for his Masters in Fine Arts—kicking off a trajectory in both teaching theater and directing; not only is he currently a visiting professor in Syracuse University’s drama department, as of 2021, he’s also The Lion King on Broadway’s resident director. “It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do,” he admits. “What my role really is now with The Lion King is to make sure that everyone show authentically as themselves—and not to hide behind the mask. To be the ‘duality’ that Julie [Taymor] always talks about; to really create that and to bring their own lives to their roles... My goal is to make sure everybody in the building understands the importance of their role and what they do.”

Kendra Moore, a fan of the 1994 Disney animated hit from a young age, saw the original Broadway production in 1997: “I remember being amazed—sitting up in the balcony of the New Amsterdam Theatre and thinking, ‘Wow, this is a really unique piece of theater. But it’s probably not something I’m ever going to be involved in, especially being a concert dancer and classically trained; that’s not my thing.’ Little did I know what the future had in store for me!” Moore wound up joining a new touring company of The Lion King, starting in Chicago in 2003; all told, they visited more than 80 cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ultimately, though, Moore decided she needed a change of pace—and, using skills she’d honed producing charity performances the Lion King cast would do “on the road,” parlayed her experience into a job with the tour’s Company Management office in 2016. A year later, she joined the Company Management team on Broadway—and right away helped plan celebrations for the show’s 20th anniversary.

Tshidi Manye as Rafiki and ensemble in a production still from The Lion King on Broadway. Rafiki is standing center, in front of the shadow of a large tree, the branches of which stretch up and surround other hand-drawn images, all set against a reddish orange backdrop. Ensemble members to the left and right of Rafiki are wearing headdresses outfitted with small platforms of grass. (Photo by Joan Marcus)

These five individuals have an undoubtedly unique perspective on the 25-year history of the production—and it truly is history, especially considering the very recent past. Several mentioned, as a stand-out memory, the show’s return after Broadway’s extended hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The day we re-opened, September 16, 2021, we performed ‘Circle of Life’ on ABC’s Good Morning Americain Times Square,” Hamilton recalls. “That was pretty amazing.”

“Just bringing life to Times Square that morning,” Dlamini adds, “It was so early, but we were so excited to go do it!”

Hamilton continues, “In Simba’s song ‘Endless Night,’ he says, ‘I know that the night must end, and the sun will rise.’ We didn’t know if we were going have an audience; if people would feel safe to come and sit shoulder-to-shoulder with someone for two hours and 30 minutes. That Times Square performance was, to me, an indication—one of the moments that made it very clear to me that ‘the sun will rise’ and we will get through this.”

And the future of the show is as bright as that sun in its perpetual “sapphire sky,” thanks in part to the heartfelt tale at its very core. “At the crux of its longevity is the story,” Moore explains. “It’s a story we all connect to. It’s how we tell that story. It’s the incredible the vision that Julie Taymor had, of taking the movie to the stage... And it’s the people. Not only the performers, the talented group of people that make up the show—but also the talented people behind the show, from the front of the house to the back of the house, to the people in marketing and ticketing. It’s not just one person that makes it so special; it’s the whole collective.”

“These characters may seem larger than life,” adds Taylor. “But I’ve always said that the thing that makes the show timeless is that the characters actually have real-world circumstances that are relatable to everyday people. And that changes, according to where you are in your life. Take my character, Mufasa, for instance; what parent can’t identify with wanting to impart some knowledge and wisdom onto their child, and then struggling to place responsibility on them without dimming their light?... People go through phases and stages as they grow and evolve. And it’s kind of wild, because when you look at the show through the lens of 25 years [of life], the theme of evolution and growth—which is what our show is about—it’s represented right there, in the two-plus decades of the show.”

Watch the video below for a look at this Sunday’s incredible anniversary celebrations...

The Lion King, now in its 25th year, is currently playing at the Minskoff Theatre in New York City—and probably in a city near you! For more information, and to purchase tickets, visit lionking.com.

5 Fantastic Things to Watch This Week

By Andie Hagemann

From the return of an iconic Disney Princess to a brand-new holiday competition, you won’t want to miss all the magical content coming to your TV (and assorted streaming devices) this week! Scott Calvin is back… in the all-new series The Santa Clauses, debuting Wednesday on Disney+. Friday marks the premieres of Best in Snow, Mickey: The Story of a Mouse, The Wonderful Autumn of Mickey Mouse, and Disenchanted—all available exclusively on Disney+.

In a scene from the series The Santa Clauses, actor and Disney Legend Tim Allen portrays Santa Claus/Scott Calvin and faces actor Elizabeth Mitchell, who portrays Mrs. Claus/Carol Calvin. Allen wears a red sweater. Mitchell wears red silk pajamas and rests her hands on Allen’s chest.

The Santa Clauses—Wednesday, November 16, on Disney+
After being Santa Claus for nearly 30 years, Scott Calvin (Disney Legend Tim Allen) is as jolly as ever. But as Christmas declines in popularity, so does his magic. Scott struggles to keep up with his demanding job, as well as spending quality time with his family. Upon discovering there’s a loophole to retire from his role, Scott considers stepping down as Santa Claus and finding a worthy successor so that he can become a better father and husband. The brand-new series also stars Elizabeth Mitchell as Carol/Mrs. Claus, Kal Penn as Simon Choksi, Elizabeth Allen-Dick as Sandra, Austin Kane as Cal, Rupali Redd as Grace Choksi, Devin Bright as Noel, and Matilda Lawler as Betty. The first two episodes debut at launch, with new episodes airing Wednesdays thereafter.

From the special Best in Snow, judges Sue McGrew and Andre Rush pose side by side. Behind them is a large stage with red steps and covered in snow. A sign on the stage reads, “BEST IN SNOW” in blue writing on a red background. Christmas trees and garlands decorate the area behind them.

Best in Snow—Friday, November 18, on Disney+
Hosted by Tituss Burgess, this all-new holiday special features teams from around the world who are transported to a magical snowy village—Snowdome—to battle for the coveted title of “Best in Snow.” With the help of Snowdome’s finest carvers, teams will transform their 10-foot, 20-ton blocks of snow into spectacular creations inspired by Pixar, Marvel, Walt Disney Animation, Walt Disney Studios, and The Muppets Studios. Watch beloved characters from Coco, Moana, and The Lion King be brought to life in snow as well as musical performances from Burgess, Kermit the Frog, and DCappella.

In a scene from Mickey: The Story of a Mouse, a close-up shot depicts an artist sketching Mickey Mouse on a large sheet of white paper.

Mickey: The Story of a Mouse—Friday, November 18, on Disney+
The hit Disney+ Original documentary debuts on the streaming service this week! Today, Mickey Mouse is one of the world’s most beloved icons. Learn how Walt Disney dreamed up the cheerful character—who became an overnight sensation when he starred in the first sync-sound animated short, Steamboat Willie—and Mickey’s evolution over the decades.

In a scene from The Wonderful Autumn of Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck stand behind a long table covered in orange pumpkins. Above their heads, a large yellow banner reads, “PUMPKIN GROWING CONTEST” in red. Behind them are large autumnal trees covered with yellow and orange leaves. Goofy holds his hands up by his head and wears a green hat and tan vest. Donald wears a blue hat and blue shirt with a red bow tie.

The Wonderful Autumn of Mickey Mouse—Friday, November 18, on Disney+
This all-new original special follows Mickey Mouse, who inherits a rundown pumpkin farm in a leafy village from a distant relative. Mickey is determined to turn around his family’s luck and revitalize the farm and leans on his pals Minnie, Donald, and Goofy to help him do so.

In a scene from the film Disenchanted, actor Amy Adams portrays Giselle and wears a navy gown with puffy sleeves, gold accents around the wrists, and peacock feather lining the neckline. Adams looks at actor Maya Rudolph who stands to the left of Adams. Rudolph portrays Malvina Monroe and wears an ornate black gown with a cape and gold accents down the front. Rudolph wears a large red jeweled necklace around her neck and a large gold crown on her head.

Disenchanted—Friday, November 18, on Disney+
The highly anticipated sequel to Enchanted is finally here! Directed by Adam Shankman, the all-new live-action musical comedy includes the beloved original cast and new music from Disney Legend Alan Menken, with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It’s been more than 10 years since Giselle (Amy Adams) and Robert (Disney Legend Patrick Dempsey) married, but Giselle is unhappy with life in the city, and their growing family moves into the sleepy suburb of Monroeville in search of a more fairy tale life. But Giselle soon realizes the suburbs has its own set of rules, and queen bee Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph) makes her feel even more out of place. Giselle turns to the magic of Andalasia for help—which then accidentally transforms the entire town into a real-life fairy tale and puts her family’s happiness in jeopardy! The film also stars Disney Legend Idina Menzel, James Marsden, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jayma Mays, and Gabriella Baldacchino.