by Kaity
The wait is almost over, Disney+ is set to debut on November 12. And launching with over 100 titles of old classics to brand new series’, we thought it would be helpful to offer a starting point in case all those titles looked a little overwhelming. So whether you’re looking for something new to enjoy or a trip down memory lane, Disney+ will have you covered in just under two weeks! Take a look at a few of our staff picks and let us know what title you’re most excited for!
Image courtesy of Disney
Conny: Robin Hood (1973)
The movie I’m probably most excited about watching again on Disney+ (even though I own it on DVD and could watch it any day) is my favorite animated Disney film, Robin Hood. Growing up, I probably watched it every week. To this day I can quote and sing along perfectly and it awakens so many happy childhood memories of re-enacting, watching it with my family and friends and that warm and fuzzy feeling watching your favorite comfort movie. I especially love this movie because of its humor and the lovingly-animated and voiced characters. For those who don’t know, this version of the heroic outlaw is a fox and all other characters are animals as well and its story is presented with some of my favorite Disney songs and ensemble performances (I dare you to watch it and not have “The Phony King of England” stuck in your head for the rest of the day). If you haven’t seen this movie, I highly recommend it and leave you with a heartfelt Oodelally!
Image courtesy of Disney
Shannon: Lady and the Tramp (2019)
When Disney+ releases it’s going to be a brain overload to decide what to watch first! One movie I am most excited to watch when the streaming begins is the new live-action Lady and the Tramp. Lady is a pedigree (Cocker Spaniel) dog that has grown up sheltered with a rich family, but her world is about to change when a new baby is expected by her owners. Tramp is a mix-breed street dog. Adventures, and spaghetti dinners, await when the two meet. Viewer opinions are varied on Disney’s recent live-action remakes, and I hope this one gives justice to its original. Based on the trailer, it looks like the live-action remake will have as much humor and heart at the original. I love the fact that Disney opted to use a real rescue dogs in the movie. A movie still of the spaghetti scene was released as a sneak peak and I bet it will be as adorable as the cartoon version. If a live action remake isn’t up your alley, the 1955 cartoon version will also be available on release day!
Image courtesy of Disney
Emelie: Fantasia (1940)
I think my favorite part about Disney+ will be all the old movies that are so rarely talked about these days. For me, Fantasia brings me right back to my childhood. If I was ever home sick from school, mom would swaddle me in blankets, set up the VHS-player (yes, I am that old) and let me pick a movie to watch. A good seven out of ten times, I would pick Fantasia. While the movie has no dialogue, except for an introduction, it still manages to convey so many enchanting things. Want to watch Mickey Mouse struggle with magic? Want to watch fawns tease unicorns? What about dancing fairies, mushrooms, or fish? Fantasia has you covered. This movie is also probably part of what fostered my love for symphonic music, and along with the crazy animations it’s easy to see why I love the movie so much. If you want to sit back and take in some classic animation alongside music from some of the greatest classical composers of our time, please treat yourself to Fantasia on November 12.
Image courtesy of Disney
Megan: Kim Possible (2002)
With Disney+ I’m definitely most excited to relive my childhood watching basically the entire Disney Channel library. While there are several Disney Channel titles I’m beyond ecstatic for, the one I’m looking forward to most has to be Kim Possible. A crime-fighting cheerleader, a clutzy sidekick best friend, and a naked mole-rat. I remember wanting to be just like Kim or being just like Ron, wishing that Bueno Nacho was real so I could get a Naco (nachos and a taco rolled into one). The ridiculous villains like Drakken, Shego, Señor Senior Jr. and Señor Senior Sr. and more. I would always play the games on the Disney Channel website, I had a Kim Possible towel and dolls. I grew up in the era of early 2000s Disney Channel and I wouldn’t want to grow up in any other era because it was, in my opinion, the best. Also, Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama is a completely underrated DCOM. This show ran for four seasons and while I don’t completely remember the last season, I do remember feeling like I could do and be anything when watching this show. Both the series and the 2005 movie, as well as the live-action 2019 remake, will be available on November 12 if you want to relive your childhood.
Image courtesy of Disney
Sarah: The Rescuers (1977)
The first thing I am going to watch when Disney+ launches will be The Rescuers. This animated movie followed Miss Bianca and Bernard, two mice that are members of the Rescue Aid Society, and they are on a mission. These two special little mice are going out to Devil’s Bayou to find a kidnapped young orphan girl named Penny. She got abducted by pawnshop owner Madame Medusa and her colleague Mr. Snoops who are obsessed with finding the Devil’s Eye, the world’s largest diamond. Growing up, this was one of my favorite movies. It had everything — talking animals, funny villains, and a mystery revolving around a kidnapping. I am excited to relive all the nostalgic feelings that come with this movie and all the other Disney+ programming being released. But to also fall back in love with all these stories, and watching a new generation being introduced to them, and hopefully, fall in love with storytelling as well.
Image courtesy of Disney
Carleen: Boy Meets World (1993-2000)
Although I am excited for the entire launch of Disney+ I am most excited to watch the entire seven seasons of Boy Meets World. The series follows Cory Matthews (Ben Savage), Topanga Lawrence (Danielle Fishel) and Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong) as they juggle school, friends and romance, just to name a few. What I love most about this series is that the show goes through Cory’s life from sixth grade to adulthood. When I watched the show growing up I felt really connected to the characters and the situations that occurred. When I watched the show I felt like I was a part it because of what the characters were going through. I am really excited to relive all those nostalgic moments of the show especially the FEENY CALL! The characters, the messages, and the overall theme of the show is something that I can’t wait for kids of the new generation to watch and fall in love with as well.
Image courtesy of ‘The Haunted Mansion’
Lynette: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
“Welcome foolish mortals” to my recommendation for The Haunted Mansion when Disney+ launches. It’s still close enough to Halloween that I’ll be in the mood for this spooky but family friendly film. It tells the story of real estate agent Jim Evers (Eddie Murphy) and his family who are lured to the old mansion and become part of a ghost story. The family must overcome obstacles – with help of supernatural friends such as Madame Leota (Jennifer Tilly) – to break a curse and find a way out of the house. It is based on the classic Disney ride and there are plenty of easter eggs for fans of the attraction. For me, the supernatural theme, humor and stunning costume and set design are a perfect combination. It’s a great movie for a winter night to watch wrapped up in a blanket with a hot chocolate. It will also leave you singing “Grim Grinning Ghosts” for a week afterwards, even if you don’t have busts to sing it to you in perfect four part harmony.
Image courtesy of Disney
Rachel: Lizzie McGuire (2001-2004)
If someone was to ask what television show shaped my childhood then the easy answer of Lizzie McGuire would come. In fact, it’s interwoven into certain milestones and people who once were extremely important to me. One of my first sleepovers was to see the movie for my friend’s birthday. My late aunt gave me the cartoon Lizzie McGuire figurine that still sits on my desk to this day. I even have fond memories attached to my favorite primary school teacher as I dressed as Hilary Duff for heroes day. It is in these little memories attached to a series now revisiting me in my mid-twenties that not only proves the magic of Disney but what all good shows are set out to do. From its zany one-liners to the mystery of Ethan Craft’s hair, I’m incredibly excited to see a family who mirrored my own step foot into their roles once again. And for Lizzie to overcome the turbulence she’ll now find in later life.
Courtesy of Disney/Lucasfilm.
Lindsey: The Mandalorian (2019)
The Skywalker saga’s swan song may be quickly approaching, but there are still endless stories within the Star Wars universe that are waiting to be told. Fans of the Expanded Universe, now known as Star Wars Legends, can attest to the untapped value that lies within the world of Star Wars. Rogue One introduced us to the idea that we could learn to love new live-action characters in a familiar universe, and now The Mandalorian is ready to prove just how much potential is out there in a galaxy far, far away. One of the aspects of The Mandalorian that I’m most excited about is that it’s going to be a television series rather than a film. Though movies are epic in their own right, presenting this story in an episodic nature will allow for much richer worldbuilding and time to focus on smaller details that would otherwise end up on the cutting room floor. It’s also exciting to see a story that isn’t necessarily about a “good” protagonist fighting for the Rebel Alliance/the Resistance versus the Galactic Empire/the First Order. Rather, the Mandalorian (portrayed by Pedro Pascal, which will be a treat in itself) is a lone gunfighter and bounty hunter with questionable moral character. With Jon Favreau at the helm and so many talented other talented people on board, this show is guaranteed to be a hit.
