Disney just keeps expanding their offerings on Disney Plus, including Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar shows, plus quite a few live-action remakes. Disney is going all-in for streaming and looks to keep adding more subscribers to Disney Plus. One area that hasn’t received as much attention is theme parks, and it feels like a missed opportunity.
There are gems out there for theme park fans if you know where to look, however. I’d love to see a lot more shows about parks history on Disney Plus plus features on future attractions. Even just considering vintage episodes of Disney’s early TV series, there’s a lot more to cover.
In the meantime, I have compiled a list of the best examples currently available. From an incredible series about Walt Disney Imagineering to a glimpse at the prep for Disneyland’s 1955 opening, there is still plenty to enjoy. Let’s dive into what theme park fans should watch on Disney Plus!
The Imagineering Story
If you’re a theme park fan and haven’t watched The Imagineering Story, stop reading this and get started! This six-episode documentary series from filmmaker Lesley Iwerks provides more than the typical promo material. Joe Rohde, Tony Baxter, and Marty Sklar join a huge group of Imagineers to describe why we love the parks. Iwerks presents both high points and challenges from Disney history. We see amazing behind-the-scenes footage of attractions but also learn about layoffs and creative misses. It’s a gripping story that is must-see viewing for anyone that enjoys theme parks.
Disneyland Around the Seasons
When Disney Plus arrived on the scene, I hoped we’d get the chance to catch vintage episodes of Walt’s TV series from the ’50s and ’60s. A perfect example is “Disneyland Around the Seasons”, which originally aired on Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color on December 18, 1966. It sums up the first year in the park’s second decade and includes a lot of attraction footage. Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, the Primeval World, and “it’s a small world” were all new at Disneyland. This episode also aired just days after Walt’s passing, which makes it a poignant experience.
The Pre-Opening Report from Disneyland
A more recent addition to Disney Plus is this earlier Disneyland TV episode from way back on July 13, 1955. “The Pre-Opening Report from Disneyland” gives a final look at preparations for Walt’s original park shortly before it opened. The upbeat tone differs from reality, but it’s still interesting to see construction footage. This episode also gives insight about how Disney presented their new park to the public. The second half of this show just includes Mickey cartoons, but the first segment is fascinating.
The Mouseketeers at Walt Disney World
The best part of this November 20, 1977 episode isn’t seeing the parks or even the weirdness of the Mouseketeers’ story. The presentation on Disney Plus includes vintage TV commercials from the time! It’s basically like we located a VHS tape recorded off TV in the garage. Beyond the ads, there are fun shots of Walt Disney World in the late ’70s, including River Country (with a song that won’t leave your brain!). There are some corny moments with the title characters (including Lisa Whelchel) that are a little painful, but it’s worth it for the ads and vintage footage.
Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
While it’s great to look back at Disney history, we can’t live in the past. I want to see more from today’s parks! Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom isn’t about the rides, but it still gives cool insights into the park. I sometimes forget how much is happening behind the scenes with the animals. Narrated by Josh Gad, this show is sometimes a bit too on the nose. Even so, its heart is in the right place. It’s refreshing to learn more about how cast members care for the animals at this incredible place.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge: Adventure Awaits
We’re definitely in promotional territory with this TV special, which originally aired on Freeform in September 29, 2019. Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge: Adventure Awaits takes us to Black Spire Outpost for a look inside the land. Stars like Oscar Isaac and John Boyega appear, and Scott Trowbridge gives Neil a tour. I don’t want to over sell this commercial, but I’ll admit it got me ready to return there. Actors like Miles Brown and Sarah Hyland plus Jay Leno (??) get an up-close look at the activities. This shouldn’t be your first stop on Disney Plus, but it includes cool shots of this gorgeous land.
Behind the Attraction
I have mixed feelings including this Disney Plus series because it feels like a missed opportunity. An offbeat show looking at the history of Disney’s classic theme park attractions sounds amazing! How could it go wrong? Your interest in Behind the Attraction really depends on the type of entertainment you enjoy.
Narrated by Paget Brewster, the 10 episodes feature an impressive collection of Imagineers and other experts. For example, the Haunted Mansion one includes Rolly Crump, Daniel Joseph, and Tom K. Morris plus archival footage of John Hench and Ken Anderson. I just wish they appeared for longer clips! If nothing else, the fast-paced style should keep casual fans engaged and provide an easy viewing. It’s a solid overview of each attraction, especially if you’re not a history expert.
Disney Parks Sunrise Series
The concept of the Sunrise Series is simple — relaxing footage of the parks as the sun rises. Beautiful clips of Spaceship Earth, The Tree of Life, and Cinderella Castle offer the perfect backdrop for whatever you’re doing at home. Calming music creates that magical feeling that you’ve been transported to an empty Walt Disney World.
This isn’t just one shot either. Our vantage point changes periodically to offer different gorgeous views of the parks. What makes the Sunrise Series so enticing is how it provides brand new material and high quality images. Many of us are working at home and not traveling, and it’s a perfect way to remind us of the magic when we look to visit the parks again.
Disney Illuminations in Paris
I’m behind the curve when it comes to seeing all the latest projection shows; it’s easy to forget how far the technology has progressed. When you have the right backdrop, the possibilities are endless. The castle at Disneyland Paris offers the perfect setting for a cool nighttime experience. Disney Illuminations mostly includes the expected films like The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, but there are a few surprises like Pirates of the Caribbean and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The 17-minute show provides a grand experience with a mix of fireworks, music, fountains, and projections.
It’s obviously different watching this presentation at home versus in the park, but it works thanks to multiple camera angles and a clear picture. You won’t have any kids blocking your view on their parents’ shoulders here. It also provides a glimpse at a beautiful park in Paris that many Disney fans still haven’t experienced.
Shanghai Disney Resort Grand Opening Gala
It’s surprising to realize that the Shanghai Disneyland resort has already been open for more than six years. This 24-minute presentation takes us back to the opening ceremony for Disney’s latest theme park from in front of the castle. An full-scale orchestra plays along with dancers, projections, and fireworks; the scale is really impressive. This presentation includes some cool overhead shots, but this isn’t a preview. Instead, it showcases the talented performers and music of China with the park as the background.
Mickey appears on stage and familiar songs are performed, but Disney content isn’t the only focus. There’s also no jarring narrator or commercials to interrupt the festivities. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the typical shows and works well to just play in the background at home. I would love to see a lot more examples like this Opening Gala and Disney Illuminations available on Disney Plus.
One Day at Disney
I’ve been impressed by how far Disney has taken the One Day at Disney project. It began as a book and movie and has continued with 50 short films on Disney Plus (so far). Each clip focuses a different person working for Disney in a wide range of capacities. This includes frontline cast members at the parks, ABC news anchors, Pixar animators, and even Bob Iger. Sure it’s promotional and upbeat, but there are still fun shorts within the mix.
Disney Insider
It takes more work to find them, but you can watch promotional segments about the parks on Disney Insider. Each of the 14 episodes is about 20 minutes and includes multiple segments on Disney’s new films, TV series, and attractions. Recent additions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and virtual games at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge receive some attention.
The Mickey & Minnie’s section highlights the work of Kevin Rafferty (in his final attraction) and Charita Carter, plus Tomorrow Society Podcast guest Joe Herrington! It’s great to see the perspective of the Imagineers as we tour the attraction. Tom Fitzgerald and Chrissie Allen describe Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure and focus on the intricate models built for the EPCOT version. It’s promotional but includes cool behind-the-scenes footage.
Harmonius Live!
I have mixed feelings about Harmonius, which doesn’t feel like the right fit as EPCOT’s nighttime spectacular. However, I have no reservations about the Harmonius Live! special. An incredible collection of singers and musicians perform the show in a way that I didn’t think was possible. Viewing this 32-minute performance at home, I finally understood the potential for Harmonius to shine. It’s brilliant!
The main reason Harmonius Live! works is a group of talented performers that take the material well beyond what I expected. Disney recently announced that Harmonius would end next year, which was shocking given the costs to create it. I’m good with this news and am glad we’ll still have this energetic show to remember what was possible.
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The Imagineering Story, Episode 1: The Happiest Place on Earth
Great suggestions, Dan! Just wanted to let anyone who hasn’t been on Rise of the Resistance yet that there are spoilers for it in the sixth episode of Imagineering Story so you might want to stop at number five if you want to ride with as many surprises as possible.
Thanks Melanie! I ended up caving and watching the Rise of the Resistance scenes. I figured that by the time I ride it (especially now with COVID), that I’d forget most of it anyway. But that’s a great tip!