This Week on Disney+: News and Debut Round-up (October 2, 2020)

With all the new Disney+ Originals premiering, Disney+ rolled out a GroupWatch feature! Now you can enjoy a film in the (virtual) company of others.

Learn about all things NEW on Disney+. Relax for hours with the series premiere of Zenimation Extended Edition. Has it been awhile since you’ve seen Disney’s Maleficent? Well it’s coming October 1st, so you can now hunker down and enjoy a double feature – Maleficent and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.

Disney+ News

Marvel’s 616 Anthology Docuseries gets a First-Look Trailer

Premieres November 20 – Eight mini-documentaries by eight directors taking a deep dive into 80 years of Marvel Comics!! We can’t wait for it to air! To learn more, watch this first-look trailer and then check out the ComicCon@Home Panel about this series.

NEW Disney+ GroupWatch Feature

On September 29th, Disney+ rolled out a new feature to US subscribers: GroupWatch. Now you and up to 6 other Disney+ subscribers can watch a TV show or movie at the same time.

In an effort to make it as interactive as possible, GroupWatch will also give members the ability to react to scenes with six different emoji (funny, sad, surprised, etc.). People can also control playback controls (rewinding, fast-forwarding, pausing) for the entire group. As of now there is no chat feature – you and your friends would have to use another app for that.

This Week on Disney+ for Friday, October 2

Disney+ Original Series or Premieres

Series Premiere Zenimation Extended Edition

(Commence relaxation) Unplug, relax, and refresh your senses with an animated soundscape experience. Iconic scenes from Moana, Frozen and so many more come alive in an aural experience like no other with the sounds of ocean waves, an icy forest and soaring flight. Zenimation pays tribute to both the visual and sound artists who have created Walt Disney Animation Studios’ legacy of films. Created and edited by David Bess.

Magic of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Episode 102 – “Happy Birthday, Gino!”
Gino, the most admired western lowland gorilla at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, celebrates his 39th birthday with animal manager Rachel, who’s known Gino since he was a teen. Gino’s presented with a storybook-worthy cake, but festivities are stalled when he struggles to overcome a chest infection. Meanwhile, animal keeper Lori notices a lump on beloved alpha lioness Kinsey, which requires urgent medical attention, but transporting the 300-pound cat to the Veterinary Treatment Room poses a challenge. Over at The Seas with Nemo & Friends at EPCOT, aquarist Amanda, who’s expecting her first child, prepares to welcome another little ray of sunshine into the world: a spotted eagle ray pup. At Discovery Island, trainer Katelyn teaches two newly arrived macaws, Santiago and Emmett, the navigation skills needed to become members of the Winged Encounters flight team.

One Day at Disney Episode 144 – “Pablo Tufino: Ride Show Technician”
Pablo Tufino, Computer Ride Show Technician at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, provides a glimpse into the twilight transformation of Pandora – The World of Avatar. The change from day to night brings the Pandoran world to life, and through the illumination of custom lighting and automations each area of the land is given a unique look and feel that continues to amaze guests…and Pablo!

Weird But True Episode 308 – “Our Solar System”
Charlie learns that the Global Space Administration is looking for researchers and explorers to go on the Interplanetary Expedition – a one-way trip to explore the solar system. Carly is nervous because a one-way ticket means that they would never come back! So, both she and Charlie head to the Mars habitat in Hawaii to experience what it is like to live in outer space. Renowned astrophysicist Michio Kaku is a special guest star, playing fictional character Buster Infinity. 

New to Streaming on Disney+

“I need MORE” you say? These series and films are not Disney+ Originals, but they will begin streaming on October 2 unless otherwise noted.

• October 1 – Maleficent – The untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic Sleeping Beauty. Angelina Jolie is Maleficent.
• Cheaper by the Dozen 2
• Mr. Holland’s Opus – A musician who dreams of composing one truly memorable piece of music finds his true passion after he reluctantly accepts a “day job” as a high school music teacher to support his family.
• Secrets of the Zoo: Down Under (Season 1)
• The Simpsons (Season 31) – a remarkable accomplishment!!

Keep up with all things Disney+

• 457: Star Wars in Disney Parks – A History
• 456: The Bad Batch S3 Mid-Season Breakdown
• 452: The Bad Batch S3 Premiere Press Roundtable & Review – Dee Bradley Baker, Michelle Ang, Brad Rau & Jennifer Corbett
• 446: Skywalking Through 2023 and Beyond! with Melissa Truth and Spencer Jawitz
• 445: A CHRISTMAS CAROL in Pop Culture & History