ABC News Studios has announced it will air “Disney 100: A Century of Dreams – A Special Edition of 20/20,” on ABC on Thursday, December 14, 2023, and here’s what you need to know.
The Details
The documentary special event will commemorate the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company, taking viewers on a magical journey that started in 1923, and featuring a century of stories and experiences that will touch the hearts of fans everywhere.
The documentary chronicles all facets of the company — from animation to parks to television to music — spotlighting those who have played essential roles in Disney’s history.
Starting with the creation of the iconic character Mickey Mouse, and unspooling the story of how Walt Disney’s quest to make the very first feature-length animated film, “Snow White,” nearly bankrupted the young studio, viewers will learn how unbridled determination and imagination became the cornerstones of the Walt Disney Company.
The special is a celebration of the countless Disney creators, telling the story behind the story that ABC News says will astonish even the biggest Disney superfans.
The special features interviews with Disney CEO Bob Iger, the legendary stars of Disney’s critically acclaimed hit musical fantasy film “Mary Poppins” Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, as well as Walt Disney’s grandsons Chris Miller and Walter Miller.
Award-winning musical collaborators — including songwriter Richard Sherman of the prolific Sherman Brothers, legendary recording artist Elton John, composer Alan Menken and singer/songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda — will discuss the powerful role of music in Disney’s storytelling.
Stars from Disney’s animated feature films — including Idina Menzel (Elsa, “Frozen” and “Frozen 2”), Jodi Benson (Ariel, “The Little Mermaid”), Paige O’Hara (Belle, “Beauty and the Beast”) and Ariana DeBose (Asha, “Wish”) — talk about voicing the animated musicals.
And additional appearances on the special include journalists Chris Connelly and Kelley L. Carter, Katy Perry, Chris Evans, John Stamos, “Mickey Mouse Club” actor Josh Ackerman, Disney Channel star Christy Carlson Romano, Disney Legends, experts, and more.
Viewers will also be treated to an inside look at an all-new Disney attraction, that ABC News is not naming, though we are very close to the December 20th opening of Zootopia at Shanghai Disney Resort.
The Trailer
Here is a sneak peek at what to expect from the documentary:
How to Watch
‘Disney 100: A Century of Dreams – A Special Edition of 20/20’ will air Thursday, December 14, on ABC. It will then stream the next day on Hulu, and later in December on Disney+.
No word on if it will be made available to Disney fans outside of the U.S., but if we hear of something, we’ll let you know.