Why These 7 Original Disney Plus Shows are Worth Your Time

on Nov 04, 2019, Updated Feb 16, 2023

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I’ve watched some of the most anticipated Disney Plus shows ahead of the November 12th launch, and I’m sharing my reviews. Which Disney+ originals will you add to your watch list?

If you have been anxiously awaiting the launch of the Disney streaming service, Disney+, you are not alone! As we finish out the final days before the launch on November 12th, the anticipation is high.

From Marvel to Star Wars and everything in between, Disney+ is going to have something for everyone. Even those of us who are ready to start watching all the Christmas movies. Ahem.

What really has me excited is the original content. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that there is a ton of great stuff headed our way from Disney and with two kids in elementary school, I’m all about having more family television that we can watch together.

So when the folks at Disney+ sent over some screener episodes from not one but seven of their brand new Disney Plus shows, I magically found a few extra hours (thanks time change) to review them!

Original Disney Plus Shows – First Look

No matter what you like, there is something on Disney+ for you. But before I get into my reviews, check out this screener list y’all. Needless to say, I’ve been busy!

Encore!
Lady and the Tramp
Marvel’s Hero Project
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
The Imagineering Story
Forky Asks A Question
The World According to Jeff Goldblum

TL;DR I really loved most of them. That said, they didn’t all get a perfect score and that’s ok. Not everything is for me!

NO SPOILERS. In case you’re worried about spoilers, don’t be! I’m not going there at all. And fear not Star Wars fans, no one is getting an advanced screening of The Mandalorian so we will all be seeing that for the first time on November 12th!

Check out my first thoughts below and be sure to click through to read each review and listen to the Now Streaming Disney Plus podcast!

Lady and the Tramp

This was a really sweet remake and I say that as a pretty big fan of the original Lady and the Tramp. I thought the CGI was well done (mostly) and they stayed true to the story.

Disney+ was the right choice for this film. See my full Lady and the Tramp review to learn more!

Marvel’s Hero Project

I can’t say enough good things about Marvel’s Hero Project. This is a great show for the family to watch together. With episodes under 30 minutes, you will be inspired by these real-life heroes!

If you want to know why I loved the first episode so much, see how I have a personal connection to the awesome featured family. And bring tissues!

Encore! with Kristen Bell

Arguably one of my least favorite shows in the bunch, Encore! is still a pretty fascinating concept. Each episode focuses on a different group of old friends who performed in high school theater together.

Reunited after years apart, they have under one week to recreate the high school musical they starred in together as teens.

Check out my full review of Encore! and listen to Patty and I hash out our thoughts on the first episode!

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

Full disclosure; I haven’t seen the High School Musical movies. I know! They were just before my time and I can’t wait to watch them on Disney+.

I wasn’t sure I should even watch High School Musical: The Musical: The Series before seeing the originals, but I decided to give it a try so I could let you know if you need to see the movies to enjoy the show.

In short, no you don’t!

The two episodes I got to watch were heartwarming, funny and full of talent. This is definitely a must-watch for me. Check out my full review for more!

The Imagineering Story

Since the moment I heard about The Imagineering Story, I’ve been on the edge of my seat with anticipation. I’m happy to tell you that this series is completely worth the wait.

Honestly, The Imagineering Story is like going home.

If you love all things Disney history and especially if you have a Disney Parks shaped hole in your heart, you will love this documentary series.

You may also be delighted to learn that what I assumed was a 2 hour story is actually 6 one-hour episodes of information. I’m giddy!

See what I thought of the first episode and let me know what you’re looking forward to most!

Forky Asks A Question

If you have littles, Forky Asks A Question will make them laugh and laugh! Us parents? The jury is still out on that one.

I’m not shy about the fact that I just don’t get Forky and I’m also not shy about sharing what I think these shorts should have been.

Regardless, they are really cute and silly and clock in at under 3 minutes each, so give them a look and let me know your thoughts!

The World According to Jeff Goldblum

I could have written Jeff Goldblum 800 times and that’s all you would need to know when it comes to what to watch on Disney+.

You know Patty and I call it Goldblum+ right? Because seriously. He is the best.

I saved The World According to Jeff Goldblum for last because this is 100% my top pick for what to watch on day one of Disney+. The show is interesting, smart, funny and not at all what I was expecting, which coincidentally also describes Jeff Goldblum as a person.

Review here. Podcast here. Enjoy!