We are getting an inside look at three more facets of the Walt Disney Company in the latest episode of the Disney+ Original Series, “Disney Insider.” In the 11th episode of the series, we get featurettes that focus on Star Wars toys, the 30th Anniversary of “Beauty and the Beast,” and Disney on Ice.

My favorite featurette of this episode is easily the one looking into the toys being made for “The Book of Boba Fett.” I love “Star Wars.” Plus, I live in New England, not far from Pawtucket, Rhode Island; and I’ve toured the Hasbro Toy Headquarters there. It was really cool to see a place I’ve been featured on the show. I really loved to see what inspired the toy makers as they focus on the Black Series and how those in Rhode Island worked with those in California to make the toys to go with the upcoming series.

In contrast, the second featurette brings in a wave of nostalgia while also reminding me of how much I’ve aged. I remember watching “Beauty and the Beast” on VHS as a kid. I remember the big clamshell that kept the tape safe. It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years since this classic film from the Disney Renaissance was released. It was great seeing some of the old footage of Paige O’Hara, Howard Ashman and Alan Menken. And, it was great seeing O’Hara’s reaction as she got her own private screening for the film’s anniversary. It was the first animated film to be nominated for the Best Picture Oscar. “Beauty and the Beast” may not be your favorite film, but it’s a classic that deserves all the praise it gets.

Finally, there is a great look at one of the families that take part in Disney on Ice. I attended a Disney on Ice show a few years ago and it was a lot of fun. It’s really cool to see a family whose entire life is Disney on Ice. The parents met in the early years of the show. They fell in love, got married and had three kids who are now a part of the show as well. It’s great to see how Disney is able to expand beyond traditional storytelling by including ice skating.

This is the second straight episode where I’ve loved the entire episode. Disney is such a big company that it’s unlikely everything they do will appeal to everyone. There have been many featurettes on this show about things that don’t appeal to me. I’m glad they are available for the people who are into them, but they were featurettes I would’ve skipped most of the time. This is episode focuses on my favorite science fiction series, one of the greatest animated movies of all time, and a part of the company that I didn’t care about until I went to the see the show with my son, sister-in-law and brother-in-law. It was one of the greatest experiences I’ve ever had. This episode brought back a lot of nostalgia for me and I can’t wait to see more of what Disney does with each.

Ranking: 5 stars out of 5.

What did you think of this episode of “Disney Insider?”

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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