Friends of Disney

Friends of Disney

Welcome to Friends of Disney! Join Shawn, Jonell, and Megan as we revisit the Disney movies, shows, characters, and memories that shaped our childhoods. From Disney Princess classics and forgotten sequels to Disney Channel favorites and modern remakes, we explore what made these stories special—and whether they still hold up today. Each episode combines Disney history, music analysis, business insights, child development perspectives, and plenty of nostalgia as we discuss Disney storytelling through a modern lens. If you love Disney movies, Disney Channel, Disney nostalgia, Disney Parks, Disney music, and thoughtful Disney discussions, you're in the right place.

  1. 12h ago

    High School Musical 2 Was Better Than the Original?!

    ☀️🎶 Is High School Musical 2 actually better than the original? This week on Friends of Disney, we're heading to Lava Springs to revisit High School Musical 2 — the bigger, brighter and possibly BETTER follow-up to Disney Channel's original phenomenon. From the wildly vibrant summer aesthetic and one of the franchise's strongest soundtracks to more developed characters and some surprisingly complicated drama, we're breaking down why HSM2 may have improved on almost everything the first movie did. We debate whether Troy was actually in the wrong as Sharpay handed him new opportunities, scholarships and special treatment — or whether his friends made an already awkward situation even worse. We also dig into Sharpay's complete control over Lava Springs, Gabriella's decision to walk away from the drama, and why Ryan Evans quietly becomes one of the best characters in the entire trilogy. Plus: Bet On It, Fabulous, I Don't Dance, Everyday, All for One, the absolutely ridiculous Humu Humu Nukunukuapua'a sequence, Taylor McKessie's continued questionable behavior, and some VERY specific theories about Ryan, Chad and what Disney could — and couldn't — say in 2007. 👀 So after revisiting both movies: Was High School Musical 2 actually better than High School Musical? Join Shawn, Megan and Jonell as we continue our journey through the High School Musical trilogy! 💬 What do you think? Is HSM2 your favorite movie in the trilogy — and what is the best song on the soundtrack? #HighSchoolMusical2 #HighSchoolMusical #DisneyChannel #DisneyChannelOriginalMovie #DCOM #FriendsOfDisney

  2. Sep 7

    High School Musical 20 Years Later... Does It Still Hold Up?

    🎵 Season 3 of Friends of Disney begins by heading back to East High! Twenty years after High School Musical became a Disney Channel phenomenon, we're revisiting Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan and the Wildcats to answer one big question: Does High School Musical actually still hold up 20 years later? Some parts have aged surprisingly well. Others... maybe not so much. We revisit the songs, characters and unforgettable moments from the original Disney Channel movie while looking at how High School Musical portrayed high school cliques, teenage romance, gender expectations, musical theater and the pressure to “Stick to the Status Quo.” Along the way, we debate our favorite songs, whether Troy and Gabriella's romance was ever realistic, why East High is filled with some TERRIBLE friends, the brilliance of “Stick to the Status Quo,” Sharpay and Ryan, and how High School Musical helped change Disney Channel forever. Plus, somehow Taylor McKessie becomes Megan's mortal enemy. 🏀 Does High School Musical still hold up 20 years later? Let us know in the comments — and subscribe as we continue our High School Musical retrospective with High School Musical 2!

  3. Jul 13 ·  Bonus

    The Jonas Brothers ALL Fall for the Pizza Girl 🍕 | Jonas Episode 3 Review

    🍕 The Jonas Brothers all fall for the same pizza delivery girl... and somehow this turns into one of the strangest episodes of Jonas. This week on Friends of Disney, we're reviewing Jonas Episode 3: Pizza Girl and discussing everything from Kevin getting sidelined again, the surprisingly catchy "Pizza Girl" song, Disney sitcom sibling stereotypes, and why this episode feels very different from the first two. We also dive into: 🍕 Is Pizza Girl one of the weakest Jonas episodes? 🎵 The surprisingly catchy Jonas Brothers song 😂 Frankie stealing every scene he's appears in 👀 Why Disney sitcoms always have "the smart one," "the cool one," and "the dumb one" ❤️ Dating in Disney Channel shows vs. real life 🍕 Was Maria actually worth $500 worth of pizza? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Did you like Pizza Girl? Was Kevin treated unfairly? What's your favorite Jonas episode so far? 👍 Like the video if you're enjoying our Summer of Jonas series! 🔔 Subscribe for more Disney Channel reviews every week. #Jonas #JonasBrothers #DisneyChannel #FriendsOfDisney #PizzaGirl #DisneyPodcast #KevinJonas #JoeJonas #NickJonas

  4. Jun 22 ·  Bonus

    This Jonas Episode Feels Different

    What happens when childhood memories disappear? In this episode of the Friends of Disney Podcast, we're continuing our summer Jonas series with Episode 2: Groovy Movies. When the Jonas Brothers accidentally destroy their mom's treasured home videos before her birthday, they scramble to recreate years of family memories before it's too late. Along the way, we discuss why this episode feels surprisingly emotional, the importance of home videos, childhood memories before social media, and how parenting has changed in the age of smartphones. We also talk about Stella's embarrassing childhood videos, Kevin's underrated comedy, Frankie Jonas' appearance in the series, and whether these home videos may have been inspired by real Jonas Brothers memories. Plus, we share some of our own favorite family stories and discuss what kinds of memories are worth preserving as parents. Topics Discussed:• Jonas Episode 2: Groovy Movies • The Jonas Brothers' family dynamic • Home videos and childhood memories • Growing up before social media • Stella's embarrassing videos • Frankie Jonas and the "Bonus Jonas" • Kevin's comedy throughout the episode • Parenting and preserving memories • Disney Channel nostalgia • Favorite childhood memories If you enjoy Disney Channel nostalgia, Jonas reviews, Disney television discussions, and conversations about growing up in the 2000s, be sure to subscribe to the Friends of Disney Podcast. What's your favorite childhood memory or home video? #Jonas #JonasBrothers #DisneyChannel #DisneyPodcast #KevinJonas #NickJonas #JoeJonas #DisneyTV #2000sNostalgia #DisneyNostalgia

  5. Jun 8

    Cruella is NOT the real Cruella

    The conversation delves into the controversial portrayal of Cruella as a villain and the treatment of the 101 Dalmatians in the movie. It explores initial impressions, positive aspects, fashion and rebellion, appreciation for movie departments, character portrayal and enjoyment, fashion statements and cultural impact, missed opportunities and disappointments, issues with the villain origin story, timeline and end credit scene, and the use of montages in the stand-alone film. The conversation delves into the portrayal of Disney villains, particularly Cruella, and the challenges of transforming her character. It explores the issues with montages, sequencing, and the creation of tension in storytelling. Additionally, it discusses the feminist approach, modernization, and ethical dilemmas associated with changing a villain's origin. The impact of the medium on villain portrayal, the essence of Disney villains, and the failed reimagining of Cruella are also examined. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cruella and Series Finale 07:23 Cohesion and Joy in Production 13:34 Homages to Original Material 19:45 Character Motivation and Timeline Issues 27:49 Cruella's Fashion and Storytelling Choices 35:19 The Ethics of Villainy in Disney 39:59 Morality and Storytelling in Live Action 47:14 The Essence of Villains and Audience Expectations 52:10 Reimagining Cruella: Missed Opportunities

  6. Jun 1

    Which 101 Dalmatian sequel is better?

    The conversation delves into the comparison between live action and animation, exploring character depth and ethical themes. It also highlights the confusion and expectations surrounding the sequels, with a focus on Cruella's impact and the creative choices made. The discussion addresses the naming and intros of the sequels, consistency in intros, and the analysis of human characters. It also examines the exploration of the male and female leads, Cruella's sentencing, the parole officer character, and the discrepancy in the number of Dalmatians. The conversation covers various themes including the nature of sequels, the portrayal of animal personalities in movies, the influence of hypnosis and conditioning, and the complexity of storytelling. It also delves into the concept of permissive parenting, the behavior of parrots, and the role of perspective and point of view in movies. The conversation covers a comparison of the live-action and animated sequels of 101 Dalmatians, focusing on plot, characters, music, and aesthetics. The discussion also delves into the treatment of characters, the French setting, the collaborative writing process, and the overall franchise comparison. Takeaways Live action vs. animationCharacter explorationEthical themes Sequels are often considered inferior to the original movie.The portrayal of animals and their personalities in movies can be unrealistic. Sequels: Live Action vs. AnimatedPlot and CharactersMusic and Aesthetics Chapters 00:00 Dalmatian Discrepancy22:06 Bringing Dogs to Work27:46 Parrots and Their Behavior33:01 Interweaving Storylines in Movies50:09 Franchise Comparison and Cohesiveness

  7. May 25

    101 Dalmations 2 SUCKS

    The conversation delves into the comparison of 101 Dalmatians to Home Alone, Patch's jealousy and sibling dynamics, personal connections to Patch's story, characterization of Pongo and Anita, impact of family and community, tone and nuance in sequels, sequel ideas and storytelling perspective, music and character consistency, and the love for the original and its sequels. Takeaways Sibling dynamics and jealousy play a significant role in the narrative of 101 Dalmatians 2.The importance of maintaining consistency in character portrayal and storytelling tone in sequels. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to 101 Dalmatians Franchise06:03 Patch's London Adventure and Thunderbolt14:14 Characterization of Pongo and Anita21:37 Impact of Family and Community28:14 Tone and Nuance in Sequels39:27 Music and Character Consistency48:00 Sequels and Love for the Original

  8. May 18

    Live Action VS Animation: 101 Dalmations

    The conversation delves into a comparison of the live action and animated versions of 101 Dalmatians, discussing pacing, animal characters, additional animals, character replacement, stunt performance, Cruella's villainy, live action adaptation, Anita's pregnancy, and Cruella's insanity and villainy. The discussion also touches on the time period and character portrayal. The conversation delves into a comparison between the live action and animated versions of 101 Dalmatians, exploring the story, characters, police involvement, and the focus on humans vs. animals. It also discusses the pacing, characters, music, and aesthetics of both versions. Takeaways Comparison of live action and animated 101 DalmatiansExploration of pacing, animal characters, and additional animalsAnalysis of character portrayal and Cruella's villainy Comparison of live action and animated versionsExploration of story and characters Chapters 00:00 The 101 Dalmatians Debate06:27 Additional Animals and Character Replacement15:26 Anita's Pregnancy and Character Portrayal30:22 Cruella's Villainy and Insanity36:06 Exploring the Story and Characters45:47 Human vs. Animal Focus54:24 Comparison of Pacing, Characters, Music, and Aesthetics

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Friends of Disney! Join Shawn, Jonell, and Megan as we revisit the Disney movies, shows, characters, and memories that shaped our childhoods. From Disney Princess classics and forgotten sequels to Disney Channel favorites and modern remakes, we explore what made these stories special—and whether they still hold up today. Each episode combines Disney history, music analysis, business insights, child development perspectives, and plenty of nostalgia as we discuss Disney storytelling through a modern lens. If you love Disney movies, Disney Channel, Disney nostalgia, Disney Parks, Disney music, and thoughtful Disney discussions, you're in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Friends of Disney
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Friends of Disney
  • Show Website
    Friends of Disney