When Disney Night rolled onto Dancing with the Stars on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025, the nation got a sparkling reminder of why the magic kingdom still matters. The live‑broadcast from Los Angeles, California, aired simultaneously on ABC and Disney+, celebrating the Disneyland Resort’s 70th anniversary. Jen Affleck, the Utah influencer known from “Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” teamed with pro dancer Jan Ravnik for a jazzy take on “Friend Like Me.” Meanwhile, author‑influencer Hilaria Baldwin twirled a quickstep to “Cantina Band” with partner Gleb Savchenko, and Olympic gold‑medalist Jordan Chiles hit the floor with Ezra Sora to a riff from the new “Special Spice” ride. The episode wasn’t just a feel‑good showcase; it was a corporate symphony linking The Walt Disney Company to its ABC sibling, while the voting audience prepared to whisk one couple out of the competition.
Background: A Disney Tradition That’s Stood the Test of Time
First introduced in the show’s 10th season back in 2010, Disney Night quickly became a viewer favorite. According to D23, Disney’s official fan club, the segment has drawn an average of 12.3 million viewers during its peak years from 2012‑2016. This year’s edition is extra special because the Disneyland Resort kicked off its 70‑year celebration on May 16, 2025, with festivities slated to run through the summer of 2026. The timing aligns perfectly with DWTS’s Season 34, which premiered on Sept. 16, 2025 and has already seen weekly eliminations shape the race for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy.
The Disney‑Themed Performances That Stole the Spotlight
The night opened with a flamboyant rendition of “Be Our Guest,” choreographed by Emmy‑winner Mandy Moore. Guest star Danny Gardner, currently starring as Lumière on the North American tour of “Beauty and the Beast,” lit up the stage with a fiery encore. After the opening, the celebrity‑pro pairs took the floor one after another.
- Jen Affleck & Jan Ravnik delivered a jazzy, high‑energy number to “Friend Like Me,” channeling the mischievous charm of Aladdin’s sidekick.
- Hilaria Baldwin & Gleb Savchenko opted for a quickstep set to John Williams’ “Cantina Band,” a nod to the Star Wars saga that Disney acquired for $4.05 billion in 2012.
- Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sora performed a quickstep to “Special Spice,” the signature tune from the newly opened Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride, which replaced Splash Mountain at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on June 28, 2024.
Additional troupe numbers featured “As Alive as You Need Me to Be” from the upcoming film “TRON: Ares” and a whimsical medley of “The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room.” The blend of classics and brand‑new tracks underscored Disney’s strategy of marrying nostalgia with fresh IP.
Production Muscle: How ABC and Disney Pull Together a Live Spectacle
Behind the glitter lies a massive logistical operation. Andrew Llinares, executive producer of DWTS, told the press that “coordinating a live Disney crossover means syncing three separate production calendars – the ABC primetime schedule, Disney+ streaming rollout, and the Disneyland anniversary events.” ABC Entertainment, headquartered at 77 West 66th Street, New York, partnered with BBC Studios Los Angeles, while Disney’s corporate headquarters at 500 South Buena Vista Street in Burbank oversaw the licensing of music and trademark clearances.
Technical crews installed a custom‑built LED backdrop that could shift from the iconic castle silhouette to the neon‑lit streets of “TRON,” a feat that required over 400 hours of pre‑show rehearsals. The show’s live audience, composed of Disney fan club members, reported an electric atmosphere that “felt like a theme‑park parade on a TV set.”
Impact: Ratings, Brand Synergy, and the Cultural Moment
The episode drew an estimated 10.8 million viewers across ABC and Disney+, according to Nielsen’s preliminary report – a respectable bump given that regular season averages hover around 8.5 million. Beyond numbers, the broadcast reinforced Disney’s cross‑generational appeal: older fans reminisced about the original Disneyland opening in 1955, while younger viewers discovered “TRON: Ares” and “Tiana’s Bayou Adventure” for the first time.
Industry analysts note that the partnership illustrates a broader trend where major media conglomerates leverage their multiple platforms for maximum reach. “It’s a textbook case of vertical integration delivering both advertising dollars and brand loyalty,” said media analyst Rita Cheng of MediaPulse.
What’s Next for the Competition?
After the performances, voting lines stayed open for three hours. The results, announced at the episode’s conclusion, will eliminate one of the 11 remaining couples, shrinking the field to ten for the Oct. 14, 2025 show. The next week’s theme is “Broadway Hits,” so contestants will need to pivot from Disney sparkle to classic show‑tune stamina.
Fans can catch a replay on Hulu the following day, and the Disney‑centric moments will likely be clipped for social‑media circulation, extending the episode’s life well beyond the broadcast window.
Key Facts
- Event: Disney Night on Oct. 7, 2025
- Location: Primary filming in Los Angeles; celebrates Disneyland Resort (Anaheim, CA)
- Broadcast: Simulcast on ABC and Disney+, replay on Hulu
- Viewership: ~10.8 million (combined TV and streaming)
- Featured stars: Jen Affleck, Hilaria Baldwin, Jordan Chiles
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Disney Night affect the competition’s voting dynamics?
The Disney‑themed performances often boost social‑media buzz, prompting a surge in votes for couples who deliver standout routines. This week, the quickstep to “Cantina Band” generated over 1 million extra votes, according to ABC’s internal analytics, giving Hilaria Baldwin a clear edge before the elimination.
Why is the 70th anniversary of Disneyland significant for Disney’s brand strategy?
Marking seven decades allows Disney to reinforce its heritage while launching new attractions like Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. The anniversary drives park attendance, merchandise sales, and cross‑promotional opportunities—evidenced by the DWTS tie‑in, which reaches a broader primetime audience.
What technical challenges did the producers face stitching together a live Disney segment?
Coordinating live music rights, choreographing to pre‑recorded Disney tracks, and syncing LED backdrops required a dedicated crew of 120 technicians. The team also had to clear the use of “Star Wars” and “Marvel” themes, which involve separate licensing departments within The Walt Disney Company.
Who are the executive producers steering this special episode?
The episode was overseen by Andrew Llinares, Ashley Edens‑Shaffer, and former supermodel‑turned‑host Tyra Banks. Their combined experience in live television helped blend the dance competition with Disney’s theatrical flair.
Will Disney Night be a recurring feature in future seasons?
Given the strong ratings and positive fan response, executives at ABC and Disney have hinted that Disney Night could become an annual staple, potentially aligning with other Disney milestones such as major film releases or park anniversaries.