Revisiting Disney’s Early‑2000s Animation
One standout of Destination D23 2025 was the D2K Animated Classics panel. The panel celebrated Disney’s bold early-2000s animation, revisiting films such as Tarzan, Fantasia 2000, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, Treasure Planet, and Brother Bear.
The D2K Films at a Glance
From Tarzan (1999)— setting up that surprise “Trashin’ the Camp” finale—to Fantasia 2000 (2000), Roy E. Disney’s IMAX‑scale passion project that helped reignite feature animation, the D2K era swung for the fences. Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) delivered pulpy adventure and bold, graphic world‑building; Treasure Planet (2002) fused painterly 2D sails with CG starships for a sci‑fi spin on classic literature; and Brother Bear (2003) capped the run with a nature‑rooted transformation story shaped by Aaron Blaise’s wildlife eye.
Panel Lineup
Hosted by Michael James Scott (Broadway’s Genie). On the couch: Kevin Lima (director, Tarzan), Don Hahn (producer, Fantasia 2000; Atlantis), Aaron Blaise (co‑director, Brother Bear), and Ron Clements (co‑director, Treasure Planet). Short, sweet, and stacked with Disney animation heavy hitters.
“Roy Saved the Flame” — Don Hahn on Roy E. Disney
Producer Don Hahn paused to honor Roy E. Disney. He credited Roy with championing Fantasia 2000 at a precarious moment for the studio—keeping Disney animation’s creative fire burning into the 2000s. The room felt it.
None of us would be here without this man. {roy Disney} He had a passion for animation and for his family’s business. Roy was the champion for animation—he always had our backs. — Don Hahn
A Musical Surprise
As a finale, Joey Fatone made a surprise entrance at the end of the session to perform “Trashin’ the Camp” from Tarzan alongside host Michael James Scott. The high‑energy number brought fans to their feet and became the highlight of the session.
A Celebration of Nostalgia
D2K wasn’t just clips. It was a celebration of an often‑overlooked era. By spotlighting Atlantis and Treasure Planet, the panel reminded us how Disney experimented with style, story, and sound. Paired with the live finale, it delivered a short, uplifting session that perfectly fit the Destination D23 vibe.
