Disney+ gets zen with new mindfulness series

Tapping into the trend of calming kids down during the pandemic, the 10-episode Zenimation features soothing clips from movies like Frozen and Moana.
May 25, 2020

Parents and kids alike are feeling the stress related to quarantine and COVID-19, which is why kidcos are focusing on calming content. Disney+, for one, launched its new Zenimation series on May 22 in an effort to provide families with a moment of mindfulness.

Billed as a “soundscape experience,” the 10-episode series is made up of scenes from Disney movies that feature soothing sounds like rushing water or a gentle breeze. The show includes clips from classics like Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as well as newer films like Frozen, Zootopia and Moana (pictured).

Zenimation is organized into several categories, including Water, Cityscapes, Discovery, Flight, Explore, Night, Nature, Serenity and Levity. It was created by Walt Disney Animation Studios editor David Bess.

Disney’s move into mindfulness comes as producers continue to focus on children’s mental health struggles, an issue that has become even more urgent now that kids around the world are quarantined at home in the middle of a global health crisis.

BBC also dabbled in this movement by launching its first-ever meditation-focused app for kids. Meanwhile, Sesame Workshop partnered with the app Headspace to launch short animated videos that teach kids about mindfulness and meditation.

Toycos are also getting on the meditation train, with Mattel launching the Barbie Wellness range (featuring dolls like Barbie Spa Doll and Breathe with Me Barbie Doll) and Canal Toys bowing its So Sand DIY kit (which includes all the ingredients and tools needed to mix glittery sand that kids can mold, squish and crush to relieve stress).

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