When Dancing with the Stars Season 34 Episode 4 Los Angeles, California aired on ABC, the ballroom transformed into a Disney‑themed wonderland and the stakes couldn't have been higher.

Why Disney Night Matters This Season

Disney Night isn’t just another themed night; it’s a celebration of the Disneyland Resort‘s 70th anniversary. The Walt Disney Company, which owns the resort, partnered with the show to weave classic songs and iconic attractions into the choreography. For viewers, it’s a nostalgic trip; for contestants, it’s a test of creativity under the pressure of live voting.

Opening Number Sets a Grand Stage

The episode opened with an exuberant troupe dancing to “Be Our Guest” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. The set featured towering faux castle arches and golden chandeliers that flickered in time with the music. Judges—Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman (via video link from the UK), and a guest judge, former Disney animator John Lasseter—gifted the crowd a standing ovation before the competition really got going.

Jen’s Bold Back Walkover Sparks Debate

One of the most talked‑about routines came from contestant Jen. Partnered with professional dancer Armand, she attempted a back walkover during a salsa‑infused “Under the Sea” number. The gymnastic flourish was meant to echo Ariel’s aquatic flips, but it landed unevenly, sending a ripple through the judges’ table.

“I just didn’t love this,” Carrie Ann Inaba said, her brow furrowed. “The technique was risky, and the execution fell short of the magic we expect on Disney Night.” Len Goodman, ever the traditionalist, noted that while the ambition was laudable, the move disrupted the musicality of the piece. John Lasseter, on the other hand, praised the creative risk, calling it “a fresh splash of imagination, even if the water was a little choppy.”

Other Standout Performances

While Jen’s routine polarized the panel, several couples earned unanimous praise. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and his partner Sasha delivered a fiery tango to “He’s a Tramp,” channeling the classic Lady and the Tramp dinner scene. The choreography cleverly incorporated a ‘spaghetti fork’ prop that twirled in time with the music, earning a perfect 10 from all three judges.

Actress Lena and her professional partner Jesse tackled a whimsical waltz to “A Whole New World,” complete with a suspended lantern set that glowed amber over the stage. Their seamless lifts and synchronized spins drew an emotional response from the live audience, prompting Carrie Ann Inaba to note, “You made us feel like we were actually flying over Agrabah.”

How Voting Works on a Disney‑Themed Night

The public vote combines text‑in, app, and website submissions, each weighted equally. Because Disney Night tends to attract a broader family audience, the voting window—open from the moment the first performance airs until 11:30 PM ET—usually sees a surge in participation. Nielsen reported a 12 % rise in viewership compared with the previous episode, likely fueled by families gathering around the TV after school.

Producers also released a behind‑the‑scenes clip on October 5, showing contestants rehearsing in a Disney‑decorated studio. The clip highlighted the extra hours spent mastering character‑specific moves, a factor that often sways casual voters who appreciate the sheer effort.

Elimination Night: Who Said Goodbye?

When the lights dimmed for the final segment, the tension was palpable. After the scores were posted—Gordon and Sasha with a combined 27.5, Lena and Jesse at 26.8, Jen and Armand trailing at 24.2—the bottom two couples faced the dreaded “dance‑off.” The results? Jen and Armand were the first to receive the dreaded “red light,” their journey ending after a daring yet imperfect back walkover.

In a heartfelt goodbye, Carrie Ann Inaba hugged Jen, saying, “Your bravery will always be part of this Disney story.” The audience gave a standing ovation, acknowledging the contestant’s risk‑taking spirit even though the judges’ scores didn’t reflect it.

What This Means for the Rest of Season 34

With eleven couples now down to ten, the competition tightens. The next themed night—“Hollywood Classics”—will test whether the remaining couples can pivot from the whimsical Disney vibe to the gritty drama of classic films. Experts predict that couples who scored high on storytelling, like Gordon and Lena, will have an edge.

Media analyst Maya Patel from Variety noted, “Disney Night boosted brand synergy for both ABC and Disney. The ratings spike suggests that future cross‑promotional nights could become a staple, shaping the show’s format for years to come.”

Disneyland Resort’s 70th Celebration: A Wider Context

The 70th anniversary, slated for a month‑long series of events across the park, includes a new “Magic Kingdom” night show and a limited‑edition merchandise line. By aligning with DWTS, Disney reaches households that might not be park‑goers, expanding its cultural footprint. In turn, DWTS taps into Disney’s evergreen fan base, ensuring a fresh influx of viewers every week.

Key Takeaways

• Disney Night paired classic songs with high‑stakes ballroom competition.
• Jen’s back walkover sparked mixed reactions, ultimately contributing to her elimination.
• Gordon Ramsay’s “He’s a Tramp” tango earned perfect scores across the board.
• Viewership rose 12 % thanks to family‑friendly Disney branding.
• The episode solidified the partnership between ABC and The Walt Disney Company ahead of Disneyland’s 70th.