If there’s one thing this show knows how to do, it’s a tribute. The premiere kicks off with a high-energy mashup of High School Musical 2 ’s and Camp Rock ’s "Start the Party" . It’s meta, it’s nostalgic, and it perfectly sets the stage for a season that leans heavily into the Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOMe) legacy.
And then there’s (Olivia Rodrigo). While she isn’t at camp, her storyline feels like a beautiful, poignant goodbye as she embarks on a road trip to Southern California to find her voice as a songwriter. Final Thoughts
The emotional heart of the episode, however, belongs to the complicated web of relationships. Gina (Sofia Wylie) is finally stepping into her "leading lady" era, both on and off stage. While she and EJ are seemingly going strong as "Portwell," the arrival of a newly-single Ricky (Joshua Bassett) at the end of the episode—after he discovers the truth about Lily's betrayal—promises a summer full of tension.
"Happy Campers" succeeds because it leans into the fun. It’s campy (literally), musical, and full of that specific brand of teenage longing that makes this show so addictive. With a production of Frozen on the horizon and a documentary crew watching their every move, the Wildcats are in for a summer they’ll never forget.
Let me know your theories for Season 3 in the comments!