Back in November of 2017, we let you know that Disney had created a website for their upcoming streaming service, Disney+. Today Disney officially announced the service along with the launch date and price.
“Disney+ marks a bold step forward in an exciting new era for our company – one in which consumers will have a direct connection to the incredible array of creative content that is The Walt Disney Company’s hallmark. We are confident that the combination of our unrivaled storytelling, beloved brands, iconic franchises, and cutting-edge technology will make Disney+ a standout in the marketplace, and deliver significant value for consumers and shareholders alike,” Mr. Iger said.
Here is what we learned today:
*Note this post will update as we learn more during Disney’s live investor event going on right now.
When Will It Launch?
Disney announced that Disney+ will launch on November 12th, 2019.
How Much Will It Cost?
Disney announced that Disney+ will cost $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year.
What Devices Will Disney+ Work On?
Disney+ will work on Roku on PS4 with Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, & more coming soon.
Will Disney+ Have Offline Viewing?
Yes, Disney+ will support offline viewing by allowing you to download movies and TV shows.
Will Disney+ Have Profiles?
Yes, Disney+ will offer profiles including profiles for kids that limit what content they can access.
Will Disney+ Have Ads?
Disney announced that Disney+ will be 100% ad-free.
Will Disney+ be Rolling Out Around The World?
Disney+ will first launch in the United States and roll out to other parts of the world in the years to come. Here is the timeline Disney announced for Disney+ rollout. (Note: Q1 2020 for Disney starts in October 2019.)
Here is what the Disney App Looks LIke:
Disney+ Will Use The Same Back End as PlayStation Vue, HBO NOW, & More.
Disney announced to no surprise that Disney+ will use Bamtech to run the back end of Disney+. This is the same company that runs the back end of PlayStation Vue, MLB.TV, and HBO NOW.
What Content Will It Include?
Disney is banking on the idea that cord cutters will want Disney content enough to wait for the launch and pay for the subscription when the time comes. The streaming service will “not necessarily be in the volume game, but to be in the quality game” according to Iger.
Disney did announced that Disney+ will have thousands of Disney Channel shows. (Likely older episodes from older Disney Channel shows.) A live action TV show and a cartoon TV show based in the world of Star Wars will be included. There will also be a live-action Lady and the Tramp, and a series based on High School Musical have been just a few of the shows Disney has confirmed so far.
Disney+ will also include movies from Fox including The Sound of Music. Fox shows like Malcolm in the Middle will also be on Disney+.
Here is the new content Disney has announced so far for Disney+:
- 10 shorts featuring Toy Story 4 character Forky called “Forky Asks a Question”
- Short featuring Toy Story 4 Bo Peep called “Lamp Life”
- Nonfiction programming showing how Pixar makes their films
- *Frozen 2 will be available soon after leaving theaters
- WandaVision (featuring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany)
- The Falcon
- The Winter Soldier
- What If (animated series)
- *Avengers End Game will be available soon after leaving theaters
- Mandalorian (live action series, available at launch)
- New season of Clone Wars
- Rogue One prequel series featuring K2-SO
- Nonfiction programming going inside Lucas Films Studios
Disney Studios
- Noelle (animated holiday movie featuring Anna Kendrick, expected to be up soon after launch)
- Timmy Failure (based on popular kids book series about Timmy, his imaginary polar bear partner, and their detective agency)
- Star Girl (based on young adult novel, featuring Grave Vanderwaal from America’s Got Talent)
- Togo (based on a true story, featuring Willem Dafoe)
- Lady and the Tramp (live action retelling of the classic movie, available at launch)
National Geographic
- Gordon Ramsay Uncharted
- The World According to Jeff Goldblum
- Magic of the Animal Kingdom (inside look at Disney Animal Kingdom and Epcot’s SeaBase)
What About the Other Streaming Services Owned By Disney?
With Disney now owning a majority of Hulu, the introduction of this new Disney+ streaming service could cause some changes. There was some talk about the two services combining. However, the company has since said that they plan to keep them separate with the possibility of offering a bundle with a discounted price in the future. Disney also said they may bundle Disney+, ESPN+, and Hulu into a single bundle if you wanted all 3.
Will you be signing up for Disney’s streaming service? Let us know in the comments!
*This is breaking news we will update this story as we learn more.
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