Disney+ is the latest streaming offer to hit the U.S. and allows for all their properties including Star Wars and Marvel to be housed in one location. Graphic by The Signal Online Editor, Alyssa Shotwell, and The Signal Executive Editor, Emily Wolfe.

BLOG: Zetus lapetus, Disney+ is finally here

By Emily Nichelle Wolfe On Dec 5, 2019 103 0

The Walt Disney Company finally released its long-awaited streaming service Disney+ on Tuesday, Nov. 11. As someone who had pre-ordered Disney+ and had a long list of things they needed to watch first, I had been counting down the days until I could rewatch my childhood.

In all honesty, there was a bit of trepidation into wondering exactly how the service would work. Would there be profiles? How many screens could be going at once? Would anything be left out? The streaming market is currently controlled by Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu. Would Disney+ follow with a similar layout or be completely different?

One account allows users to have the ability to have seven different profiles, with their own Disney icon, and simultaneous streaming across four devices. But while Disney+ follows the typical layout of most streaming services, all of this is part of the basic package. Combine that with the ease of Netflix with the look of Amazon Prime, Disney+ is the easiest to navigate out of the streaming world offers.

However, that does not mean the mechanics of Disney+ is without its faults. Instead of purchasing the $6.99 monthly fee, one can bundle alongside their ESPN+ and Hulu for only $12.99, a complete steal if you can figure out how to work the bundle. Instead of having channels inside Disney+, the user has to download and sign-up for ESPN+ and Hulu platforms. If you thought it would be a breeze to switch between “One Tree Hill” and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” you, like me, would be sorely mistaken.

Disney+ launched with a variety of original programming like “The Mandalorian,” “The Imagineering Story” and “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” and 10 other titles. While I have only watched the aforementioned programming, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of each.

My favorite by far is “The Imagineering Story” documentary series that explains how Disneyland and Walt Disney World were built and created with an inside look at all the attractions and interviews with the Imagineers who created these iconic aspects. Episode Two had me in constant tears as they showed audiences a rare inside look into the Utilidors and the creation of the Haunted Mansion. Seriously, I almost booked my ticket back.

As a die-hard “Star Trek” fan, I typically dislike almost anything “Star Wars.” However, “The Mandalorian” was a pleasant surprise and it kept me enthralled even though the world seemed completely foreign.

While these series are really exciting and very well made, people mostly signed up for Disney+ because they wanted to access all their favorites memories of television shows and movies that defined their childhood. Being able to watch “The Great Mouse Detective” whenever the urge hits or revisiting space in “Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century” is major brilliant and all I really want from a streaming service.

Yes, Disney+ can fix the layout issues in “The Simpsons” and figure out why iconic animated television series are out of order, but as a lifelong Disney fan, I think Disney+ has accomplished what it set out to do — allow everyone to witness the magic of Disney.