Ever since it was launched in November 2019, just before the world went into lockdown, Disney+ has quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the streaming industry, boasting a vast library filled with beloved classics and new content. Not only was Disney offering its own back catalogue of movies and TV shows, but its acquisition of 20th Century Fox back in March 2019 meant that subscribers would have access to almost a whole other studios’ output. Whether you’re a fan of the House of Mouse, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, or even National Geographic, Disney+ delivers a wealth of options that should appeal to all ages. However, is the content still worth of your hard earned cash every month? In this review, we’ll dive into the latest pricing, the best shows and movies to watch, and why Disney+ continues to stand out as a streaming service.

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Pricing and Subscription Plans

Disney+ has introduced a range of pricing options to suit different types of viewers, including bundled services. As of 2024, here’s what you can expect:

• Basic (With Ads): $7.99/month
  This ad-supported plan is Disney+’s most affordable option. While it includes the full content library, you’ll experience occasional ads during your viewing.
• Premium (No Ads): $10.99/month
  For an uninterrupted experience, this ad-free plan offers the same vast content library but without any ads, perfect for those who want seamless streaming.
• Disney Bundle Trio Basic: $12.99/month
  This bundle includes Disney+ (with ads), Hulu (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) at a discounted price. It’s ideal for those who want to expand their entertainment options beyond Disney.
• Disney Bundle Trio Premium: $19.99/month
  For an ad-free experience, this bundle includes Disney+ (ad-free), Hulu (ad-free), and ESPN+. It’s a great option for those who want more content without ads interrupting their shows and sports.

These updated plans reflect the competitive nature of the streaming industry, with Disney+ offering both standalone options and bundled deals with Hulu and ESPN+, making it one of the more versatile streaming services available on the market.

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Content Library and Variety

One of the biggest draws is its vast and diverse content library. The acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012 meant that Disney+ can offer everything an aspiring Jedi or Sith lord could desire from that galaxy far, far away. While some of the more recent Star Wars content has been divisive, the sheer amount of content from that universe is a huge draw for fans. Here’s a breakdown of the key categories you’ll find on the platform:

Disney and Pixar Classics

Disney+ is the go-to place for all your favorite animated classics. Films like The Lion King, Aladdin, and Cinderella are just a few of the hundreds of family-friendly titles available on the platform. For Pixar fans, the service boasts everything from Toy Story to Coco and more recently future classics like Inside 2.

Marvel Universe

Disney+ has become the home of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which has grown exponentially over recent years. Whether you’re re-watching Avengers: Endgame or checking out the latest releases, there’s no shortage of superhero action. The MCU continues to expand with original series as well, including:

• “Loki” Season 2 (2024) – Following the events of the first season, Loki continues his multiverse adventures.
• “Echo” – A new series following Maya Lopez, a character introduced in Hawkeye, as she confronts her past and explores her indigenous heritage.
• “Agatha All Along” – A spinoff from WandaVision centered around Agatha Harkness, exploring the darker side of the magical MCU.

Star Wars Universe

As mentioned earlier, the Star Wars universe is well catered for on Disney+. The classic trilogy may still be the benchmark for enthusiasts and hardcore fans, and the sheer amount of Star Wars content is perhaps to the detriment of quality overall, but there’s something for everyone with a penchant for the galaxy far, far away. The service not only hosts all the existing Star Wars films but also offers exclusive series such as The Mandalorian and Andor. Some of the other most popular shows are the following:

• “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” – This animated show follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in “The Clone Wars”) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War.
• “Obi Wan Kenobi” – This brough back a fan favourite character in Obi Wan, plus the return of one of the best actors from the prequel movies with Ewan McGregor in the title role. We also got to see Hayden Christensen reprise his role as Darth Vader in a series that had its flaws but was quite well received overall.
• “Star Wars: Visions” – This anthology of animated shorts from around the world celebrates the myth of Star Wars through unique cultural lenses, with episodes designed in different and beautifully rendered animation styles.

National Geographic

Disney+ isn’t all about fiction and with its partnership with National Geographic, the service offers high-quality documentaries that cover wildlife, space exploration, and more. In 2024, new series like “Secrets of the Elephants” and “Explorer: The Last Tepui” continue to captivate audiences with awe-inspiring visuals and storytelling.

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Disney+ Originals and Exclusives

Disney+ continues to roll out a series of popular originals and exclusives. These unique shows and films are a big part of what makes Disney+ a must-have for streaming fans. Some of the highly anticipated originals for 2024 include:

• “A Real Bug’s Life” – Inspired by the World of Disney and Pixar’s A Bug’s Life, the new Disney+ Original series from National Geographic is an incredible adventure into nine different micro bug worlds around the globe.
• “Baymax!” – Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Baymax!” returns to the fantastical city of San Fransokyo where the affable, inflatable, inimitable healthcare companion, Baymax (voice of Scott Adsit), sets out to do what he was programmed to do: help others. This is a neat spin-off of the excellent Big Hero 6 from 2014.
• “Taylor Swift: Folklore: the Long Pond Studio Sessions” – This one is perfect for the “Swifties” as Taylor performs every song from her best-selling album, “folklore,” in a truly intimate concert experience at the historic Long Pond Studios in upstate New York, a setting that evokes the nostalgic, wistful nature of the album.

These originals, alongside already successful series like The Mandalorian and WandaVision, solidify Disney+ as a platform rich in fresh content.

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User Interface and Experience

Disney+ offers a user-friendly interface designed to help users easily discover content. The home screen is divided into categories like “Disney,” “Pixar,” “Marvel,” “Star Wars“, and “National Geographic,” making it easy to dive into your favorite franchise with just a click.

The search functionality is also well-optimized, allowing users to quickly find what they’re looking for. You can search for content by title, character, or genre, and the platform also provides recommendations based on your watch history.

Disney+ also allows you to create up to 7 profiles per account, making it perfect for families. Each profile can have its own watchlist and personalized recommendations. There’s also a Kids Profile option, which limits content to family-friendly movies and shows.

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Streaming Quality and Resolution

Disney+ supports 4K Ultra HD and HDR10, making it a great option for viewers who want top-notch picture quality. Many of Disney+’s films, especially newer titles and originals, are available in 4K, and they come with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support for improved sound and visuals.

Streaming quality is generally smooth, and the platform adjusts the resolution based on your internet connection to prevent buffering. For viewers with slower connections, the option to manually select lower streaming quality is also available.

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Device Compatibility

One of the highlights of Disney+ is its broad device compatibility. You can stream Disney+ on a wide range of devices, including:

• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony)
• Streaming Devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast)
• Game Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
• Mobile Devices (iOS and Android smartphones and tablets)
• Web Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)

Disney+ also supports up to 4 simultaneous streams per account, making it ideal for families or households with multiple users.

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Parental Controls and Family Features

Disney+ is great option for families, thanks to its comprehensive parental control options. You can set up a Kids Profile that restricts access to only family-friendly content, and even within adult profiles, you can set content restrictions.

Additionally, Disney+ allows parents to manage viewing restrictions with PIN protection, ensuring that young viewers won’t accidentally access mature content.

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Download Options and Offline Viewing

One of the most convenient features of Disney+ is its offline viewing option. You can download any movie or show to watch without an internet connection, making it perfect for long trips or when you’re on the go. The download feature is available on mobile devices (both iOS and Android), and you can store content for up to 30 days before needing to renew the download.

There’s no limit to how many downloads you can have, as long as you have the storage space on your device.

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Final Verdict: Is Disney+ Worth It in 2024?

Disney+ remains one of the best streaming services available in what is becoming a crowded market place with strong competition. Gone are the days of traditional programming, which is no bad thing, but the amount of streaming platforms available can be a logistical nightmare for people or families on a budget. However, with its diverse content library featuring Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, there’s something for everyone on Disney+. The platform’s pricing remains competitive, especially with bundled options that include Hulu and ESPN+, making it a great value for families and entertainment lovers alike.

To help you decide if it’s worth investing in Disney+ (we think it is, overall) here are some pros and cons of the system.

Thanks for reading this article, we hope you found it interesting and informative. Reach out to us with feedback anytime here at ScreenChimp – screenchimp@gmail.com