On Nov. 12, Walt Disney Company launched its own streaming service called Disney+. The new platform has attracted more than 10 million subscribers in just under a month. Among the users are Southern students who have shared their experiences with the online service.
The Accent conducted an Instagram story poll that had 195 responses from students and alumni. The results showed that 54% of the respondents have tried Disney+, either by acquiring their own subscription or sharing a subscription with someone else. Many students agreed that the platform made them miss their childhood.
“I was really excited [about Disney+] because I saw a lot of movies that made me really nostalgic,” said Christine Magnuson, junior English major. “The classics were all there and it just brought me back to my childhood.”
Others shared their surprise with all that the platform has to offer. Besides classic Disney shows and movies, Disney+ offers content from Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and National Geographic. There is also new original programming, like the Mandalorian and the series adaption of the High School Musical movies.
“I think it’s really great to have all those Disney shows all in one place,” said Javiera Alquinta, sophomore biology major. “It was a pretty affordable price that it seemed like such an obvious thing to get. It has Marvel, Star Wars and all the [original] Disney movies, what else could you want?”
However, not everyone was satisfied with this streaming platform. On the Instagram poll, 57% of students said they preferred Netflix over Disney+. Some students thought the problem was that Disney+’s content felt more limited.
“I would keep Netflix over Disney+ just because it has more genre variety with the shows and movies,” said Abigail Martin, a nursing junior. “Netflix has all the main genres, so it gives you a bit more to choose from.”
Others also argued that Disney+ did not have enough content.
“As much as the nostalgia of the old shows is inviting, it’s not enough to keep you watching.” said Joey Rocha, a senior nursing major. “[I would choose Netflix] because there is more new and original content. …I mean, if you think about it, how many people want to watch a Disney movie every day?”
Rocha tried Disney+ because his phone carrier, Verizon, offers their customers a free subscription for one year. However, he said that he would cancel his subscription when the year is over.
Ryan Walker, a theology senior, shared similar ideas.
“I am getting Disney+ because my brother is paying for it, but I wouldn’t pay for it on my own,” Walker said. “I mean I love Disney, don’t get me wrong. But there is more out there in shows and movies that Disney does not have.”
A Disney+ subscription is $6.99 per month. There is also an option to buy a bundle with ESPN+ and Hulu for $12.99 a month, which saves $5 on subscribing to the services individually. No student discount is currently available.
