When Disney Plus was first unveiled as an idea that the Walt Disney Company was going to put some effort behind, it was still a very unproven idea. It was generally believed that streaming services, or other a la carte entertainment options, would be the future of Hollywood. However, it was unknown if customers would line up to pay for content they were used to getting as part of their cable package. That very much remained to be seen two years ago.
It was thought that Disney+ was being released too soon and it would be hard for Disney to get a sustainable audience. Disney themselves set very achievable goals over a long time horizon. Well, all those goals were blown away, helped in part by the global pandemic making home based entertainment available via streaming services, much more accessible and in demand well ahead of the projected timelines.
Now, the folks at the Burbank HQ of the Mouse House are moving ahead with their plans to further integrate Disney Plus into other Disney properties, including the theme parks. The first Disney+ Day is now scheduled for Friday, November 12. Disney is planning a global celebration that will bridge all dimensions of the company.
New Shows and Movie Debuts
Disney+ will debut a bunch of new shows and marquee movies on Disney+ Day, including:
- The streaming premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings”
- The beloved Disney family-friendly adventure film “Jungle Cruise” will be available to all subscribers
- The new Disney+ Original movie “Home Sweet Home Alone,” a reimagining of the popular holiday franchise
- An all-new original series of shorts from Walt Disney Animation Studios called “Olaf Presents,” which sees Frozen’s beloved snowman retelling several classic Disney tales as only he can
- The domestic Disney+ streaming debut of fan favorite shorts from Walt Disney Animation Studios including “Frozen Fever,” Oscar-winning shorts “Feast” and ”Paperman,” Oscar-nominated Mickey Mouse short, “Get A Horse!” and more
- An animated short film “Ciao Alberto” from Pixar, featuring characters from this summer’s animated hit breakout film “Luca”
- A new short from The Simpsons that pays tribute to Disney+’s marquee brands
- The first five episodes from season 2 of “The World According to Jeff Goldblum” from National Geographic
- A special celebrating the origins and legacy of Star Wars’ legendary bounty hunter, Boba Fett
- A special celebrating the Marvel Cinematic Universe on Disney+ with an exciting look towards the future
In addition to seeing “Shang-Chi and The Legend of The Ten Rings” and “Jungle Cruise” in the comfort of my own home, I’m really looking forward to the new short from The Simpsons. They’ve done a good job with the ones that skewer Star Wars and Marvel shows.
Real World Opportunities to Celebrate
To mark the second anniversary of Disney+, subscribers will also create special opportunities for fans beyond the streaming service incorporating more of the brand’s real world locations and channels:
- Disney Parks and Resorts around the world and Disney Cruise Line will roll out the blue carpet for Disney+ fans with some surprise and delight moments including photo opportunities, character moments and more
- shopDisney.com will have special offers
- popular network shows and syndicated series will join in the celebration along with talent and series across ABC, Disney Channel, ESPN and ESPN+, Freeform, FX, Hulu, National Geographic in the U.S., and on owned channels abroad.
“The inaugural Disney+ Day will be a grand-scale celebration of our subscribers across the entire company,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This day of appreciation brings to life our mission to entertain, inform, and inspire fans and families around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, and will become an annual tentpole event to be amplified across our global businesses.”
Sounds like a magical event. Maybe one day it will grow into something more. We’d love to see the return of Star Wars Weekends brought to you by Disney+. Or maybe Disney+ weekends with stars of all your favorite shows from Hulu, ESPN, ABC, and more.
If you’re a subscriber to Disney+, let us know how you feel about the streaming service as it approaches its two year anniversary in the comments!