Is Disney+ Worth It?

Should you subscribe to yet another platform?

A month ago, out of nowhere, my best friend shared with me her password to her Disney+ account. The motive? Make the price worth it by consuming as much content as possible. I was very happy to help.

My first impression of Disney+ was not the best. I don’t find the home portal intuitive, and I hate that I have to click on each title to add them to my watchlist.

I took 45 minutes to go through the catalog and selected 22 movies and shows I had been meaning to watch or was intrigued by. I enjoyed that their catalog was filled with familiar titles. I also think that National Geographic elevates the platform.

However, as said before, I don’t find Disney+ user-friendly. It’s tedious to find something new to watch, and it’s hard to get inspired. Content is divided by “home creation”, aka Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, instead of the type of content.

When it comes to recommendations, it often pointed out content that was already on my watchlist. It gives the impression that the Disney+ catalog is small — maybe it is the case, or maybe the recommendations are just not working well for me.

On the plus side, they have developed many mini-series linked to beloved characters from animated movies. It’s a nice touch and a great plus for children.

All in all, Disney+ is probably best for people with young children. As an adult with no kids, I don’t plan on staying on Disney+. My tip: take it one month at a time, make a list of the things you absolutely want to watch, and make the time for it. It is not a platform easy to get lost on or have in the background.

Here are a few of my thoughts on Disney+ content I took the time to watch.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

It’s a mouthful, and not very age-appropriate for me anymore. I loved High School Musical growing up (and I admit I still have a couple of songs in my playlist), so I was curious to see what they did with it.

I was so ready to make fun of it — which I did — but I was honestly surprised. Pleasantly surprised. The plot is not exactly intriguing, and the acting is uneven, but it’s not bad. I watched most of the season, rolled my eyes a bunch, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy it.

Encanto

Since I couldn’t escape it, I watched it. It’s one of the best Disney of late. I enjoy that there is no princess to save and that it’s all about love, self-love, family, and finding balance.

It was time for Disney to set a better example for the new generation. We don’t need helpless princesses, we want capable independent, and caring Mirabels.

Also, I don’t get the hype over We Don’t Talk About Bruno. I thought Luisa’s song about pressure was much better — and more relatable.

Taylor Swift Long Pond Session

Oh my. What an experience. I was transcended for hours. I love Taylor Swift. I believe she has a beautiful voice, range, and talent. She is an amazing songwriter. For lovers of words, it’s hard to resist. The way she uses simple words to describe such broad emotions… it’s powerful.

Folklore is a great album, and this “concert” reminded me why. It’s a precious piece of art, a snow globe of human existence. Love, loss, heartache, hope, friendship, and struggles, all in one place. She doesn’t go for the tears as much as she goes for the guts. The feelings are real, and we’ve all felt them. A must-watch, Swifty or not.

Into The Woods

Now, this might be an unpopular opinion but I wasn’t very into it. I actually didn’t know the musical. I had heard of it, but that’s all. The actors were good, the singers sang very well. A few songs were very powerful (the last one with Meryl Strip, and the one that says they are not alone), but all in all I got a bit bored.

I loved the concept, but I don’t know. It was long. I took my phone out and missed a few dialogues. Some things felt a bit random — like some characters dying. It wasn’t bad, but I won’t go for seconds.

Though I have to say, the song Agony definitely made me laugh at the absolute drama.

Cruella

All I had heard about it was that it was a good movie but it didn’t feel like a movie about Cruella… and I agree with the second part.

Another “it’s not bad, but it’s not good”. I liked the beginning, I thought it was promising, and then she turned Cruella and it became too big, too much, too fast.

Meh. That’s about as much as I have to say about it. I watched it, I won’t watch it again. It’s not horrible, but it could have been better.

Olivia Rodrigo: driving home 2 u

Yes, I am a sucker for music. This road-trip documentary gave me a new appreciation for Rodrigo’s album. I had listened to it once already and thought it was good. To re-listen to it and pay attention to the process and the lyrics was a pleasant experience.

I might not relate to all that Rodrigo is, but she definitely is a talented singer and songwriter.

Ideal to listen to while working!

I watched other movies and shows, but I am planning on writing reviews of those I particularly enjoyed, or disliked. I’m currently watching Obi-Wan and liking it so far!

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