Is Disney+ a Worthwhile Subscription? A Closer Look at Its Value
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Chapter 1: Introduction to Disney+
Recently, my close friend unexpectedly shared her Disney+ login details with me. Her reasoning? To maximize the value of her subscription by indulging in as much content as possible. Naturally, I was eager to help her out.
My initial impression of Disney+ wasn't particularly favorable. I found the home interface to be quite unintuitive, and I disliked the necessity of clicking on each title to save it to my watchlist. It took me a good 45 minutes to sift through their catalog, during which I added 22 films and shows that piqued my interest. I appreciated the familiarity of many titles in their catalog and felt that the inclusion of National Geographic added a nice touch.
However, as I mentioned earlier, the user experience on Disney+ left much to be desired. Discovering new content can be a chore, and finding inspiration is challenging. The organization of content by studio—Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic—rather than genre, feels limiting.
When it comes to recommendations, they mostly highlighted titles that were already on my watchlist, leading me to wonder if the catalog is smaller than it appears, or if the algorithm simply isn't effective for me.
On a positive note, Disney+ has rolled out several mini-series featuring beloved characters from their animated classics, which is a delightful addition for younger viewers. Overall, it seems that Disney+ is most suited for families with children. As an adult without kids, I find myself hesitant to continue my subscription. My advice? Take it month by month, create a list of must-watch titles, and make time for them. This platform isn’t ideal for background viewing or casual browsing.
Here's my take on a few Disney+ offerings that I managed to watch:
Section 1.1: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series
While the title is quite a mouthful and not necessarily aimed at my age group, I had a soft spot for the original High School Musical when I was younger (and I’ll admit, some songs still make it to my playlist). I approached this series ready to poke fun, but to my surprise, I found it somewhat enjoyable. The storyline is not particularly captivating, and the acting varies in quality, yet it wasn’t as bad as I anticipated. I ended up watching most of the season, rolling my eyes more than a few times, but I have to confess I had fun.
Section 1.2: Encanto
I finally gave in and watched Encanto, which is among Disney's best recent releases. I appreciate the absence of a traditional princess narrative, focusing instead on themes of love, self-acceptance, and family dynamics. It was refreshing to see a more empowered character like Mirabel, who embodies independence and care.
That said, I don’t quite understand the obsession with the song "We Don’t Talk About Bruno." Personally, I found Luisa’s song about the pressures of life to be far more relatable and impactful.
Chapter 2: Musical Experiences on Disney+
In this video titled "Is Disney World Worth The Money?", the reviewer dives into the financial aspects of visiting Disney World and whether the costs justify the experience.
The second video, "An HONEST Review of Walt Disney World in 2023," provides candid insights into what visitors can expect this year.
Section 2.1: Taylor Swift Long Pond Session
What an enchanting experience! I was captivated for hours. Taylor Swift possesses an incredible voice, remarkable range, and songwriting talent. Her ability to convey profound emotions through simple language is truly compelling. Folklore stands out as an exceptional album, and this "concert" serves as a beautiful reminder of that—capturing the essence of love, loss, and the complexities of human existence. It’s a heartfelt exploration that’s unmissable, regardless of your musical preferences.
Section 2.2: Into The Woods
This might be an unpopular opinion, but I didn’t particularly enjoy Into The Woods. I had heard of the musical but was unfamiliar with it. The cast showcased strong performances, and some songs were quite powerful. However, I found myself losing interest as the runtime dragged on. I was distracted by my phone and missed crucial dialogues. While the concept intrigued me, the execution fell short, and I won’t be revisiting it.
Section 2.3: Cruella
All I had heard about Cruella was that it was a solid film, but I agree that it doesn’t feel entirely true to the character. It’s not a bad film, but it’s not great either. I found the beginning promising, yet as it progressed, it felt overly exaggerated and lost its charm. Overall, it was a watchable film, but not one I would choose to see again.
Section 2.4: Olivia Rodrigo: driving home 2 u
I must admit, I have a weakness for music documentaries. This road-trip feature deepened my appreciation for Olivia Rodrigo’s album. While I might not resonate with all aspects of her persona, her talent as a singer and songwriter is undeniable. It’s a delightful watch, perfect for background listening while working.
I’ve viewed other titles as well and plan to share reviews of those I found particularly engaging or disappointing. Currently, I’m enjoying Obi-Wan!
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