From our Friends at D23
While What If…?, the exclusive Disney+ series, imagines alternate realities within the MCU, rest assured that everything you’re about to read is happening in our timeline and is available as we speak! If you’ve been toggling between Loki on Disney+ and The Bear on Hulu, your streaming life is about to get a whole lot easier. Last week marked the beta launch of Hulu on Disney+ for Bundle subscribers, making finding your favorite content even easier.
In addition, D23 Members and Disney+ subscribers now have access to Disney+ Perks which offers 50% off a new D23 Gold Membership and other savings on brands you love like Corkcicle, Sideshow, and Under Armour. To top it off, you can even enter a Disney Cruise Line sweepstakes!
We chatted with Joe Earley, Disney Entertainment’s President of Direct-to-Consumer, to get the inside scoop on this exciting development.
A Seamless Streaming Experience Begins
What’s Hulu on Disney+? Imagine opening your Disney+ app and finding a new Hulu tile, sitting cozily next to Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic tiles. Just a click on this tile takes you to a world of Hulu’s extensive content – from award-winning originals to next-day TV shows. All this without the hassle of app-switching!
The Beta Phase: A Sneak Peek into the Future
Why beta? It’s all about perfecting the user experience. The official launch is set for March 2024, but today’s sneak peek helps Disney fine-tune this innovative integration.
“It’s an exciting next step for Direct-to-Consumer,” says Earley. “We’re committed to understanding what our subscribers truly desire.”
Balancing Family-Friendly Content with Adult Offerings
Concerns about content clashes? Earley assures that Disney+ will continue to be a safe space for families. This rollout includes time for subscribers to adjust parental controls, ensuring the right content reaches the right audience.
“Disney+ is all about offering ‘kid time,’ ‘we time,’ and ‘me time,’” Earley explains. This integration promises an exciting, age-appropriate experience for everyone.
The Vision Behind the Integration
This move is more than just convenience. It’s about deepening engagement and expanding content discoverability. “It’s an unbelievable value,” Earley shares. “We’re excited to offer a vast content universe under one subscription.”
Maintaining Standalone Apps
Worried about losing standalone apps? Fear not! Both Hulu and Disney+ will continue as separate entities. Hulu + Live TV and Premium add-ons remain exclusive to the Hulu app.
Disney’s Streaming Strategy: A Broader Vision
Earley highlights Disney’s commitment to optimizing content, marketing, and user experience. “Hulu on Disney+ will increase engagement and reduce churn,” he says, emphasizing innovation and competitive edge.
A Final Word from Joe Earley
Earley’s message to subscribers is clear: “Our Bundle subscription offers an incredible range of content from Disney+ and Hulu, promising endless stories and entertainment.”
