With the introduction of Disney’s new streaming service this past November, long-running companies like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon are facing tough competition.

Disney+ is reviving all of our favorite television shows and movies from the creative mind of Walt Disney. People of all ages can relive their childhood with the nostalgic Disney Channel classics, and the timeless children’s movies, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to recent films such as Moana.

In addition, Disney+ is releasing original content, such as the new Star Wars series The Mandalorian. Marvel Studios has also set release dates in 2020 and 2021 for many of their new original series expected to stream on Disney+, such as The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Hawkeye, and WandaVision.

Sophomore Gabriela Diaz adds that “some of my favorite movies would definitely be the live action movies that Disney has recreated.” This includes Dumbo, The Lady & the Tramp, Pete’s Dragon, and The Jungle Book. Disney has many other live action products in the works, including Mulan and The Little Mermaid.

At a cost of only $6.99 per month, or 69.99 per year ($5.83 per month), the cost of Disney+ is relatively low compared to other streaming services. Netflix ranges from $9 per month to $16 per month, depending on the user’s subscription plan. Amazon Prime costs $99 per year, bringing the monthly cost to about $8.25. Hulu prices are closest to Disney+, costing about $5.99 to $7.99 per month. With so many streaming platforms available at a variety of costs, Disney is definitely giving other companies a run for their money with their wide collection of content for all ages.

However, Disney+ experienced some issues upon its release with so many eager consumers. “I feel like they should’ve perfected it more before they released it,” says senior Kaitlyn Kim. The high demand for the service on its launch day lead to problems dealing with signing up, logging in, and accessing certain shows and movies. Disney tweeted on November 12, 2019: “The consumer demand for Disney+ has exceeded our high expectations. We are working to quickly resolve the current user issue. We appreciate your patience.”

Among many students of ERHS, Disney+ is not the most popular streaming service, despite the variety of content available. Junior Bamlack Tamire says, “I already have Netflix and Hulu and I found it unnecessary to get a Disney+ subscription.” Senior Katherine Badia agreed, adding that Disney movies are also available to watch on demand and on Apple. Badia prefers other streaming services because she says “they have a wide and diverse selection of television shows and movies.” This wide variety is more fitting for a teenage audience, but most people enjoy rewatching their childhood throwbacks–an option offered with Disney+.

Disney+ may not be the first choice when it comes to streaming platforms among ERHS students, but it allows people to rewatch the classics, including all of their childhood favorites. As a new streaming platform, more original content is set to be exclusively available in future years. Disney + offers a family environment where people of all ages can bond over watching their favorite former shows and movies, and it is expected that the platform will only continue to rise in popularity in the near future.