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Disney is holding its second ever Disney+ Day on September 8, which is two months earlier than last year. It’s a global celebration over at Disney, where subscribers to its Disney+ service will get all sorts of new content to watch. Including a number of movies that were in theaters earlier this year.
What exactly is Disney+ Day? Well, we’re going to go over that and everything else that you need to know about the big day here. So you’ll know what to expect when September 8 comes around.
What is Disney+ Day?
Disney+ Day is a company-wide celebration over at Disney. Essentially, it’s a day where they will be releasing a ton of new content to Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+. Though here, they are mostly focusing on Disney+. There are other things going on too, like special screenings of Disney movies at AMC Theaters, and discounts at its theme parks to name a few.
The first Disney+ Day in 2021 was set on the same day that the service launched. However, in 2022, the day has been moved from November to September. Which actually leads right into D23 Expo. Which is an event where Disney essentially previews what it has coming up in the coming months for streaming on its various platforms.
When is Disney+ Day?
Disney+ Day is taking place on September 8, 2022. That’s nearly 3 years since the service launched.
Which means we all have a lot of new content to watch on September 8, and should probably call in sick to work that day.
What content is launching on Disney+ Day?
Disney has a slew of content making its premiere on Disney+ on September 8. This includes a lot of new originals, as well as a slew of movies that were in theaters a few months ago – like Thor: Love and Thunder. Here’s the complete list from Disney themselves.
“Cars on the Road”
Pixar Animation Studios returns to the world of “Cars” with the all-new original series “Cars on the Road.” Episodes follow Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and his best friend Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) as they head east from Radiator Springs on a cross-country road trip to meet up with Mater’s sister. Along the way, every stop is its own adventure, with outrageous roadside attractions and colorful new characters.
“Dancing with the Stars: The Pros’ Most Memorable Dances”
This special is a look back on the 20 most memorable dances of 30 seasons of “Dancing with the Stars,” chosen by the Pro-Dancers. Hosted by Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Cheryl Burke and Brandon Armstrong, we’ll see them count down to their most unforgettable performance. It all leads up to season 31, premiering live only on Disney+.
“Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory”
The face of a new generation of aspirational adventurers and natural history filmmakers, 29-year-old National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory takes viewers on epic and nail-biting journeys that push into the most spectacular and secretive corners of our wild world. Armed with leading-edge film technology, the Disney+ original series from National Geographic breaks the mold of the traditional natural history program by telling extraordinary, real-life animal stories and taking viewers with him for every beat of the action.
“Frozen Sing-Along and “Frozen 2 Sing-Along”
Disney+ will release new Sing-Along versions of “Frozen” and “Frozen 2.” As subscribers watch the Sing-Along version of these films, they will be able to fully immerse themselves in the music with on-screen lyrics. Sing-Along versions of other fan-favorites, including “Moana” and “The Little Mermaid,” are now available to stream.
“Growing Up”
Created by Brie Larson and Culture House, “Growing Up” is an innovative hybrid docu-series that explores the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of adolescence through ten compelling coming of age stories. The series uses narrative, experimental, and documentary filmmaking to follow one casted individual, ages 18-22, as they tell their story.
Marvel Studios’ “She-Hulk: Attorney at Law” (episode 4)
Marvel’s newest series drops another episode on Disney+ Day. The series centers on the life of attorney Jennifer Walters, who must learn to navigate her new life after an accident suddenly leaves her with powers she’s never before experienced.
Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder”
Directed by Taika Waititi, “Thor: Love and Thunder” finds the God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced — a quest for inner peace. Also starring Tessa Thompson, Natalie Portman and Christian Bale, the film follows Thor’s harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher, who seeks the extinction of the gods.
Marvel Studios’ “Assembled: The Making of Thor: Love and Thunder”
Settle in with the likes of Taika Waititi, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale, and Tessa Thompson, and as they divulge the secrets behind the creation of “Thor: Love and Thunder.” Through in-depth interviews with cast and crew, along with raw, unseen footage from the set and beyond, “Assembled” pulls back the curtain on the God of Thunder’s fourth feature film.
“Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return”
Featuring all new behind-the-scenes footage, colorful personal stories and meaningful moments, “Obi-Wan Kenobi: A Jedi’s Return” showcases the making of Lucasfilm’s original limited series for Disney+, “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” This insightful documentary explores the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker to the screen — and Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen to their respective roles. Director Deborah Chow, cast and crew reflect on their journey to tell a new story with Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader and Princess Leia, while introducing new heroes and villains into the saga along the way.
“Pinocchio”
Academy-Award winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live action retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the wood carver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his own son. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; Oscar nominee Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character, and Luke Evans is The Coachman.
“Remembering”
Where do ideas come from? And where do they go when they’re forgotten? These central questions are brought to life in “Remembering”, an original short film by Emmy-winning director Elijah Allan-Blitz, starring Oscar winner Brie Larson. With a first of its kind companion Augmented Reality app, where the AR experience is triggered by the film’s moving image, select Disney+ subscribers in the U.S. can interact with the story by scanning the TV to extend The World of Imagination into their living room.
“Welcome to the Club”: A new short from “The Simpsons”
Heart set on becoming a princess, Lisa Simpson is surprised to learn being bad might be more fun.
“Tierra Incógnita”
“Tierra Incógnita” follows Eric Dalaras, a teenager who discovers a hair-raising world while searching for the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of his parents. Raised by his maternal grandparents, Eric decides to run away from home and go back to his childhood town to find answers where his parents were last seen: the Tierra Incógnita horror theme park.
Is Hulu and ESPN+ included?
Currently, there’s no plans to release new content on Hulu or ESPN+ on Disney+ Day. This appears to be solely about Disney+ and its parks (and resorts). But, Hulu does release new content almost daily, so there will certainly be some new content coming that day to Hulu.
Do I need to be a subscriber to take advantage?
Yes, in order to take advantage of Disney+ Day, you will need to be a Disney+ subscriber. Thankfully, Disney+ is not super expensive. It’s priced at $7.99 per month, or you can sign up for an annual plan and get it for less – just $79.99/year. That will get you two months for free, basically.
You can also sign up for the Disney+ bundle, this includes Hulu and ESPN+, and that costs $13.99 per month. Or you can get Hulu (No-Ads) added for $19.99 per month. Which makes it really worth it, especially if you use at least two of those services. Since Disney+ is $7.99, ESPN+ is $5.99 and Hulu is $6.99. Separately, that would cost you $21, and you can get it for just $13.
There are many ways to get Disney+ for free too. Which is really nice to see. We’ve outlined all of the ways in this post.
Keep in mind that Disney+ is going up in price in October. So it’s nice that Disney is doing this ahead of the price increase. In October, it’ll jump to $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. With the ad-supported plan coming in December that will be $7.99 per month.
Is this US only?
Nope.
Disney+ Day is going to be a worldwide celebration for Disney. Everywhere that Disney+ is available right now, you’ll be able to celebrate Disney+ Day and start watching all sorts of new content. I for one, am excited to watch the new Home Alone. Even though the trailer didn’t look too promising.
Will it launch in other markets that day?
There are no announced plans for Disney+ to launch in other countries on September 8. However, most markets already have Disney+ or Hotstar, so there’s likely very few countries left to expand to.
What’s happening at Disney Parks?
The celebration isn’t just on Disney+. But Disney’s theme parks and cruises will also be celebrating Disney+ Day. For instance, Disney+ subscribers will be able to enter the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World up to 60 minutes early. But you do need to be staying at select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels and Hotels of the Disneyland Resort.
“At Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort, celebrate Disney+ Day with Disney+ character meet-and-greets and cavalcades, “plus” more surprises throughout the day (valid theme park admission and Disney’s Hollywood Studios park reservation required). The fun doesn’t end there! Guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can wind down with a special Disney+ screening at Movie Under the Stars.”
There will also be commemorative chalk art in the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Hotel. Among other things.
Wrap Up
So that’s Disney+ Day. It’s basically a day that Disney is using to drum up some more hype around its content. And it’s being well done actually. As it is launching a ton of new content on that one day. So you’re going to have plenty of new content to watch as you get your holidays together, and get together with family this holiday season.
And the best part is, it doesn’t require any additional purchases. You just need to subscribe to Disney+. Which, judging by how many users it has (over 137.7 million, as of August 2022), most of us are probably already signed up.