Disney+ Launch a Success for Some, A Headache For Others; Disney Releases Statement

If you’re one of the many Disney+ subscribers who encountered issues this morning upon attempting to log in or access the content library for the streaming service, you aren’t alone. In fact, thousands of users and subscribers have taken to social media to voice their complaints regarding issues with the app and website.

Despite attempting to log on using a secure connection, many have been repeatedly faced with this error code of Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope stating that there was an issue connecting to the Disney+ service. Other subscribers can’t even seem to log in. Many assumed that the Disney+ website and app would be linked to people’s main Disney accounts, but it appears that some users have had to set up a new login and password just for the service, leading to much confusion.

Even once you manage to get in, trying to reach the home page or content library can lead to other new error codes…

According to reports from CNBC, As of 7:00 a.m. EST, there were roughly 7,300 reports of problems with Disney+, according to Downdetector, a website where users can report problems on apps and websites. If you’re looking to chat with a live support agent, wait times of up to 30 minutes have been reported.

Users from other regions of the United States like Puerto Rico have been receiving error messages that state, “Disney+ is only available in certain regions. Depending on where you are located, you may not be able to access Disney+.” Originally slated to launch with full availability in the United States, the Puerto Rico launch has now been delayed to November 19th. Many users based in Canada have also reported receiving the same error message.

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An official statement from Disney claims that the “consumer demand for Disney+ has exceeded our high expectations.” Disney was well aware of the estimated subscriber count and even purchased a majority of ownership in BAMTech Media back in 2017 when the streaming service was initially announced in order to boost their streaming capabilities.

We’ll keep you updated on the status of Disney+ as the remainder of its launch day plays out.

Disney+ & ESPN+ To Run Starz Ads

According to The Verge, Disney+ and ESPN+ will run ads for the premium cable channel as part of an agreement to regain streaming rights for Disney films. Disney previously licensed out films to be streamed by Starz, like Star Wars: The Force Awakens which as we have shared, will be available on Disney+.

Here’s what The Verge has learned:

A display ad will appear on the login page for Disney+ and ESPN+, based on photos seen by The Verge. The ad will appear on Disney+’s Android app and in browsers, the person said.

A Disney spokesperson confirmed that ads are part of a revised licensing deal with Starz that was made in order to have certain titles available on Disney+ at launch. Customers will see a display ad prompting them to sign up for Starz, but there aren’t any ads within the actual Disney+ or ESPN+ service once they sign in.

Disney+ was previously advertised as 100% ad-free, with Kevin Mayer, head of Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer division, saying “Disney+ will be a wholly subscription-supported service.”

This deal with Starz is part of a problem Disney will face in the coming years as they look to regain streaming rights to tv shows and movies they licensed out for years.

Disney+ May Not Work On Certain Devices

According to early testing in the Netherlands, Disney+ may not work on a number of popular consumer devices. Much like other streaming services, Disney is using DRM, or Digital Rights Management, to help prevent piracy, but is using a much more strict version.

Disney is using a DRM service provided by Google called Widevine, which offers three different levels of security. Currently, Disney+ is using level 1, which is the strictest level and is not supported by Chromebooks and many older Android devices.

Streaming services like Netflix use level 3 DRM, which doesn’t support HD streaming on mobile devices and some Android devices. Disney+ using type 1 allows it to stream in HD, but limits the number of supported devices.

It is unknown at this time if the use of level 1 is just for the testing period so that video isn’t leaked, or if that will be the standard upon the full launch next month.

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More Disney+ Service Details

According to The Streamable‘s Stephanie Sengwe, Disney+ will allow for up to four simultaneous streams on up to ten different devices.

This will allow for “family” and “extended family” to enjoy Disney+ from the same account, as Sengwe reports. In addition, Disney+ will also offer unlimited offline viewing on mobile and tablet devices, making this a very attractive service for families and those who travel.

Meanwhile, one of Disney+’s biggest competitors, Netflix, allows subscribers to register six different devices with two to four simultaneous streams, and Amazon Prime allows three simultaneous streams on three different devices. On the other end of the spectrum, Hulu, now also under Disney’s control, allows for unlimited devices to be registered, though it only allows for one stream at a time per account for on-demand programming. Hulu with Live TV allows for two streams at a time.

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Disney+ Reveals Trailers for Original Movies and Series at D23

Besides the heavily hyped trailer for The Mandalorian, the D23 Expo also saw other trailers get revealed for Disney’s new streaming service Disney+, set to be released on November 12th.

Here are a few of the those trailers;

Lady and the Tramp

A new live action version of the animated classic the Lady and the Tramp will be coming to the streaming service.

Noelle

In Disney+’s holiday comedy (and who doesn’t love holiday movies) “Noelle,” Kris Kringle’s daughter is full of Christmas spirit and holiday fun, but wishes she could do something “important” like her beloved brother Nick. Her brother is destined to take over from their father this Christmas but it about to crumble from all the pressure. In an effort to help, Noelle suggests he take a break and get away but he never returns. Noelle must go on an epic adventure to find her brother and bring him back in time to save Christmas.

The World According to Jeff Goldblum

This new series by National Geographic has me really interested. The show features Jeff Goldblum as we see the world through his always inquisitive and highly entertaining mind.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

The new 10-episode scripted series, is not a remake of the original movie but rather a modern take on the classic from 15 years ago. The series is set as the real-life East High, where the original movie was filmed, and follows a group of students as they countdown to opening night of their school’s first-ever production of “High School Musical.”

See anything that you will definitely be watching?

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