Disney Plus Day is back for 2022, giving Disney fans something to get excited about. This annual event celebrates Disney‘s popular streaming service with tons of new content premieres, special screenings, discounts, and more. Read on for a complete guide to everything coming for Disney Plus Day 2022.
What is Disney Plus Day and Why Does it Matter?
Disney Plus Day is an annual promotional event that highlights the Disney Plus streaming service. It started in 2021 as a way for Disney to showcase new movies, shows, and perks to get subscribers hyped up.
Much like Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday, Disney uses this day to drum up attention and engagement for its platform. According to Disney, the inaugural Disney+ Day last year saw signups increase over 60% compared to a typical day. It also led to Disney+‘s biggest content premiere ever with Marvel‘s Shang-Chi.
This year, Disney is doubling down on the event. After hitting 137 million global subscribers in 2021, they are leveraging Disney+ Day as a cornerstone of their streaming strategy. It attracts new users through flashy premieres and deals while rewarding loyal fans with early access. For Disney as a company, it also drives interest across other business segments like theme parks, toys, apparel, and more.
In other words, Disney+ Day matters because it is Disney‘s biggest marketing blitz to promote its streaming crown jewel. The one-day bonanza of new programming, discounts, and special events is designed to capture subscribers‘ attention and wallets.
When is Disney Plus Day 2022?
The second annual Disney Plus Day will take place on Thursday, September 8, 2022.
This year, Disney Plus Day comes right before D23, which is Disney‘s huge fan convention running September 9-11. D23 is considered Disney‘s biggest fan event of the year, drawing over 65,000 attendees.
Disney Plus Day helps build major buzz leading into the D23 Expo. At D23, Disney is expected to announce new Star Wars and Marvel projects, release first looks for anticipated films, and unveil other entertainment news.
By scheduling Disney+ Day right before D23, it wets fans‘ appetite for all the reveals yet to come. It‘s a coordinated one-two punch to maximize Disney‘s marketing splash.
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New Movie and TV Show Releases
One of the biggest components of Disney Plus Day is all the fresh new content that will be released on the streaming service on September 8th.
Some of the highlights Disney has announced include:
Thor: Love and Thunder – This Marvel blockbuster starring Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman will start streaming much earlier than expected. It follows the Thor franchise and helps set up Phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Pinocchio – A live-action remake of the 1940 Disney animated classic, starring Tom Hanks and directed by Robert Zemeckis. This film retells the classic tale using state-of-the-art CGI.
Cars on the Road – An animated spinoff series starring Owen Wilson as Lightning McQueen and Larry the Cable Guy as Mater. This show follows the two best buds on a road trip across America.
Growing Up – Produced by and starring Brie Larson, this innovative hybrid docuseries explores the challenges, triumphs, and complexities of adolescence through ten compelling coming of age stories.
Epic Adventures with Bertie Gregory – The newest release from National Geographic, this series follows 27-year-old wildlife photographer Bertie Gregory as he explores secret worlds around the globe.
She-Hulk: Attorney at Law – A new episode of this recently premiered Marvel/courtroom comedy series starring Tatiana Maslany will be released on Disney+ Day.
And these titles are just the beginning. Disney is expected to pack the slate with new movies, shows, shorts, and specials to make September 8th a bonanza for subscribers.
Global Google Searches for "Disney+ Day" Over Past Year
According to Google Trends data, global interest in "Disney+ Day" spiked significantly around the time of the first event in November 2021, showing it achieved strong awareness. Searches have risen again in September 2022 as the next Disney+ Day approaches.
Theatrical Screenings
In addition to streaming releases, Disney Plus Day will also feature special $5 screenings of classic Disney movies at select AMC theater locations in the U.S.
Films like Encanto, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Newsies, and others will be shown on the big screen for a limited time. Disney fans can enjoy these favorites in theaters for the special occasion.
This unique opportunity lets subscribers relive beloved movies together and is another example of the creative marketing Disney deploys for the event.
Disney Parks Perks and Deals
Since Disney Plus Day is all about celebrating everything Disney, there are also lots of special perks and discounts for Disney parks.
On September 8th, Disneyland and Disney World visitors can enjoy character meet-and-greets, photo ops, food and beverage offerings, and themed merchandise. There will also be a special fan celebration at Disneyland that day open to the public.
Discounted park tickets and hotel stays are typically offered as well. Disney superfans can take advantage of the full Disney Plus Day experience both online and at Disney‘s theme park locations.
Discounted Streaming and Merchandise
In addition to park perks, Disney Plus Day usually brings deals on streaming subscriptions and Disney merchandise.
Last year, Disney offered $2 off the normal $7.99 Disney+ monthly rate for new subscribers. Similar streaming discounts are likely this year too.
The company also runs merchandise sales through shopDisney.com and at Disney stores. Subscribers may find discounts on everything from toys to apparel to help them get in the Disney Plus Day mood.
Surprise Sneak Peeks?
While Disney has announced many of the highlights for this year‘s event, they could still have some last-minute surprises up their sleeves too.
Potential surprises could include first-look sneak peeks at upcoming movies or shows like the live-action Little Mermaid, Marvel‘s Secret Invasion, or Star Wars series like Ahsoka.
Exclusive clips or trailers for high-profile Disney projects could drum up more buzz and speculation headed into D23 weekend. Fans will be watching closely for any unannounced reveals.
Disney+ Day By the Numbers
How Other Streamers Are Responding
Disney isn‘t the only streaming service that uses promotional events and gimmicks to stand out these days. Many competitors plan counter-programming to capture attention against the Disney Plus Day deluge.
For example, Apple TV+ just hosted its own star-studded event in London to generate buzz for its own slate of original shows. Streaming services are all battling for subscribers, and events like this provide a competitive edge.
Netflix previously introduced "Tudum" named after its signature startup sound to announce new titles. Platforms like HBO Max and Paramount+ have hosted virtual fan events too.
It signals how streamers are increasingly turning to Hollywood-style marketing extravaganzas to breakthrough. Disney Plus Day sets the template that others often follow.
What Disney+ Day Means for the Future
For Disney, Disney Plus Day represents the company fully embracing streaming as central to its future. The WALT Disney Company has staked its path forward on serving streaming subscribers first.
Disney+‘s subsriber base has skyrocketed since launching in November 2019. It has blown past initial projections, reaching 137 million subs in under 3 years.
Disney Plus now accounts for over 44% of the company‘s total revenue. And that reliance will only grow with Disney Plus Day serving to attract more signups and engage hardcore fans.
From a programming standpoint, it provides key data on what original movies and series perform best. The viewership and response to all the new releases will steer what Disney greenlights next.
Of course, Disney still has its theme parks, merchandise, and traditional film business. But it‘s clear the historic company now goes where Disney Plus subscribers go. Events like Disney Plus Day reinforce that streaming dedication.
Tips to Maximize Your Disney+ Day
Here are some expert tips to make the most of Disney Plus Day this year as a subscriber:
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Follow official Disney Plus and Disney social media accounts to get the latest news and surprises as they happen live
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Schedule out the new releases you are most excited for and plan a full day of binge watching
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Take advantage of the Disney Parks and merch deals before they sell out
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Watch on the biggest screen possible for a true cinematic experience of the theatrical releases
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Have a Disney movie marathon at home and make it a family event with themed food, attire and decor
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Explore the new titles across animation, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic and more to appreciate the diversity
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Check services like Rakuten for cash back bonuses on Disney Plus subscriptions and merch purchases
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Use Disney Plus Day to spark conversational topics and connect with other Disney fans in your life
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Share your favorite moments on social media and become part of the online fan experience
Disney Plus Day is poised to be a huge celebration of everything Disney has to offer. Follow these tips and get ready for an immersive Disney experience packed with nostalgia, surprises, and delight across generations.
The Magic Returns September 8th
Disney Plus Day brings exclusive premieres, screenings, discounts, and perks all in one epic streaming event. It captures Disney‘s dominion over pop culture and fandom while previewing where the company is headed.
For Disney devotees, it‘s an opportunity to dive deeper into new original stories and reunite with beloved characters. For casual viewers, it‘s a chance to sample Disney Plus and see why millions of subscribers are hooked.
However you look at it, Disney Plus Day is a showcase of Disney doing what it does best – delivering magic and joy to fans worldwide. Get ready, because the magic returns for one day only on September 8th.