The most anticipated TV streaming service in years is finally here: Disney Plus launched early in the morning of November 12th, and immediately shook up the set-top streaming wars.
But it was not without some growing pains, including error codes, network congestion messages, and slow downloads for some new subscribers on the first day.
Subscriber Rob Notle told us he was getting an Error Code 76 on his TV screen, with a slate that said "we're currently experiencing slow internet connection speed."
Variety Magazine reports that some unhappy customers are venting on social media. And it says that shortly before 10 a.m. Disney tweeted that connection issues are due to so many people trying to get on at once, explaining "the consumer demand for Disney+ has exceeded our high expectations.”
What Disney Plus will offer
It's no surprise the service is already a hit.
Featuring almost the entire Disney movie library, including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movies, the service is expected to be a huge hit with millions of families who have younger children.
Molli Bunch, who has a preschool age daughter, told us in October that she and her husband were looking forward to launch day.
"I thought that was amazing, that was awesome, because it is so hard to find some of the Disney movies," Bunch said. "The kids asked to watch WALL-E the other day, and it was like one of the hardest movies to find for them to stream to watch."
That's why reviewers such as CNET expect Disney Plus to be an instant hit with families.
CNET says Disney's new service will have almost the entire Disney library of movies, including Pixar and Marvel movies, and the complete Star Wars movie saga, with 300 movie titles available at launch.
Other Disney-owned series, such as The Simpsons, will also be available to stream, even though it originally was not a Disney property.
As a parent, Bunch says, having all the Disney content available in one place "is going to be great."
What it will cost
The basic Disney Plus service will cost $6.99 a month, or a one-time payment of $69 a year.
Your subscription comes with 4 simultaneous streams, similar to Netflix but at half the cost, according to Forbes magazine.
You can also get a bundled deal for $12.99 a month, that includes ESPN Plus for sports, and ad-supported Hulu.
Forbes says most third-party streaming devices will now support it, except for the Nintendo Switch. You should be able to stream Disney via Roku, PS4, Xbox, FireTV, Apple TV, Chromecast, and more. Samsung and LG Smart TV's now support it as well.
So like Molli Bunch you may want to give it a look, at least for the 7-day free trial. Just be patient during the first few days, and as always don't waste your money.
___________________
Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").
Like" John Matarese Money on Facebook
Follow John on Twitter (@JohnMatarese)
For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com
