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Disney Overhauls 36,000+ Hotel Rooms, Hidden Subscription Expense Added

Villas at Disneyland Hotel
Credit: Disney Parks

Guests staying at Walt Disney World Resort hotels now have even more ways to immerse themselves in Disney magic, as the company rolls out built-in Disney+ streaming on in-room TVs. With over 36,000 hotel rooms across the property, this large-scale initiative promises to make downtime at the parks more entertaining than ever.

A screenshot shows the Disney+ logo in the center, surrounded by various show and movie posters such as "Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour," "Grey's Anatomy," "Wish," "Shogun," "The Marvels," and others.

Credit: Disney+

A Seamless Streaming Experience

Gone are the days of relying on personal devices to cast Disney+ content to hotel TVs. The new system integrates the Disney+ app directly into the in-room television setup, allowing guests to log in and start streaming with ease. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Subscription Required: Accessing Disney+ on hotel TVs requires guests to log in with their own subscription credentials. This feature is not complimentary as part of the stay.
  • Automatic Logout: For added security, accounts will be signed out automatically at the end of each guest’s stay. Guests can also log out manually at any time.
  • Gradual Rollout: While this feature is being added across Walt Disney World’s resort hotels, availability may vary by property as the rollout progresses.

The convenience of built-in Disney+ access allows families to unwind with their favorite Disney classics, Marvel adventures, or Pixar hits after a day of park-hopping.

The Evolution of Disney+: Major Updates in 2024

All of the different Disney+ titles surrounding the logo

Credit: Disney

This in-room integration comes as Disney+ continues to expand its features and offerings. In the United States, the streaming platform recently introduced live content options, including ESPN On Disney+ and news channels like ABC News Live. These updates have transformed Disney+ into a more versatile streaming service, catering to diverse viewer interests.

Recognizing the challenges of blending live and on-demand content, Disney+ has implemented new parental control settings to address content suitability. Guests can now:

  • Disable unrated content such as live sports and news, ensuring profiles are restricted to age-appropriate material.
  • Adjust these settings under the “Parental Controls” section in profile options. Note that the “Allow titles without ratings” feature is enabled by default, except for Junior Mode profiles.

These updates aim to give families greater control over their viewing experience, a critical feature as Disney+ incorporates more diverse content.

Streaming and Pricing: Disney’s Strategic Shift

Disney+ logo with Iron Man, Darth Vader, Elastigirl, Moana

Credit: Disney+

The addition of Disney+ in resort rooms aligns with the company’s broader streaming strategy. However, this enhanced accessibility comes amid significant changes to Disney+ pricing. Last December, Disney introduced an ad-supported tier, Disney+ Basic, priced at $7.99 per month. Simultaneously, the standard ad-free tier increased to $11.99.

During a recent earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger accidentally revealed that 37% of U.S. Disney+ subscribers and 30% of global subscribers are on the ad-supported plan. This disclosure—unusual in the competitive streaming industry—highlights the growing role of advertising revenue in Disney’s streaming strategy.

A Monumental Rollout Across 36,000 Hotel Rooms

Integrating Disney+ into Walt Disney World’s vast network of resort hotels is no small feat. With around 36,000 rooms, this rollout represents one of the largest in-room entertainment upgrades in the hospitality industry. For guests, it adds another layer of convenience and connectivity, ensuring that the magic of Disney+ is available whether they’re at the parks or relaxing in their rooms.

This initiative is part of Disney’s ongoing efforts to merge its digital and physical offerings, creating a seamless experience for fans. By bringing its streaming service to resort TVs, Disney reinforces its commitment to delivering entertainment in every corner of its empire.

Looking Ahead

As the Disney+ rollout continues, guests can expect the service to become a staple of the Walt Disney World experience. With the ability to stream Disney classics, blockbuster films, and live content, visitors have more ways than ever to stay connected to their favorite stories.

For families planning their next Disney trip, this new feature offers an exciting enhancement to their stay—one that bridges the magic of the parks with the convenience of home streaming.

Do you think that Disney should have provided this new offer for free? 

About Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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