The Streaming Service That Saved 2020

Lila A, Creative Writer

Disney Plus. Most people probably recognize the name well. A streaming service released in November of 2019, right before the great 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, Disney Plus has been a key component to my quarantine. Whenever I’m down in a case of what I like to call the “2020 Blues”, I turn on Disney Plus to watch some of my comfort shows that make me happy and remind me of a pre-coronavirus time.
For me, Disney Plus has acted as a sort of time capsule. It has so many shows that I’d enjoyed when I was younger, allowing me to unlock some nostalgia every time I watch them. It’s comforting to me, especially during these pandemic-stricken times when there is no certainty in any aspect of our lives. Being able to escape to somewhere else, or just to learn about something new in a documentary for a little bit of my day is nice.
I’m nearly sixteen, and there are many things I can watch on Disney Plus. However, kids younger than me have many options as well. Shows intended for young children are typical when it comes to Disney, but so are classic animated movies that kids and adults can enjoy. Disney Plus is a streaming service intended for families, and that’s clearly shown in the wide variety of programs it offers.
Now, if you can remember back this far, 2020 was the very beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. In March, we were all told to stay inside and avoid going out in public. When we were stuck inside all day with nothing to do and nowhere to go, what were we to do? Many of us turned to streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu – and others to Disney Plus. The “standard” Netflix plan, which is the mid-tier subscription option, costs $13.99. For the same price, you can get a bundle of Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN. That’s a really good deal. By itself, Disney Plus is $6.99 per month. This means that each month, you’re paying just seven dollars for thousands of shows and movies.
There are also many programs on Disney Plus that are exclusive to the service or cost far more to watch in other ways. For example, the new 2020 Mulan movie costs ten dollars on Amazon Prime Video. However, you could have that and so many other movies for seven dollars (charged monthly for as many months as you’d like). I mean, you tell me what sounds like the better deal (spoiler alert: it’s Disney Plus).
2020 brought many surprises. Disney Plus has kept me sane, allowing me to watch my “happy shows” (shows from my childhood that remind me of a simpler, easier time) and escape from reality for a little bit. It’s a streaming service that offers something for everyone.