4 Little-Known Perks of a Disney+ Subscription

Disney+ continues to be one of the best streaming services, no matter your age. The price is super affordable (starting at $7.99 monthly with ads), the library is extensive (reportedly numbering over 500 films and 7,500 TV episodes when it debuted in 2019), and it gives you access to some of the most memorable stories told through film, such as those from Disney Classics, the Marvel Universe, and Star Wars. 

But the benefits of Disney+ go beyond streaming Disney movies. While you might know about Group Watch and the platform's unlimited downloads capability, here are four lesser-known benefits of a Disney+ subscription.  

1. Save up to 35% on select Disney Resort hotels 

For 2023, Disney+ subscribers can save up to 35% at certain Disney Resorts for stays between Oct. 22 and Nov. 2 or Nov. 26 and Dec. 25, 2023. 

A 35% discount off your Disney stay and credit card tab could save you hundreds. Plus, it'll take some serious stress off your personal finances. That said, these are holiday periods (Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas) and will draw crowds to Disney World, so if you're interested, you'll need to act fast. You also need to be a Disney+ subscriber when you book your room and when you show up for check-in. So if you're subscribing to Disney+ for the discount, you'll need to stay subscribed or resubscribe before your trip. 

2. Link Disney+ with Movie Insiders for 50 points per month 

Disney Movie Insiders is basically Disney's free loyalty program that earns you points on Disney+ streaming, purchasing Disney movies, and watching Disney films in theaters. You can redeem points for gift cards, Disney Blu-Ray DVDs, posters, and other Disney merchandise. 

By linking your Disney+ subscription with your Movie Insiders account, you'll automatically earn 50 points monthly -- plus a one-time 25-point bonus for signing up. That would earn you 600 points yearly, which is more than enough for a $5 Disney gift card (500 points). 

3. Get surprise perks on Disney+ Day 

Since 2021, Disney has announced new films and television shows in its virtual event, Disney+ Day. Disney will typically hype up the event by giving discounts to new Disney+ subscribers, re-releasing Disney films in theaters, offering promotions in Disney parks, and giving exclusive offers to Disney+ subscribers. 

In 2022, the offer was pretty generous: Disney+ subscribers could bring third and fourth passengers aboard certain Disney cruises for free when they bought two full-fare tickets and stayed in the same room as the third and fourth guest. Disney has not announced its Disney+ day for 2023, so stay tuned for this year's deal. 

4. Watch Disney+ in over 60 countries  

Finally, for international travelers, you can watch Disney+ in 60 countries and 11 territories. While that's about a third of Netflix's coverage (more than 190 countries), it's still good news for those who travel frequently in Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. Here's the full list of countries, according to Disney: 

And the following territories: 

• Faroe Islands
• French Polynesia
• French Southern Territories
• St. Pierre and Miquelon Overseas Collective 
• Aland Islands
• Sint Maarten
• Svalbard & Jan Mayen
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• Gibraltar
• Pitcairn Islands
• St. Helen

Disney+ is just getting started 

Disney+ debuted in 2019 and isn't even as old as Disney's primary audience. As such, I expect the streaming service to continue updating and improving the viewer and app experience. Even so, the service still is, as Disney says of it, "full of surprises."