Disney+: New Streaming Subscription Isn’t for All
Everybody is talking about the new Disney+.
Disney+ is the new streaming “alliance” between Disney, National Gepgraphic, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and ESPN+. Those who subscribe, get all of this for $12.99 per month.
Great. Now everybody, literally everybody, can watch all they want. This is such an evolutionary platform, and I’m probably one of the few who don’t have an account for Disney+, not because I’m not trendy, but because it would be a waste of time and money.
…It was such a big deal to one of my friends that she was literally on hold with Disney for one hour just to double-check that her account was activated. Seriously? — Zyna Abujuma
“PLUS,” I did not grow up being the Disney enthusiast that some of my classmates are. Apparently, it was such a big deal to one of my friends that she was on hold with Disney for one hour just to double-check that her account was activated. Seriously? I agree, it’s great that all of the children’s shows and memories are at the touch of our finger-tips, but, let me just remind you, we’re a bunch of 16 and 17-year-olds who have one foot in the adult world. Yes, that foot may be wearing a strong shoe or maybe a cleat on it, but the other shoe is clearly the light up sketchers- you know the fun ones we can’t let go of and won’t take off until they stop glowing or fitting or whatever.
The point is, we don’t want to let go, but we need to. Our AP prep books, sophisticated notes and due dates are waiting. It’s time to carry procrastination, our free card, and use it very carefully.
Zyna is a junior, and this is his first year on staff. Zyna joined because she has an interest in film and journalism.
Other Interests: Debate, writing,...
Ashely Rodriguez • Jan 22, 2020 at 3:55 pm
Dear Zyna,
Thank you for sharing my story of me waiting an hour on hold to get my Disney+ account.
It was really worth it when I binge-watched That’s So Raven and Hanna-Montana.
Berkley Browder • Jan 12, 2020 at 4:32 pm
Dear Zyna,
Counter Argument: Technology has taken over our lives more than it should. I personally have a few streaming services that I can watch whenever I want. However, I love to watch movies and streaming services during my freetime.
Argument: Disney+ is great for families and individuals to enjoy during their freetime. After a long day on the weekend, sometimes my family will just sit down and watch a good classic movie together. Disney+ allows us to do this because it has all the disney movies from my siblings and my childhood. They also have all of the shows that were on when I was little. I can watch them with my friends again now too. Therefore, I think Disney+ is a good thing and we should not let go of our childhood.
Jacob Tijerina • Jan 10, 2020 at 2:37 pm
Although people do spend a lot of time on apps like Disney+ most of the time spent on them is considered free time. Places like Disney+ are also a good way to get away from the madness of our world and take yourself back to a simpler, more fun time with all of the movies and shows that we grew up loving. However, I agree that you lose track of time when you’re having fun so i can see where you would spend to much time lost in your childhood.
Karli Lakey • Jan 10, 2020 at 10:32 am
Dear Zyna
I understand that there are papers to be done and grades to be met but, for kids like me who have little free time and already have to act like an adult. So, the little time we get to be a 5 year old kid watching the Disney Princesses on the TV we chose to take advantage of. Disney+ is and outlet for people already having the pressure of the real world always want to go back to what they knew as easy. So as easy as it would be to call Disney+ a distraction, think of you don’t understand what is going on behind the scenes in someones real life.
Logan Mcham • Jan 9, 2020 at 4:31 pm
Dear Zyna,
_Counter Argument- I’m also one of those people that don’t have Disney+ ,i agree that it could be a waste of money ,and many kids time. Also i believe that parents should watch the use of Disney+, so that their school work can be completed at home.
_Argument-I love to watch Netflix with my family and friend, but the price is more expensive, and it has more choices on shows and movies. Also i agree with some of the comments that school stress is a little too much for kids, and they need time to rest.
Shayli • Jan 9, 2020 at 4:24 pm
Counter Argument: Disney Plus is distracting for students and we need to grow up.
Argument: I agree with your argument how it can be distracting and how we need to grow up. We also need to focus on our future, like what job we are going to get or what college were applying for. Although it is fun to watch our old child shows we need to grow up a bit. But it’s also fun to watch those shows because it makes us feel like a kid again. Sometimes it reminds people of when we were kids and didn’t have to stress about the adult world.
Jaiden Ashton • Jan 9, 2020 at 3:53 pm
I think that Disney+ is a hit and miss. You either love it or hate and it all depends on the purpose. You say that we should just be focussed n school and not “childish” things but those reality breaks are what can help a person stay sane. It’s like if you choose to get your nails done instead of studying. You choose to do that for you so that you have a break or make you feel better. I feel as that Disney+ is a good getaway for people to go back to the past and feel less stressed. If you decided to straight watch Disney instead of working well that is on you and not the Streaming Service.
Reegan • Jan 9, 2020 at 3:52 pm
Dear Zyna, while I agree that students should be studying rather than procrastinating and watching Disney+ but there are other streaming networks that they can watch their choice of T.V. shows such as Netflix or Hulu. Procrastination is a choice. Also, Disney has been apart of most student’s lives for a really long time. There are days when we just want to relax and watch something we’ve grown up watching.
sadie alumbaugh • Jan 9, 2020 at 3:45 pm
Although Disney + does have the potential to cause distractions, it does not cause distractions for everyone. Teens should be able to watch Disney + and still do there daily chores, homework, sports, and daily task they are required to do without getting “distracted” by this streaming service. We pay for everything these days, literately everything. So whats the difference from paying for a monthly Netflix account and a Disney + account?
Corbin Campbell • Jan 9, 2020 at 3:36 pm
Dear Zyna,
You have a very valid point over Disney+ and I do believe we are high school kids that need to be prepared for the real world. But I also believe that putting your face in school books all day and studying all your life to achieve a high paying job isn’t the way you should live your life. I believe you should live your life to the fullest and take time to enjoy it and take it all in. I don’t know about you but I’ll be 45 years old still watching Nemo with the same excitement as I had when I was 5. Of course you still have to work hard in life to get a good job, support your family, etc. Life is an amazing thing, so don’t be on your death bed wishing you could go back and do all the things you didn’t do. Die satisfied knowing you lived to the fullest by being daring, having fun, and just being you. So my point is that it is great to want to succeed in school and be the top in your class, or be super successful in life. It’s a great thing, everyone wants that but don’t forget to take time to enjoy life even if it is watching Disney+ remembering all the amazing unforgettable moments in your life.
Ryleigh Martinez • Jan 9, 2020 at 3:34 pm
Counter Argument:
I agree that technology has taken over our world more than it should. I often find myself on my phone for hours which can be unhealthy. I also agree students need to be preparing to enter adult life rather than sitting around watching T.V all the time.
Argument: I think that Disney Plus is a great way to relax after a long day of school and work. It’s a great way for people to remember the “Good Old Days” and reminisce on your childhood. Disney Plus offers lots of movies and TV shows that you can’t watch anywhere else. I think that most people can balance school work and having time to their self. I don’t think you should spend all your time studying away. You can be successful and also be able to take time for your self.
Lanisia Bell • Jan 9, 2020 at 3:31 pm
Dear Zyna, although I don’t completely disagree with you, I dont seem to find myself agreeing with you. Yes, most people who love the feeling of nostalgia when it comes to Disney+ and will buy it just for that fact, they’re Disney lovers, Marvel lovers, Pixar, and Starwars lovers, they like having all their favorite movies and shows at their fingertips, but even knowing this I dont find it a distraction from our young adult lives. I think its a good thing to look back at what brings us comfort, especially when we need a break because were swamped with work from school and our actual jobs. Not every person will get distracted from Disney+ as long as they focus on their work then hop onto their phones or computers to take a break, it could also be a learning experience with the discovery channel.
skylos elizondo • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:50 pm
I disagree with you claim that people who buy Disney+ don’t want to let go of the past. Most people can balance free time and time they should use to focus on school.
Aeshlynn Coats • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:50 pm
Dear Zyna,
Counter argument: Yes technology has taken over our lives. For example I check my phone and will be on my phone instead of paying attention. And so do a lot of other kids.
My argument: Disney plus is 6.99 a month (not to be rude it’s just 6-7 dollars is a big difference for a lot of people) so you pay a small amount honest for a lot of things. Like all of the old tv shows from Disney, plus Stars and Marvel.
-aeshlynn
Ethan Escamilla • Jan 9, 2020 at 2:40 pm
Within the last decade technology has made a huge impact on our world, especially in the entertainment field. While I can agree with the fact that people can use the disney+ streaming service to procrastinate studies, school work and etc. However I have to disagree that people have to let go of digital streaming entertainment such as disney+ to focus on school work, and studying. Everybody’s life is different and not everybody has the need to study or focus heavily on class in their free time in order to pass school successfully; therefore, people end up with a lot of free time for themselves. And I see no problem with using streaming service subscriptions as entertainment for that time.
Carson • Jan 9, 2020 at 1:45 pm
Counter argument
I can see how Disney + could be distracting to students when they have home work almost every night. They do need to be getting more accustomed to becoming an adult but at the same time they need to hold on to their child hood so they can get all of schools stress off their mind. Also Disney + is not the only streaming service. Everyone already had access to Netflix, Hulu, and many more. So I dont Know why Disney + is so bad when it is here to connect teens and adults to their child hood. I think Disney + is just another way for students to get their mind off of school and relax.
Karley Thomas • Jan 9, 2020 at 11:28 am
While I do agree that streaming services have become a distraction, to say that they are a waste of time or money is a little extreme. True, students should have their studies as a priority, but to say that we should turn away from these services because “they are a distraction” isn’t really sound. Procrastination will continue to exist no matter what kind of distraction is available. Humans have been putting off work for centuries, whether that be by gossiping with friends, seeing a performance, or even reading. Streaming sites have been a popular option when selecting a distraction, but they are most certainly not the only one. Instead of warning people of streaming sites and technology, we should focus on minimizing procrastination by stressing the importance of education, occupation, or any other task that needs to be completed. On the other hand, students should still know when to pause and take a break from their studies. For many, that’s where Disney comes in. The many properties available on Disney+ provide the childhood wonder we crave in our busy everyday lives. Sometimes there is nothing wrong with immersing yourself in the fantastic.
Arianna • Jan 9, 2020 at 11:12 am
Counter Argument: Disney+ offers National Geographic which could be beneficial for science teachers.
My Argument: In my case, I a freshman doesn’t have as much homework as a junior does. In my free time I like to watch movies so Disney+ would be beneficial to me.
Ashley Norman • Jan 9, 2020 at 10:44 am
Dear Zyma,
Counter argument: Sometimes I will be going about my day and i realize that my screen time has gone up a lot. I agree with you on the fact that sometimes we are on our phones too much but I think that disney+ is a great way to use your free time.
My argument: Although technology can be distracting sometimes it can be an amazing way that we can connect with friends and start conversations. Disney+ brings us back to our childhood where we get to enjoy our old shows again.
alyssa loveday • Jan 9, 2020 at 10:44 am
counter argument: yes, disney+ could be a waste of money because there is already netflix, hulu, amazon, etc. Some of them offer the same shows but different experience.
argument: disney+ has all of the childhood shows like no other. netflix takes all of the good shows out but disney puts them back on. yes we need to study but we also need a break from life every once in a while and watch old shows.
trista conner • Jan 9, 2020 at 10:41 am
Hey Zyna,
I 100% agree with the fact that streaming services and binge-worthy shows have restricted us from doing activities such as work, but what about when we have free time?
Disney + is an amazing stream service from what reviews and peers exclaim. It can be a distraction from activities if used incorrectly, but you should be allowed to use it. It wasn’t created for the sole purpose of taking over everyone’s lives. Also, Disney plus isn’t just for kids, if that was what you were referring to when bringing up the twinkle toes. The service is for when you want to watch classics such as Star Wars, Simpsons, Disney Originals, National Geographic, and more. Some shows are rated PG-13!! Anyone can and will watch. I believe Disney+ may cause students to procrastinate, but if responsible they could use the platform.
Sidney P • Jan 9, 2020 at 10:38 am
I agree with your view that Disney+ distracts students when they are supposed to be studying. It also distracts many people who have an important job to do but they are too busy trying to figure out which show to binge next. On the other hand, some students need background noise to be able to focus on their work. Shows on Disney+ could be mindless enough to help people to focus and enjoy their work. Maybe someday students could even find a show that helps them study their topic.
Renee Sprinkle • Jan 9, 2020 at 10:37 am
Dear Zyna,
I am learning, so I changed my response.
I am using your opinion piece to help teach argument and counter argument. Thank you for volunteering. haha.
Counter Argument: Technology has taken over our lives. I find myself, a teacher, checking Amarillo Buy, Sell and Trade far too many times a day, so purchasing Disney+ is not going to help me be able to teach to the level needed to help students get college credit.
My Argument: However, technology does offer numerous opportunities to engage students in the classroom. Disney+ offers National Geographic which could be highly beneficial for science teachers. Also, some shows might be beneficial for English teachers in regards to plot and literary elements. Therefore, Disney+ might be a learning tool for teachers.
On a another note: Thank for for being such a fabulous RHS student!! Love, Sprinkle
Zachary Hardest • Jan 9, 2020 at 10:37 am
Dear, Zyna
I understand that technology takes time away from students studies, but at the same time careers in entertainment and social work are expanding at an astonishing rate. More and more kids are dropping text books and pursuing careers in entertainment. Text books and degrees become less, and less useful in today world as arts take over. Technology also offers a way to engage with students in the classroom by using something that kids and teens use everyday. Disney plus is just a Disney streaming platform to compete with competition but also provides a lot of useful things for kids and teens alike