Introduction: How Disney+ is Changing the Streaming Game
Since its explosive debut, Disney+ has reshaped the streaming industry, competing with giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime. With an ever-expanding content library and user-friendly features, Disney+ continues to influence how families watch, discover, and connect over entertainment.
On December 10th 2024, we had the opportunity to conduct a special interview in South London as part of a Disney+ streaming survey. Participants documented their viewing habits over a week—what they watched, who they watched with, and how it made them feel—before sitting down for a video interview to share insights that help Disney+ improve its service.
Meet Simon: A Family-Focused Streamer
Our interviewee, Simon, is a 50-year-old hairdresser living in South London with his wife and teenage son. Curious about the survey, he participated to reflect on his family’s viewing habits.
Welcoming us into his home, Simon allowed us to capture behind-the-scenes footage, two interview segments, and even a few TV-watching moments with his son. As an artistic and family-oriented individual, he provided thoughtful insights into the emotional impact of watching together.
Streaming Habits: What They Watch & Why
Simon’s current favorites include Day of the Jackal and The Walking Dead, contrasting with his wife’s love for documentaries and National Geographic, while his son prefers anime. Despite their varying tastes, they often find common ground, whether through live sports like rugby and football or Disney’s latest family-friendly releases.
Even with different preferences, Simon highlights the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone to share new experiences. Thanks to Disney+’s intuitive categories and recommendations, discovering content that appeals to the whole family has never been easier. While solo viewing is common due to work and school schedules, making an effort to connect over shared content strengthens family bonds.
Balancing Nostalgia with New Releases
With so many new shows and movies constantly launching, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choices. Simon believes in striking a balance—revisiting nostalgic classics while embracing fresh content. Introducing kids to childhood favourites is a great way to pass down stories and wisdom while creating cherished family memories.
That’s not to say he isn’t excited about Disney+ originals, but pacing content consumption ensures there’s always something to look forward to. After all, the magic of streaming is that your favourite content is always there when you need it!
Parental Controls & Kid-Friendly Features
For parents, managing what their children watch can be challenging. Simon relies on trust and occasional check-ins, particularly for his 13-year-old son’s anime interests. He actively engages with his son’s favourite shows to better understand them while assessing if any content might be too mature.
When Simon isn’t around, his older child steps in to help curate age-appropriate selections. Disney+’s parental controls and profile settings offer additional peace of mind, making it easier for families to ensure safe and suitable viewing.
The Future of Streaming: What’s Next?
One of Simon’s biggest suggestions? Watch-time management tools. While streaming services benefit from keeping audiences engaged, users also appreciate reminders to take breaks. Implementing features that encourage mindful viewing can foster a healthier relationship with digital entertainment.
Family habits evolve over time, and streaming services that embrace change and innovation will continue to thrive. The future of streaming lies in adaptability—introducing fresh features while maintaining the core magic of storytelling.
Conclusion: What Does Streaming Mean to You?
Our time with Simon reaffirmed Disney+’s role as a leader in the streaming industry. But beyond the platform itself, his insights prompt an important question: What does streaming mean for your family? Is it just about entertainment, or is it about the emotions, lessons, and connections we take away from it?
Want to see more from our interview? Check out the highlight reel on our YouTube page
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