How to watch 'Wish' at home: It's officially coming to Disney Plus
Disney's got a new leading lady, and now she's headed to the small screen. Wish originally hit theaters back in November, and now it's officially making its streaming debut. While it was available to watch at home via digital video-on-demand services back in January, the 100th anniversary film is now coming to Disney+.
Here's what you need to have your very own Wish watch party.
What is Wish about?
Set in the kingdom of Rosas, Wish tells the tale of a young girl named Asha (voiced by Ariana DeBose), who makes a wish upon a star that unexpectedly comes true. With the fallen star's help, and with some backup from a newly articulate goat named Valentino, Asha must set wrongs right and save Rosas from King Magnifico (voiced by Chris Pine), its devious ruler.
Get a sneak peek at the story in the trailer below.
Is Wish worth watching?
Wish is meant to celebrate Walt Disney Animation Studios' 100th anniversary. So, for Disney devotees, it's worth watching for that alone. However, as Mashable's Belen Edwards noted in her review, it "fails to make a strong showing in the studio's most distinctive areas, like songs or animation."
Edwards writes that Wish's potential is largely wasted on self-referential nods. "The focus on Disney's other works also holds Wish back from its potential, leaving us with a jumble of forced IP references that doesn't let up even as the credits roll. The only wish you'll make after seeing this film is that Disney had stopped riding high on its own legacy long enough to craft an original, cohesive story."
Other critics mostly agree, with Wish coming in at 48% on the Tomatometer via Rotten Tomatoes. Fans, however, are far more generous, giving the film an 81% rating. If you're a diehard Disney fan, the constant references may hit you with the perfect dose of nostalgia, but it certainly won't wow you like the films of your childhood.
When is Wish coming to Disney+?
Wish hit video-on-demand services (like Prime Video and Apple TV) for purchase back in January, and we suspected a late February streaming date. That obviously didn't come to fruition. Instead, after a long wait, Wish is finally set to make its streaming debut on Disney+ on April 3, 2024.
If you're not yet a Disney+ subscriber, we've rounded up the best ways for you to sign up and save some money below.
How to watch Wish: the best Disney+ streaming deals
Best Disney+ deal for most people
The best way to watch Wish and be on your way is to sign up for a single month of Disney+. Technically, you won't save any money, but you also won't continuously waste money either — so long as you remember to cancel your subscription immediately after watching. Disney+ will only cost you $7.99 for a single month if you don't mind sitting through a few ads. Otherwise, the ad-free option is $13.99/month.
Best Disney+ bundle deal
The Disney+ Duo Basic bundle is too good of a deal to pass up — especially if you're already a Hulu subscriber. You can bundle Disney+ with Hulu for just $2 more per month, bringing your grand total to just $9.99/month for both. That saves you 37% compared to paying for each separately. If you're into sports, you can also add ESPN+ into the mix and pay just $14.99/month for all three. You'll have to deal with ads, but at this price, it's hard to complain. To watch without ads, you'll have to pay an extra $10 per month.
Best Disney+ trial
Verizon Fios home internet users on either the 2 Gig Streaming or 2 Gig Complete package can score a free year of Disney+ Premium (no ads), while those on the 1 Gig Streaming or 1 Gig Complete package can sign up for six free months. Check your plan and read about eligibility terms over on the Verizon website to activate the offer.
Best Disney+ deal for Verizon Wireless customers
Verizon Wireless customers have a couple different ways to access Disney+ for free or at an impressive discount. However, there are a few terms and eligibility details, so listen up.
Verizon previously offered a handful of Unlimited plans (that are no longer available) that included six free months of Disney+. If you never took advantage of that offer and are on one of these eligible plans, you can still secure your free trial through May 2024. The following plans are included: 5G Do More, 5G Start, Welcome Unlimited, One Unlimited for iPhone, Get More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, and Play More Unlimited. If you're on the 5G Get More or 5G Play More plan, you're also eligible for the Disney Bundle for free. Check your plan and read more about eligibility and terms on the Verizon promo page.
Don't have access to the now-obsolete trial? You can still get a stellar deal on Disney+ through Verizon myPlan. Just add a Disney Bundle to your account through myPlan, which includes Disney+ Premium (no ads), Hulu (with ads), and ESPN (with ads). All three would usually cost you $18.99 per month, but by signing up through this myPlan deal, you'll only pay $10 per month.
Best way to get Disney+ for free
If you're a Total by Verizon customer on the $60/month prepaid unlimited plan, congrats. You get Disney+ Premium (no ads) for free. No terms or trial periods. Just keep your account in good standing and you get Disney+ included with your account. If you cancel or switch your plan, your subscription will end as well. If you're on the $50/month prepaid unlimited plan, you can also score six free months of Disney+, which is plenty of time to watch Wish. If you want to extend that six months, you can also switch over to the $60/month plan instead.
Other ways to watch Wish
Don't want to sign up for Disney+? You can still watch Wish and celebrate Disney's 100th anniversary by adding the film to your digital library. This is the best option for Disney devotees, since you'll also get access to exclusive bonus content, including an all-new documentary, deleted scenes, outtakes, a deleted song, and a sing-along version with on-screen lyrics. Not to mention, you'll own it.
Here are the best digital platforms for purchasing the film.
Buy in UHD on Prime Video — $7.74 for Prime members, $9.99 for non-Prime members
Buy in 4K on Apple TV+ — $9.99
Buy in 4K on YouTube — $9.99
Topics Disney+ Streaming How to Watch
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference between Disney+ Basic and Premium is the inclusion of ads. With a Basic account, you'll have to watch limited ads throughout your streaming experience. With a Premium account, you can enjoy ad-free streaming and the ability to download content to watch offline. Of course, that comes at a price. A Basic account will run you $7.99 per month, while a Premium account costs $13.99 per month.
Earlier this year, Disney announced a new crack down on password sharing, following in the footsteps of Netflix. That means Disney+ usage is restricted to the devices inside the home of the person who pays the monthly bill. Bummer.
Christina Buff is a Nashville-based freelance writer for who covers shopping with a splash of entertainment. If you’re ever wondering what streaming service you need to watch something (and the cheapest way to sign up for it), she’s your girl.
Christina received a B.S. in Business Communication (concentration in writing) from Stevenson University and began her professional journey writing and editing press releases. Since then, she’s written content for a marketing agency, blogged for celebrities, and covered local news, politics, women’s lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and just about everything in between for various publications.
When she’s not writing, she’s probably enjoying live music, studying human design, or embroidering and upcycling clothes. You can follow her on Instagram at @touchinfinity.
