Disney’s got a new leading lady, and now she’s headed to the small screen. Wish, which originally hit theaters back in November and is still in select theaters nationwide, is making its at-home debut this month. While it won’t be available to watch on Disney+ quite yet, dedicated Disney lovers can purchase the film via digital video-on-demand (VOD) services like Apple TV and Prime Video starting Jan. 23.
Here’s what you need to know 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 will unquestionably be headed to Disney+, but as of the time of writing, a release date has yet to be announced. Fortunately, we do have a digital release date. Video on demand services like Apple TV and Prime Video will have the film available for purchase starting Jan. 23. The Disney+ release date will likely be sometime in February 2024, based on the release patterns of other recent Disney flicks. We’ll update you when the official streaming date is announced.
How to watch Wish at home
For those who simply cannot wait to watch Wish and celebrate Disney’s 100th anniversary, you can add the film to your digital library beginning Jan. 23. 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, deleted songs, and a sing-along version with on-screen lyrics.
Here are the best digital platforms for purchasing the film.
Best Disney+ deals for those who can wait
Don’t mind waiting a month or so for Wish‘s Disney+ streaming release? We’ve rounded up the best ways for you to sign up for Disney+ and save some money.
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.
Mashable Deals
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+ trial runner-up
If you have select Verizon wireless plans, then you may also be eligible to receive six months of Disney+ for free. While the below Verizon Wireless plans are no longer available, existing customers on these plans who haven’t taken advantage of the trial can still do so through May 2024.
Until then, Verizon customers with the following plans can take advantage of the free six-month Disney+ promotion:
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5G Do More
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5G Start
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Welcome Unlimited
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One Unlimited for iPhone
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Get More Unlimited
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Do More Unlimited
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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. Head over to the Verizon website to check your plan and learn more about eligibility and terms.
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.