Disney Plus GroupWatch: What it is and how it works
Disney Plus continues to gain subscribers worldwide with its library of classic and new movies and TV shows. Now the service is launching a new feature that allows you to watch Disney Plus with friends remotely. It’s officially called Disney Plus GroupWatch.
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Here’s how the new feature works, where it’s currently available, and its current limitations. You can register for the service at the following link:
What is Disney Plus GroupWatch and where is it available?
With this new feature, up to seven people can watch movies like the Pixar movies, the Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, and TV shows like The Mandalorian together from any location. While testing went online in Australia, New Zealand and Canada earlier this month, the feature is currently only officially available to US Disney Plus subscribers. Some European countries will receive the feature later this fall.
Which platforms are supported?
Disney Plus GroupWatch is available to subscribers through the DisneyPlus.com website. It’s also available for its iOS and Android mobile apps. Finally, it’s accessible through set-top boxes and smart TVs. This sets this feature apart from other Streaming Group Watch services like Netflix Party and Scener, which are limited to web browsers only.
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How do I start a Disney Plus GroupWatch party?
How to start a Disney Plus GroupWatch event for your online friends.
1. First, go to the movie or TV show you want to watch with your friends on the Disney Plus website or mobile app.
2. You should see an icon with three people on the side. That’s the GroupWatch icon. Tap or click on it.
3. The GroupWatch page should appear. You can then invite up to six of your online friends to watch the Disney Plus movie or TV show with you. First click or tap the “+” symbol next to your avatar name.
4. A URL link will be displayed. Copy this link and then send it to your friends via email, text, or chat apps. You must be a Disney Plus subscriber. They must also accept the URL invitation on their Disney Plus mobile app or website. You and your friends can then move your viewing experience to a smart TV app if you wish.
5. When all of your online friends have joined, anyone in the group can tap or click the Start Stream button to start the DisneyPlus GroupWatch party.
What other functions does it have?
Anyone attending the Watch Party can pause, fast-forward, or rewind the video during the event. This is helpful when someone wants to replay a particularly cool scene or alternatively bypass a boring one. Of course, a break is great when someone needs a toilet break.
Unfortunately, unlike other web-based watch party services, Disney Plus GroupWatch doesn’t currently support native text or video chat. Instead, you can respond with a series of emojis within the Disney Plus apps or website. CNET reported through a Disney representative that native chat functionality could be added in the future. Of course, you and your friends can still use your favorite third-party chat or text apps to chat with each other while you watch Disney Plus.
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After all, you can only stream Disney Plus with friends at a time during a GroupWatch session. You must leave the session you are currently in to join a new GroupWatch party.
That’s all you need to know about Disney Plus GroupWatch. As changes are made to this new method to watch Disney Plus with friends, we’ll update this article.
