Disney Plus Premier Access lets subscribers buy new movies while they're still in theaters (2024)

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• With Premier Access, Disney Plus members can pay $30 to unlock select movies while they're in theaters.
• "Jungle Cruise" was the most recent Premier Access title, but no additional releases have been announced.
• A Disney Plus subscription costs $8 a month or $80 a year.

With the release of "Mulan" in September 2020, Disney Plus introduced a new purchase option called "Premier Access." This feature allows subscribers to pay a $30 one-time fee in order to watch a movie early before it's released to all Disney Plus members.

"Jungle Cruise" was the most recent Premier Access movie, but it's now available to all subscribers without any extra fees. Disney has not announced any additional Premier Access releases at this time.

Below, we've detailed everything you need to know about Premier Access, including how it works, how much it costs, and how long the option will be available.

What is Disney Plus Premier Access?

Disney Plus Premier Access is a purchase option for Disney Plus subscribers, enabling members to pay an extra $30 one-time fee to gain early streaming access to a movie that's still playing in theaters. Once purchased, Disney Plus members can continue to stream or download a Premier Access movie for as long as they remain a subscriber.

You can think of Premier Access as a way to buy a virtual ticket to a brand-new Disney movie to watch at home instead of a theater. And, unlike a one-time theater viewing, you get to watch as many times as you like as long as you stay a Disney Plus subscriber.

That said, it's important to note that Premier Access movies eventually become available to all Disney Plus subscribers without an extra fee. As such, Premier Access is best for people who like to watch new films as soon as they come out. If you don't mind waiting a couple months, you can simply hold out for the wide release and save a lot of money.

How do you get Premier Access on Disney Plus?

To get Premier Access, you first need to be a Disney Plus member. Once subscribed, you can follow these simple steps to purchase a Premier Access title:

1. Log in to your Disney Plus account.
2. Browse the Disney Plus library to find Premier Access titles when they're available.
3. After you select the film you want, click "Unlock Now" on the movie's title page.
4. Enter your credit card information to pay the $30 Premier Access fee.
5. The Premier Access movie will now be available to stream on Disney Plus.

How much does Disney Plus Premier Access cost?

The Disney Plus Premier Access fee is $30 in the US. In order to buy a Premier Access movie, you also need to have a Disney Plus subscription, which costs $8 a month or $80 a year.

Disney Plus is also available as part of a bundle with Hulu Basic and ESPN+ for $14 a month. That's about $6 less per month than you'd pay if you subscribed to all of those services without the bundle.

How long does the Disney Plus Premier Access window last?

The Premier Access window typically lasts around three months. After that period, Premier Access titles become available to all Disney Plus subscribers.

This three-month period is similar to the release window that studios typically use for theatrical movie premieres before they're allowed to debut on home video.

What movies are on Disney Plus Premier Access?

Disney has released five movies via Premier Access on Disney Plus. All five of those titles are now available to all Disney Plus subscribers without an extra fee.

Below is a full rundown of Premier Access titles released so far, along with details on when all members can watch them without paying extra.

Premier Access movie release dates

What other movies will be available for Disney Plus Premier Access?

Disney has not announced any new Premier Access titles. Instead, the studio has committed to debuting the rest of its 2021 lineup exclusively in theaters.

Upcoming Disney movies will play in theaters for a minimum of 45 days before hitting streaming services like Disney Plus. The one exception is "Encanto," which will have a reduced 30-day window before arriving on Disney Plus.

Can you buy or rent Premier Access movies on other services?

Though all Premier Access movies debut at home exclusively on Disney Plus, their exclusivity periods are only temporary. The movies typically become available to buy on other streaming platforms without a Disney Plus subscription around one month after they premiere.

Will 'Shang-Chi' or 'Eternals' be available with Premier Access on Disney Plus?

Marvel's "Shang-Chi" and "Eternals" will not be released through Premier Access on Disney Plus. Instead, the movies debuted exclusively in theaters.

"Shang-Chi" became available to all Disney Plus members on November 12. An official Disney Plus release date for "Eternals" has not been announced yet.