Andrew Heinzman
Starting today, Disney+ subscribers can shop for exclusive and pre-release items at the Disney+ Special Access store. This new storefront includes a surprising number of collectibles, including a Black Panther decorative mask, an Ashoka Tano doll, and an adult-sized Doctor Strange cloak.
The Disney+ Special Access store is only available to subscribers, who must verify their membership during checkout. Interestingly, Disney+ will link subscribers to this store through QR codes, which may appear in the descriptions for select shows and movies (though you will only see these QR codes if you’re the primary account holder of a Disney+ subscription).
You can also visit the Disney+ Special Access store in your browser, without scanning any QR codes or logging into Disney+.
Obviously, Disney made an effort to launch this storefront ahead of the holiday season. It’s a clear attempt to cash in and grab some new subscribers. But Disney+ Special Access may be part of a broader plan.
In an article published on August 31st, the Wall Street Journal predicted Disney’s plans to launch a subscriber-only storefront. More interestingly, the WSJ claims that Disney+ could turn into an Amazon Prime-like experience. (A Disney+ membership could unlock discounted tickets to theme parks or broadway shows, for example.)
We’ll have to wait and see how Disney’s plan plays out. But, in the meantime, we can buy some exclusive merch at the Disney+ Special Access store. It certainly seems like a good place to get some Christmas shopping out of the way.
Source: Disney via TechCrunch
