In a major shakeup of the kids’ streaming space, CoComelon—the global preschool sensation—will officially leave Netflix and move exclusively to Disney+ in January 2027. After years as a cornerstone of Netflix’s children’s programming, the move underscores just how competitive the battle for preschool audiences has become. Disney has secured the global streaming rights in a multi-year deal reportedly worth tens of millions annually, marking a major content win for the House of Mouse.
Why CoComelon Still Matters in 2025
Though it may no longer dominate headlines, CoComelon remains a juggernaut. The series continues to rack up billions of views on YouTube and holds the record as one of the most streamed shows on Netflix even into 2023. Despite a 60% dip in viewership over the past two years, CoComelon still notched 601 million views in 2023 alone, making it the second most-streamed show on the platform that year.
The show’s success lies in its irresistible formula: catchy songs, simple storylines, bright animation, and a cast of relatable toddler-aged characters. It’s been a go-to source of entertainment—and even education—for millions of parents worldwide looking for screen time that keeps toddlers engaged.
Why Disney Snatched It Up
This move is more than just a content shuffle—it’s a power play. Disney has long dominated the preschool market with brands like Bluey, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Spidey and His Amazing Friends. By acquiring CoComelon, Disney+ further cements its position as the #1 platform for young children.
It’s no coincidence that Disney swooped in now. With Netflix reportedly seeing diminishing returns on CoComelon despite fresh seasons, Disney saw an opportunity to reinforce its kid-friendly streaming lineup and draw in younger subscribers at a time when streaming platforms are fighting for attention across all age groups.
While Disney+ gains the flagship CoComelon series, CoComelon Lane—the slice-of-life spinoff—will remain on Netflix. Other Moonbug Entertainment properties like Blippi and Little Baby Bum also remain part of Netflix’s children’s offering.
CoComelon: The Movie Is Coming Too
The move to Disney+ in 2027 isn’t the only headline-making development for the brand. A CoComelon theatrical feature is currently in development and set to premiere in the same year. Produced by Moonbug Entertainment in collaboration with DreamWorks Animation, Flywheel Media, and Prime Focus Studios, the movie will be distributed by Universal Pictures.
This marks a bold expansion into the box office space for a brand that began life as a YouTube channel. With characters like JJ, YoYo, TomTom, Cody, and Nina set to take center stage, the film aims to bring the show’s musical, educational energy to the big screen for the first time.
What It Means for Parents and Kids
If your kids are CoComelon superfans, the shift means you’ll need a Disney+ subscription starting in 2027. For many households, this may already be part of their lineup—but it’s still a notable transition. With streaming content increasingly split between platforms, families may feel the pinch of having to subscribe to multiple services to keep their children’s favorite shows available.
However, Disney+ is betting that bundling CoComelon with its already expansive kids’ catalog will offer a more centralized experience—especially for parents tired of juggling platforms.
Streaming Turf War: Children’s Content Edition
The fight for dominance in kids’ content is no small stakes game. Children’s programming drives loyalty, shapes habits early, and can dramatically influence subscription decisions for families. That’s why platforms are spending big on long-term content like CoComelon, and why strategic moves like this aren’t just about a show—they’re about brand ecosystems.
This acquisition is another signal that Disney+ intends to remain a dominant force as competitors like Netflix, Max, Prime Video, and even YouTube fight for young viewers. And with theatrical ventures and cross-platform exposure in the mix, CoComelon is not just surviving the shift—it’s growing up.
Disney Plus Discontinues Popular Watch Party Feature
Disney+ has changed how we enjoy movies with others, but recently some big changes have happened to its watch party features. Many users are discovering that GroupWatch, a popular feature that let people watch shows together even when apart, was removed from the service in September. Disney+ has discontinued its official GroupWatch feature, leaving fans looking for alternative ways to enjoy synchronized viewing experiences with friends and family.
The watch party feature was especially valuable during times when getting together in person was difficult. It allowed users to watch Disney content while on a FaceTime call or through the dedicated GroupWatch tool. While the official feature is gone, some third-party options like Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) and the Disney+ Party Chrome extension now offer alternatives for those wanting to maintain the social viewing experience.
Key Takeaways
- Disney+ has removed its official GroupWatch feature, which previously allowed synchronized remote viewing with friends and family.
- Third-party alternatives like Teleparty and browser extensions now provide options for users who still want to host watch parties.
- SharePlay through FaceTime remains available for Apple users who want to watch Disney+ content while on video calls with others.
Understanding Disney Plus Watch Party
Watching movies and shows together has changed significantly with streaming platforms. Disney Plus offered ways for friends and family to enjoy content simultaneously even when physically apart.
Evolution of Watch Parties
Disney Plus initially launched its GroupWatch feature as a way for subscribers to watch content together remotely. This feature allowed up to seven people to synchronize playback of any movie or TV show in the Disney Plus library. Users could react with emojis during the viewing experience.
However, as of September 18, 2023, Disney Plus removed the GroupWatch feature entirely from the platform. This change came as a surprise to many users who regularly enjoyed this social viewing option.
Before its removal, GroupWatch had become a popular way for families and friends to connect virtually, especially during periods when in-person gatherings were limited.
Key Features of Disney Plus Watch Party
While GroupWatch is no longer available, Disney Plus now offers SharePlay integration for Apple users. This feature allows subscribers to watch content while on a FaceTime call with family and friends.
SharePlay supports picture-in-picture mode, enabling viewers to see their friends’ reactions while watching the content. This feature works across Apple devices that support FaceTime.
For non-Apple users, third-party browser extensions like Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) offer alternatives. These extensions work in browsers like Google Chrome and allow synchronization of Disney Plus content with a chat feature.
These options support various features including:
- Synchronized playback across multiple devices
- Chat functionality during viewing
- Support for subtitles and multiple audio tracks
- HD quality streaming (depending on each user’s subscription level)
Comparative Analysis with Competitors
Disney Plus now lags behind some competitors in native watch party features. Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video all maintain their own built-in watch party functions.
Netflix’s watch party supports more devices and offers a more robust chat feature than Disney’s former GroupWatch. Prime Video’s Watch Party includes unique features like individual volume control and private chat options.
Hulu’s Watch Party requires all participants to have the ad-free subscription tier, which is more restrictive than Disney’s former approach.
Third-party options like Teleparty offer cross-platform functionality that works across multiple streaming services. This provides viewers with flexibility but may require additional steps to set up compared to native features.
For now, Apple users have the most straightforward official option through SharePlay, while others must rely on browser extensions for similar functionality.
Technical Aspects of Hosting a Disney Plus Watch Party
Hosting a successful Disney Plus watch party requires understanding the platform’s capabilities and technical requirements. Proper setup, compatible devices, and a stable internet connection are essential elements for a seamless group viewing experience.
Setting Up Disney Plus Watch Party
Disney Plus previously offered an integrated feature called GroupWatch that allowed up to seven viewers to synchronize their viewing experience. However, recent search results suggest this feature may have been removed from the platform. Users now have alternative options like third-party services such as Flickcall to watch Disney Plus content together.
To set up a watch party using a third-party service, participants typically need to:
- Install the required browser extension or app
- Log into their individual Disney Plus accounts
- Join a shared room or session using a link or code
- Synchronize playback across devices
Some services also offer chat features, emoji reactions, and other interactive elements to enhance the shared viewing experience.
Stream Quality and Compatibility
Stream quality depends on several technical factors including internet speed, device capabilities, and Disney Plus subscription level. Most services support streaming in various formats including MP4 and sometimes MKV format when using third-party tools.
Key considerations include:
- Internet connection: A minimum of 5 Mbps for HD content and 25 Mbps for 4K streaming
- Device compatibility: Smart TVs, gaming consoles, computers, tablets, and smartphones
- Browser requirements: Updated versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge
- Video codec support: Ensuring your device supports the necessary codecs for smooth playback
Hardware acceleration can significantly improve streaming performance on computers. Users with slower connections might experience buffering or reduced video quality during synchronized viewing.
Guidelines for a Smooth Viewing Experience
Preparing properly before the watch party starts helps avoid technical issues. Everyone should test their setup in advance and understand how to troubleshoot basic problems.
Best practices include:
- Having all participants close unnecessary applications and browser tabs
- Connecting devices to wired internet when possible rather than relying on Wi-Fi
- Using headphones to improve audio clarity and prevent feedback
- Ensuring all devices are fully charged or connected to power
For those experiencing lag, adjusting video quality settings within Disney Plus can help. Some third-party services also offer buffer settings to accommodate varied internet speeds among participants.
Account sharing guidelines should be considered, as Disney Plus has specific terms regarding password sharing. Each participant ideally should use their own account to comply with service terms and avoid interruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disney+ offers various options for watching content with friends and family. Users have questions about features like GroupWatch, SharePlay, and third-party alternatives.
How can users access Disney Plus GroupWatch on their TV?
Users can access Disney Plus GroupWatch on their TV by first selecting a title they want to watch. After selecting the content, they should look for the GroupWatch icon, which appears as a person icon with a plus sign.
On smart TVs, users need to join the GroupWatch session from their mobile device or computer first. Then they can transfer the viewing experience to their TV by opening the Disney+ app and selecting the active GroupWatch session.
Is SharePlay functionality currently available on Disney+?
Yes, SharePlay functionality is currently available on Disney+. This feature allows users to watch Disney+ content together during FaceTime calls on Apple devices.
Users need iOS 15.1 or later on their Apple devices to use SharePlay with Disney+. The feature synchronizes video playback for all participants during a FaceTime call.
What is the procedure to initiate a watch party on Disney Plus?
To start a watch party on Disney+, users should first select the title they want to watch. Then they need to tap on the GroupWatch icon (or SharePlay for Apple users).
After selecting the watch party option, users can invite up to six other Disney+ subscribers by sending them invitation links. Once everyone joins, any participant can control playback, including play, pause, and rewind functions.
Has the Disney Plus watch party feature been discontinued?
According to recent information, Disney+ has removed the GroupWatch feature from its platform. This native watch party functionality is no longer available for many users.
However, SharePlay remains an option for Apple device users. Additionally, third-party services like Flickcall offer alternatives for watching Disney+ content with friends remotely.
How many participants can join a Disney Plus GroupWatch?
When the GroupWatch feature was active, Disney+ allowed up to seven participants (including the host) to join a single watch party session. Each participant needed their own Disney+ subscription.
The same limitation applies to SharePlay sessions on Apple devices. A maximum of seven people can join a SharePlay session to watch Disney+ content together during a FaceTime call.
Are there any browser extensions or third-party tools recommended for Disney Plus watch parties?
Flickcall is a recommended third-party tool for hosting Disney+ watch parties. It synchronizes audio and video across all participants and works with both Disney+ Basic and Disney+ Premium subscription plans.
Other browser extensions like Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) have added support for Disney+. These tools typically offer chat features alongside synchronized viewing, enhancing the shared watching experience.
