Disney+ has been no stranger to major updates, but with every new redesign or change, there seems to be a growing chorus of complaints from its users. This time, the focus is on the recent revamp of the platform’s Watchlist layout, which has sparked frustration among long-time subscribers.
The Change That Sparked Outrage
Over the past week, Disney+ rolled out a new version of its Watchlist, a feature that allows users to save movies, shows, and other content for easy access later. The updated layout has generated significant backlash, with many users taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction.
Previously, Disney+ had a simple, grid-style layout where titles in the Watchlist could be quickly viewed with images representing each show or movie. Now, the redesign has made the Watchlist appear more like a vertical, scrolling list, with smaller thumbnail images and more text-based information. This change, while aesthetically cleaner, has left many users feeling that it’s harder to navigate and locate the content they saved for later.
Some users have reported that the new layout is difficult to navigate, especially when trying to sift through large Watchlists. While the old system made it easy to quickly scan titles, the smaller icons and vertical layout now require more scrolling and a more cumbersome viewing experience.
Unwanted Change After Similar Past Complaints
This recent update comes after several other design shifts on Disney+ in the past few years that have similarly frustrated users. Many recall the complaints after previous interface changes that impacted content discovery or viewing options. The service’s interface has undergone a series of revisions, yet the recent change to the Watchlist has received some of the loudest responses.
In the past, Disney+ has been critiqued for confusing navigational elements and unhelpful features that make it difficult to find content. The removal of the option to easily view a list of saved items in grid format is another point of contention. What was once a straightforward process has now become a tedious task for users.
A Missed Opportunity for Improvement
Disney+ has an opportunity to learn from these frustrations. Many users have suggested that, rather than a drastic overhaul of the layout, a more flexible solution could be implemented—such as an option for users to toggle between different Watchlist layouts or a more streamlined grid-based view. This way, users who prefer the old layout can revert to it without feeling restricted by the new design.
Some have also pointed out that it’s not just the design that needs tweaking. The functionality of the Watchlist itself could also be improved. For instance, better organization tools, such as sorting by genre, release date, or user ratings, could make navigating a long list of saved content much easier.
The Bigger Picture: Disney+’s Ongoing User Experience Issues
This frustration is part of a broader trend regarding Disney+’s user experience. While the service offers a rich library of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, it’s often the interface that leaves users frustrated. While there’s no doubt that Disney+ is a powerhouse in terms of content, these repeated design changes highlight the ongoing challenge of maintaining a smooth and intuitive user experience.
The latest uproar over the Watchlist is a reminder that user feedback is a vital part of any streaming service’s success. Disney+ users expect more than just quality shows and movies—they want a seamless, enjoyable experience when using the platform. As Disney+ continues to refine its design and features, it will be important for them to balance fresh updates with the familiarity that keeps users engaged.
Moving Forward: Will Disney Listen?
It’s clear that Disney+ will need to listen to its audience more carefully to avoid losing goodwill. As subscriptions to streaming services become increasingly competitive, retaining users by addressing pain points like these is essential. Whether Disney will choose to roll back the latest Watchlist redesign or offer users more customization options remains to be seen.
In the meantime, Disney+ subscribers will have to adjust to the new layout, hoping that the company recognizes their frustration and responds with an improved, user-friendly update in the near future. For now, it’s another reminder of how even small changes in streaming services can have a big impact on user satisfaction.