S2 Episode 16: The Disney+ Magic Equation

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Episode Guest: Michael Cerdá
Author, Consultant & Former VP of Product at Disney+

This week on We Fixed It, You’re Welcome, we’re diving deep into one of the most fascinating business stories in streaming: the Disney+ saga. From explosive subscriber growth to public backlash and strategic pivots, Disney’s streaming platform has seen both magic and mayhem.

Joining us is Michael Cerdá, the former VP of Product at Disney+, who helped take the platform from concept to over 100 million subscribers. Michael gives us a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the service was built, why key decisions were made, and what Disney can do now to win back its audience.

We break down:

• The launch chaos that almost broke Disney+ on Day 1
• Why bundling Hulu and ESPN+ was a last-minute gamble
• The subscriber exodus and backlash over pricing
• How personalization and AI could reshape streaming
• Our fix for Disney+ retention and acquisition strategies

Whether you’re a media strategist, a frequent streamer, or just love a good comeback story, this one’s packed with insight.

✅ Key Takeaways:

• Bundling works—even when it’s messy—because it locks in lifetime value.
• Personalization is the next battlefield in streaming retention.
• Disney’s loyalty ecosystem is under-leveraged but powerful.
• AI could usher in a new era of storytelling, putting the viewer at the center.

Book Alert!

Michael Cerdá’s book Build Something is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It dives deeper into Disney Plus’s launch and other major product stories – not to be missed.

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