The 2021 event was poorly received by viewers and commentators alike, with criticism toward Disney's decision to publish its announcements in the form of a Twitter thread as well as the minimal amount of new footage shown.

[7][8] Disney+ also unveiled a redesigned user interface,[9] launched a TikTok account, announced a series of NFT digital collectibles in collaboration with VeVe,[7] and expanded access to the service in children's hospitals in EMEA.

[10] In addition, large inflatable pop-up balloons of the Disney+ logo, Captain America's shield, Olaf, Boba Fett's helmet, Maggie Simpson, the Pixar Luxo Ball, and the National Geographic logo were erected in New York City, Nashville, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Los Angeles, and Copenhagen.

Chelsea Avestruz of Screen Rant called it an "unadulterated disaster", criticizing Disney for publishing its announcements in the form of a "poorly constructed" Twitter thread and failing to prevent leaks online.

Vary of Variety and Hannah Shaw-Williams of /Film echoed Avestruz's sentiments regarding the Twitter thread, with Vary adding that the company failed to generate excitement due to the lack of new footage shown and Shaw-Williams questioning Disney's decision to release most of the new MCU and Star Wars footage on Disney+, effectively behind a paywall.