Disney+ subscribers now have early access to Disney merchandise, including Marvel and Star Wars products — here's how it works

• Disney+ subscribers can now get early access to Disney merchandise, for a limited time.
• It could be a big step towards Disney's Amazon Prime-like membership program.

Disney may have just taken a big step towards offering an Amazon Prime-like service.

The company announced on Tuesday that Disney+ subscribers in the US now have early access to Disney merchandise available on its online store shopDisney, as part of a limited-time test.

US Disney+ subscribers can shop at the store's website by going directly to it or through a link at the details pages of select movies, TV shows, and shorts on the streaming service (there will be a "shop" tab, as seen below).

Subscribers will have to sign in to the shop using their Disney+ information. The early access is available starting Tuesday through November 7.

Merchandise includes products from Disney+'s "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," the upcoming "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever," Pixar's "Lightyear," and Marvel's "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

The Wall Street Journal reported in August that Disney was exploring a Prime-like membership program that would bundle Disney+ with discounts on merchandise and theme parks.

Disney's announcement on Tuesday seems like a step in that direction.

Disney said in a statement at the time, in part: "A membership program is just one of the exciting ideas that is being explored as we consider ways to marry the physical and digital worlds to create the next generation of great Disney storytelling and experiences."

Disney CEO Bob Chapek elaborated on the idea last week during WSJ's Tech Live conference, saying he wants to better integrate Disney's parks and merchandise experiences within the Disney+ app.

Doing so would mean Disney can give customers "a better experience in the park, because we know what your preferences are in terms of viewing, and a better experience on Disney+ because we know what your affinities are."