Disney Hiking Prices Across All Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ Stand-Alone Plans

As a long-time movie enthusiast who has seen the rise and fall of various streaming platforms, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions upon learning about Disney’s latest price hikes for its streaming services. On one hand, I understand the need for companies to boost their revenue and profitability, especially in an industry as competitive as streaming. However, on the other hand, it seems like these increases are happening more frequently than a Marvel superhero’s movie releases!


As a long-time subscriber of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, I must admit I was taken aback by the news that these streaming services will be increasing their prices this fall. Over the past few years, I have come to rely on these platforms for entertainment, sports, and more, and the thought of having to pay more for the same service is a bit disheartening.

Beginning October 17th, Disney will increase prices on their streaming services to generate higher revenue and improve profitability. However, they will maintain the prices for bundles that include Disney+, Hulu, and even the recently introduced Disney+/Hulu/Max combo in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery. This makes these bundled options appear more appealing to consumers due to their lower cost compared to stand-alone, higher priced versions.

Starting September 4th, Disney revealed that it’s going to offer ABC News Live streaming channel and a collection of preschool-themed content for its Disney+ subscribers. For those with the premium (ad-free) version, they can anticipate receiving four more curated playlists later in the autumn season.

“As our selection expands and we provide more enjoyable methods to watch your preferred Disney+ shows, the company emphasized that their subscription plans continue to offer excellent value compared to other streaming services, following the announcement of price increases.”

It appears that the announcement of new playlist features and the inclusion of ABC News Live is intended as an attempt to cushion the impact of the general price increases for streaming packages. The ad-supported Disney+ will now cost $9.99 per month, an increase of $2, while the ad-free Disney+ Premium version will also rise by two dollars, to $15.99. Similarly, Hulu with ads will now be priced at $9.99/month (an increase of $2), and the ad-free Hulu will go up by a dollar, to $18.99/month.

Moreover, Disney triple-play bundles featuring Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ will hike up by $2 each month. You can find a chart displaying the revised streaming prices provided below for your convenience. Notably, in October 2023, Disney adjusted the rates for its ad-free tiers within the U.S., including those for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.

As a cinephile, I’ve got some exciting news to share about the pricing of Disney’s streaming bundles. If you’re content with watching your favorite shows on Disney+ and Hulu with advertisements, the “Duo Basic” bundle will continue to cost $10.99 per month. For those who prefer an ad-free experience, the “Duo Premium” bundle will still set you back $19.99 each month. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive package that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, you can opt for the $16.99 per month version with ads or splurge on the ad-free version priced at $29.99 per month. Enjoy your movie nights!

The new pricing for Disney’s streaming services is as follows:

ServiceNew Monthly Price*Previous Monthly Price
Disney+ Basic (With Ads)$9.99$7.99
Disney+ Premium (No Ads)$15.99$13.99
Hulu With Ads$9.99$7.99
Hulu With No Ads$18.99$17.99
ESPN+$11.99$10.99
Disney Bundle Trio Basic (Disney+, Hulu with ads, ESPN+)$16.99$14.99
Disney Bundle Trio Premium (Disney+, Hulu with ads, ESPN+)$26.99$24.99
Hulu + Live TV (With SVOD Ads)$82.99$76.99
Hulu + Live TV (No SVOD Ads)$95.99$89.99

In the upcoming month, Disney+ is set to debut a playlist specifically designed for preschoolers. This playlist will showcase various TV series and shorts from their service such as “Sofia the First,” “The Lion Guard,” “Puppy Dog Pals,” and “Minnie’s Bow-Toons.” Later in fall, four more themed playlists will be introduced exclusively for Premium subscribers. These playlists, which will receive monthly updates, include: Seasonal Content (a mix of seasonal-themed content from throughout the Disney+ library); Epic Stories (a combination of stories from brands like Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars); Throwbacks (offering a dose of nostalgic pop culture content); and Real Life (featuring traditional documentaries, biopics, and true stories).

“Alisa Bowen, President of Disney+, stated that playlists are our way to ensure top-notch value and enjoyment for our users each time they log into Disney+. These playlists cater to various tastes – be it news, children’s content, trending genres, hit TV series or blockbuster movies. The viewing experience is tailored according to seasonal trends and individual interests, ensuring there’s something for everyone.”

Disney will release their earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2024, which corresponds to the June quarter, on Wednesday, August 7th, prior to the market opening.

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2024-08-06 20:19