Streaming may be convenient, but keeping up with multiple subscriptions can get expensive quickly. Disney is adding to that monthly bill with a new round of price increases affecting Disney+, Hulu, and several of their bundle plans.
The entertainment company is raising prices on a number of subscription options, with some plans increasing by just 50 cents and others jumping by several dollars a month. The good news for budget-conscious streamers is that one of Disney’s most popular bundles is staying at the same price.
Disney+ and Hulu Premium Plans See the Biggest Increase
If you prefer watching without ads, you’ll feel the biggest change among the standalone Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions.
Both premium, ad-free plans are increasing by $2.50 per month. That takes the price from $18.99 to $21.49 monthly for each service.
For viewers who subscribe to both separately, that means the combined monthly cost could reach $42.98 before taxes or other charges.
The ad-supported versions are seeing a smaller increase. Disney+ with ads and Hulu with ads will each rise by 50 cents, moving from $11.99 to $12.49 per month.
The Disney+ and Hulu Bundle Still Has a Budget-Friendly Option
There is some good news if you don’t mind advertisements.
Disney is keeping its Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads at $12.99 per month. That means subscribers can continue getting access to both streaming services without paying more for this particular plan.
However, the premium version of the Disney+ and Hulu bundle is going up by $2. Its monthly price will move from $19.99 to $21.99.
For people who want both services without ads, the premium bundle could still be more convenient than paying for two separate premium subscriptions.
ESPN Bundles Are Changing Too
The price adjustments aren’t limited to Disney+ and Hulu. Several bundles that include ESPN are also getting new rates.
The Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select bundle with ads will increase from $19.99 to $21.99 per month. The premium version, which removes ads, will see a larger $3 increase, moving from $29.99 to $32.99.
Some of the higher-priced ESPN bundles are staying exactly where they are.
The Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited bundle with ads remains $35.99 per month, while its premium ad-free version remains $44.99.
Here’s the New Disney Streaming Price Breakdown
For a quick look at the changes, here’s what subscribers can expect:
- Disney+, Hulu Bundle with ads: $12.99 per month, unchanged
- Disney+, Hulu Bundle Premium: $21.99 per month, up from $19.99
- Disney+ with ads: $12.49 per month, up from $11.99
- Hulu with ads: $12.49 per month, up from $11.99
- Disney+ Premium: $21.49 per month, up from $18.99
- Hulu Premium: $21.49 per month, up from $18.99
- Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select with ads: $21.99 per month, up from $19.99
- Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select Premium: $32.99 per month, up from $29.99
- Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited with ads: $35.99 per month, unchanged
- Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited Premium: $44.99 per month, unchanged
When Will Subscribers Pay the New Prices?
The timing depends on whether you’re a new or existing subscriber.
Disney said the higher prices take effect immediately for new subscribers. Existing subscribers will move to the new rates beginning with their billing cycle next month.
That means current customers may have a little time before the change appears on their monthly bill, although the exact timing can depend on their individual billing date.
Disney Is Bringing Hulu and Disney+ Closer Together
The price changes come as Disney continues working toward a more integrated streaming experience.
Disney previously announced plans to bring Disney+ and Hulu together through a more unified app experience. Hulu subscribers can also link their profiles and watch history on Disney+, making it easier to move between the two services.
For subscribers, that integration could make having both services feel more seamless. Instead of thinking of Disney+ and Hulu as completely separate destinations, viewers are increasingly being given a combined way to browse and watch content.
What Does the Increase Mean for Streamers?
The changes aren’t enormous across every plan, but they can add up over a year.
For example, a $2.50 monthly increase works out to an additional $30 over 12 months. A $3 monthly increase means paying $36 more per year if the subscription remains active for a full year.
That’s why the new prices may be a good reason for subscribers to check which services and features they actually use. Someone who watches both Disney+ and Hulu regularly may find a bundle more convenient, while a viewer who mainly uses one service might want to compare the standalone options.
And for anyone who doesn’t mind advertisements, the unchanged $12.99 Disney+ and Hulu bundle remains one of the notable options in Disney’s updated lineup.
Streaming Bills Keep Getting More Complicated
Disney’s latest changes are another reminder that streaming subscriptions aren’t necessarily the bargain they once seemed to be. With different ad-supported, premium and sports-focused tiers, choosing a plan now involves more than simply deciding which service you want.
The upside is that viewers have more combinations to choose from. The downside is that it’s easier to lose track of what you’re actually paying each month.
Before your next billing cycle, it may be worth checking your Disney subscription, comparing it with the updated options and deciding whether you’re still getting enough entertainment value from the plan you have.
