Disney hikes Disney+ and Hulu prices

TV showing a generic streaming interface in a living room as streaming subscription prices rise

Key Points

01Ad-free Disney+ and Hulu standalone plans will each rise to $21.49 per month
02The ad-free Disney+ and Hulu bundle will increase to $21.99 monthly
03Ad-supported standalone plans for both services will move to $12.49
04New prices start Sept. 23 for new users; existing users pay more next billing

Disney raises streaming subscription prices

Disney (DIS) is implementing price increases across its Disney+ and Hulu streaming services, affecting both ad-free and ad-supported tiers. The adjustments target premium ad-free offerings most sharply, while leaving the main ad-supported bundle unchanged. The changes are part of the company’s latest update to its direct-to-consumer pricing structure.

The monthly price of ad-free Disney+ will rise by $2.50, moving from $18.99 to $21.49. Ad-free Hulu will see the same $2.50 monthly increase, also going from $18.99 to $21.49. These new rates place both standalone ad-free services at the same price point.

Impact on bundles and ad-supported tiers

For customers who subscribe to both platforms, the ad-free Disney+ and Hulu bundle will increase by $2 per month. That bundle will move from $19.99 to $21.99, positioning it slightly above either standalone ad-free service but below the combined cost of purchasing both separately at their new prices.

On the lower-cost end, the standalone ad-supported plans for Disney+ and Hulu will each increase by $0.50 per month. After the increase, both ad-supported standalone tiers will be priced at $12.49 per month. In contrast, the ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle will remain unchanged at $12.99 per month, preserving its role as the least expensive way to access both services together.

Timing and billing for subscribers

The updated prices are reported to take effect on Sept. 23 for new Disney+ and Hulu subscribers. Anyone signing up for the services from that date onward will be charged the higher monthly rates corresponding to their chosen plan or bundle.

Existing subscribers will not see immediate changes on the effective date but will be notified of the increases starting Wednesday. The higher subscription prices will then appear on their next monthly bill or next billing cycle, depending on when their regular payment date falls.

With ad-free plans seeing the largest dollar increases and ad-supported bundles kept flat, the new structure changes the relative value of different options within Disney’s (DIS) streaming portfolio. Subscribers evaluating plan changes or new sign-ups will face a wider gap between ad-free and ad-supported offerings than before.

Key Takeaways

01Disney (DIS) is shifting its price structure toward higher-cost ad-free tiers while preserving the low-cost ad-supported bundle.
02The unchanged $12.99 ad-supported bundle now stands out more clearly as the budget option for access to both services.
03Timing of the rollout differs for new and existing customers, which may influence when subscribers reassess or adjust their plans.

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