In a move that is likely to stir reactions from subscribers, Disney has announced an increase in the prices of its popular streaming services, Disney+ and Hulu. Starting from October 21, many standalone plans and bundle options will see a rise in subscription costs.
The Disney+ standalone plan that includes ads will see an increase of $2, bringing the monthly cost to $11.99. For those who prefer an ad-free experience, the Disney+ Premium plan will rise by $3, now priced at $18.99 per month. Furthermore, the annual subscription for the Disney+ Premium plan will also see a significant jump, increasing by $30 to a total of $189.99 per year.
On the Hulu front, the standalone plan featuring ads will go up from $9.99 per month to $11.99. However, subscribers of the premium version of Hulu, which comes without ads, will be pleased to know that the price remains steady at $18.99 per month.
Additionally, the price for ESPN Select is set to increase from $11.99 to $12.99 per month. For those who enjoy bundled options, the Disney+ and Hulu plan that includes ads will see a price hike of $2, now costing $12.99. The comprehensive bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select, all with ads, will see an increase of $3, bringing the total to $19.99.
For a complete rundown of the new pricing structure for all Disney+ and Hulu bundle plans, subscribers can visit the company’s official support page. This comprehensive list will help users navigate the changes and make informed decisions about their subscriptions.
Interestingly, the timing of these price hikes coincides with a wave of cancellations among Disney+ subscribers. Many users recently protested the company's decision to temporarily remove Jimmy Kimmel from its lineup, leading to a notable drop in subscriptions. As Disney navigates these changes, it remains to be seen how these price increases will affect subscriber retention and overall satisfaction.