If that’s the case (and it is), it’s probably time for another popular streaming service to raise its prices. Disney’s streaming portfolio, which includes Hulu, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus, will cost more starting in October. While no one likes to see their subscriptions increase, they’re among the best streaming services out there, so at least the cost is somewhat justified.
According to Variety, Disney will be raising its prices on October 17. So you still have a few months to enjoy the current rates for Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and Hulu. From there, it will be up to you to decide whether you want to cancel the services or pay the extra each month.
A $2 price increase will apply to ad-supported monthly and annual plans for standalone services, as well as the triple play plan with Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus. Hulu without ads and the Disney Plus/Hulu ad-supported duo plan will increase by $1.
The ad-free Disney Plus/Hulu Premium plan will remain at $19.99 per month. And the newly announced Max, Hulu, and Disney Plus plans will keep the same prices of $16.99 (with ads) and $29.99 (without ads).
Here is a breakdown of the new prices compared to the previous cost:
| Line 0 – Cell 0 | Old price | New price | Increase the amount |
| Disney Plus Basic (with ads) | $7.99 | $9.99 | $2 |
| Disney Plus Premium (No Ads) | $13.99 | $15.99 | $2 |
| ESPN Plus | $10.00 | $11.99 | $1 |
| Hulu with ads | $7.99 | $9.99 | $2 |
| Hulu without ads | $17.99 | $18.99 | $1 |
| Disney Duo Basic (Disney Plus, Hulu with ads) | $9.99 | $10.99 | $1 |
| Disney Duo Premium (Disney Plus, Hulu without ads) | $19.99 | $19.99 | $0 |
| Disney Bundle Trio Basic (DisneyPlus and Hulu with ads, ESPN Plus) | $24.99 | $26.99 | $2 |
| Hulu + Live TV (with on-demand video ads) | $76.99 | $82.99 | $6 |
| Hulu + Live TV (No Ads Video On Demand) | $89.99 | $95.99 | $6 |
Hulu + Live TV bundles are seeing the biggest increases, at $6, but all services except Disney Duo Premium are increasing by at least $1. Several popular bundles, such as Disney Plus bundles, are increasing by $2.
Disney's latest price increase comes with some added value. Starting September 4, Disney Plus will offer access to an ABC News Live channel and a playlist focused on preschool content. Whether or not those are your thing is a matter of preference, but at least the price increase comes with some extra content.
“Playlists are the latest example of how we’re delivering the best value and experience to our subscribers every time they open Disney Plus,” said Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+. “Whether it’s news, kids’ content, popular genres, hit TV shows or blockbuster movies, there’s something for everyone in a streamlined viewing experience based on seasonality and interests.”
It will be interesting to see how this price hike affects Disney's long-term subscriber base and its many streaming options. Streaming is a big part of the company's future, and it seems like bundles are a big part of that. They're meant to act as a hedge against churn (the cycle of subscribers canceling and then resubscribing later). But streaming bundles are a throwback to the days of cable TV, where you were saddled with a package that included channels you didn't want.
“With this growing offering and new ways to enjoy your favorite Disney Plus content, Disney subscription plans remain among the best deals in streaming today,” the company said in an official statement. At least Disney seems to think the value is there, but ultimately, subscribers will speak with their wallets.