Disney+ Subscription Rates Climb Again in October

Amidst Controversy, Disney+ Implements Price Increases

Attempting to shift attention from the ongoing Jimmy Kimmel controversy, Disney is far from regaining favor with its audience. The corporation is once again raising the cost of Disney+ subscriptions in the United States.

A variety of individual plans and bundles will face price hikes, taking effect on October 21.

Post this date, users will find themselves spending $2 more on the standard Disney+ subscription, now priced at $12 monthly, which includes advertisements. For those preferring an ad-free experience, Disney+ Premium will increase by $3, reaching $19 per month. Remarkably, this marks a near-tripling in price over the last six years of the service’s existence.

Changes in Bundle Pricing

The Disney+ and Hulu plan with advertisements, previously $11 each month, will climb by $2, setting the new price at $13.

For the package including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select with ads, the cost will rise from $17 to $20, a $3 increase.

The ad-free version of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select will move from $27 to $30.

Meanwhile, Disney+ Premium, coupled with Hulu and ESPN Select (both with ads), will now be priced at $25 instead of $22. Note that existing users can keep this, but new members cannot switch to it.

For the combination of Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Basic that has ads, prices will rise by $3, resulting in a new $20 cost.

The trio of Disney+ Premium, Hulu Premium, and HBO Max without ads will escalate from $30 to $33 monthly.

Unchanged Pricing Plans and Future Developments

It's noteworthy that both the ad-free Hulu Premium at $19 per month and the ad-free Disney+ and Hulu Premium bundle at $20 remain stable in pricing for now. The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundles are also unchanged, offering rates of $36 with ads and $45 without them for the premium versions. Disney aims to merge Disney+ and Hulu into a single app the following year, though separate plans will still be offered.

Pricing Strategy in a Competitive Landscape

Following similar moves from companies like Apple and Peacock, Disney has announced these changes over the past months. However, the choice to do so at this particular time is questionable.

The news comes in the midst of widespread subscriber cancellations, protesting Disney's temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's programming. This subscription increase is unlikely to win back those who left, even as his show is set to return to ABC.