This October, Disney+ US subscribers are facing yet another price increase. Yep, you heard me correctly.
The lowest ad-supported tier is set to rise from $7.99 monthly to $9.99 monthly – and yes, it’s hard to believe, but it’s the first price increase since the ads were rolled out. Unfortunately, there’s no option for an annual plan at that level, so if you were banking on one, tough luck.
The standard ad-free option will see a price increase as well, from $13.99 monthly (or $139.99 annually) to $15.99 monthly ($159.99 annually) for both new and current subscribers. Wonderful, isn’t it?
Add Hulu and ESPN+ under the Disney umbrella, and they’re cashing in too. Hulu’s ad-supported tier rises from $7.99 to $9.99, and the ad-free version jumps from $17.99 to $19.99. ESPN+ also goes up by a dollar— from $10.99 to $11.99. Not quite the positive inflation news you wanted, is it?
Now, with the cost of living creeping up like a shady character at the pub, this price hike isn’t exactly a joy for most. However, if you play your cards right, you might avoid some of it… for now. Here’s how you can save yourself some cash.
And while you’re at it, check out how Disney plans to crack down on password sharing if you think you’re being clever. Ha!
Purchase an Annual Subscription
First tip—secure an annual subscription before the price increase takes effect. Currently, an annual pass is $139.99. If this is your initial Disney experience, register on the Disney+ website.
How to renew your annual subscription:
If you’re already on the annual plan, you’ll need to handle it *before* 17 October 2024:
- Open the Disney+ website in your browser
- Click your profile icon at the top, then select ‘Account’ from the dropdown menu
- Navigate through the options to manage your account and change your subscription—this varies based on your payment method
If you procrastinate renewing, you can keep that old price for another year. But if you’re halfway through your current annual subscription, it might be tricky. Don’t fret, I’ve got more tricks up my sleeve for you.
Purchase a 12-month Disney+ Gift Subscription
Next tip—buy yourself a 12-month gift subscription before the price increases. This can be used after your existing annual pass expires to lock in the old pricing for a longer duration. Clever, right?
Steps to obtain that 12-month deal:
- Visit the Disney+ gift subscription page
- Fill in the recipient’s name and email (if it’s for yourself, use an email not already linked to Disney+)
- Buy the 12-month subscription for $139.99
- Keep that gift card safe and avoid activating it until your current subscription expires
- Once your current subscription ends, activate the gift card to maintain the lower price
Switch to a Disney+ Bundle
If you’re like me and often flip between various streaming services more than you lift weights, then a bundle could be your most economical choice.
The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle starts at $10.99 monthly—less expensive than getting each individually! Plus, you can relish all your Star Wars and Marvel content while sneaking in “Only Murders in the Building” or the occasional sports match.
If you’re after something more, there’s a new bundle launching with Disney+, Hulu, and Max (yep, HBO Max) starting at $16.99 monthly. So, you can binge on all the fancy House of the Dragon and White Lotus content too.
Combine Disney+ with a Broadband Contract
Another strategy to avoid the price hikes is to bundle Disney+ with your broadband. If you live in the US, Verizon offers six months of Disney+ with some of their unlimited plans. Convenient if you require a new mobile contract anyway.
If you’re seeking more information on how to obtain discounted Disney+, check out my article on getting a discount on Disney+.
Cancel Your Subscription Completely
If all this hassle doesn’t appeal to you, simply cancel Disney+ altogether. You can always return later if they release something sensational (like a Star Wars series that’s actually exciting).
How to cancel your Disney+ account:
- Open the Disney+ website in your browser
- Click on your profile icon at the top and select ‘Account’ from the dropdown menu
- Follow the instructions to manage and cancel your account
If you’re unsure how to proceed, check out my comprehensive guide on how to cancel Disney+ for additional assistance.
Summary: Avoid the Price Increase with a Few Clever Moves
Let’s be honest—nobody enjoys paying more for the same content. However, with these strategies, you can at least postpone the unavoidable hit to your wallet for a while. Whether it’s signing up early, purchasing a gift card, opting for a bundle, or simply letting it go entirely, use your wits and sidestep the blow as long as possible.
Because let’s be real—none of us are shelling out more just to watch more bloody Ewoks!
