Disney is set to increase prices this Fall for All Stand-Alone Tiers of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ in the U.S. along with most bundled packages.
Effective October 17, Disney will implement price increases and target enhanced streaming revenue and profitability. However, the new Disney+/Hulu/Max combo, in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, and the Disney+/Hulu Premium no-ads bundle will maintain their current pricing, with the latter remaining at $19.99 per month.
Disney announced on Tuesday, that starting September 4, Disney+ subscribers will gain access to the ABC News Live streaming channel and a dedicated preschool content playlist. Additionally, Disney+ Premium (ad-free) subscribers will receive four extra curated playlists later in the fall.
The company said in announcing the price hikes, “With this growing offering, and new ways to enjoy your favourite Disney+ content, Disney subscription plans remain among the best values in streaming today.”
The ad-supported version of Disney+ will increase by $2 to $9.99 per month, and Disney+ Premium will also rise by $2 to $15.99 per month. Hulu with ads will see a $2 increase to $9.99 per month, while the ad-free Hulu plan will go up by $1 to $18.99 monthly. Furthermore, the Disney triple-play bundles, which include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, will also see a $2 per month increase. Additionally, the Disney+/Hulu Basic bundle (with ads) will rise by $1 per month and the Disney+/Hulu/Max package will retain its current pricing, remaining at $16.99 per month with ads and $29.99 per month without ads.
Disney+ will introduce a preschool-focused playlist starting next month, featuring a selection of TV series and shorts available on the platform, including “The Lion Guard,” “Sofia the First,” “Puppy Dog Pals,” and “Minnie’s Bow-Toons.”
Notably, Disney+ will debut four new curated playlists exclusively for Premium subscribers, later this fall, refreshed monthly. These playlists include Throwbacks (nostalgic pop culture favorites), Seasonal Content (seasonally-themed selections from the Disney+ catalog), Epic Stories (featuring tales from Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars), and Real Life (showcasing documentaries, biopics, and true stories).
Alisa Bowen, President of Disney+, said, “Playlists are the latest example of how we’re providing the best value and experience for our subscribers every time they open Disney+. Whether its news, kids’ content, popular genres, hit TV shows or blockbuster films, there will be something for everyone in a lean-back viewing experience based on seasonality and interest.”