Disney recently announced that starting mid-October, the prices for most plans on Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ will see an increase of $1 to $2 per month. The most significant price increase comes for the Hulu plans that include live TV, which will see a $6 bump in monthly fees. Disney+ basic and premium plans will now be priced at $9.99 and $15.99, respectively.
This move towards raising prices comes as Disney continues to push its customers towards bundled packages to provide more value for their money. Disney has been offering bundles of its services for some time now, combining Hulu and Disney+, or all three streaming services including ESPN+. The existing bundle of Disney+ and Hulu, which includes ads, will also see a price increase of $1, bringing it to $10.99 per month. However, the bundle without ads will remain at its current rate of $19.99 per month.
In addition to its own bundles, Disney has also partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery to offer a new bundle that includes Disney+, Hulu, and Max. This bundle was previously announced to be available for $16.99 with ads and $29.99 for a commercial-free experience, offering a significant savings compared to purchasing the services separately.
To provide further value for subscribers, Disney is introducing ABC News Live and a playlist featuring preschool content, available to all subscribers starting September 4. The company also plans to introduce four more curated playlists for premium subscribers. According to Alisa Bowen, the president of Disney’s streaming platform, these playlists are part of the company’s commitment to providing the best value and experience for its subscribers.
As Disney increases prices on its streaming platforms, it is clear that the company is focusing on providing more value and content to its subscribers. With the introduction of new bundles, partnerships, and additional curated playlists, Disney aims to attract and retain customers in an increasingly competitive streaming market. The price hikes may be a downside for some subscribers, but the added features and content are designed to enhance the overall streaming experience for Disney subscribers.