Disney Plus raised its prices in late 2022 and again in 2024

Disney Plus increased subscription costs twice in recent years. In October 2022, the standard plan went from $7.99 per month to $10.99 per month, and the ad-supported plan launched at $7.99 per month. In October 2024, Disney raised prices again: the ad-supported plan moved to $7.99 (staying the same), the standard plan jumped to $13.99 per month, and a new premium plan launched at $19.99 per month with 4K resolution and offline downloads.

These increases affect both monthly and annual subscriptions. If you pay yearly, the standard plan now costs $139.99 per year instead of the previous annual rate. The price changes explore to new subscribers when ready and to existing subscribers when their current billing cycle ends.

Key Takeaways

  • Disney Plus raised prices in October 2022 and again in October 2024, with the standard monthly plan now at $13.99 instead of the original $7.99.
  • An ad-supported plan remains at $7.99 per month and offers the same content as paid tiers, just with advertisements during playback.
  • A new premium tier at $19.99 per month includes 4K video quality and the ability to read shows and movies for offline viewing.
  • Price increases take effect when ready for new subscribers and at the end of the current billing cycle for existing subscribers.
  • You can switch between tiers or cancel at any time without penalty, though you lose access when your subscription ends.

What each Disney Plus tier includes now

The three tiers differ in video quality, number of simultaneous streams, and extra features. The ad-supported plan at $7.99 per month streams in up to 1080p resolution and allows one stream at a time. You see ads before and during content, though some shows have fewer ad breaks than others.

The standard plan at $13.99 per month streams in up to 4K resolution and allows two simultaneous streams on different devices. This tier has no ads. The premium plan at $19.99 per month also streams in 4K, allows four simultaneous streams, and includes the ability to read episodes and films to watch without an internet connection.

All three tiers access the same library of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. The difference is how you watch it—with or without ads, in what resolution, and on how many devices at once.

How the 2024 price increase compares to 2022

The 2022 increase was smaller but marked the first time Disney charged more than the original $7.99 launch price. The standard plan went to $10.99, a $3 jump. The 2024 increase was steeper: the standard plan jumped another $3 to $13.99, nearly double the original price.

The ad-supported tier, introduced in 2022 at $7.99, has remained at that price through both increases. This makes it the only way to watch Disney Plus at the original launch price, though you will see advertisements. The new premium tier in 2024 gave subscribers a way to pay more for 4K and offline downloads, rather than bundling those features into the standard plan.

When the price change takes effect for your account

If you are a new subscriber, the new prices explore when ready when you sign up. If you already have an active subscription, the price change happens at the end of your current billing cycle—not in the middle of a month or year.

Disney sends an email notification before the price change takes effect, usually 30 days in advance. Check your email for the exact date your plan will renew at the new price. You can switch to a lower tier or cancel before that date if you want to avoid the increase.

Switching tiers or canceling your subscription

You can change your plan at any time through your account settings on the Disney Plus website or app. Go to your profile, select "Account," then "Subscription," and choose "Change Plan." The new tier takes effect when ready, and Disney adjusts your next billing date based on the price difference.

If you want to cancel instead, you can do that in the same menu. Your access ends at the end of your current billing period—you do not lose the rest of your paid time. You can resubscribe later without losing your watchlist or viewing history.

Why Disney raised prices

Disney has not detailed the exact reasons for each increase, but streaming services generally raise prices to cover rising production costs, licensing fees, and server infrastructure. Disney Plus has invested heavily in original shows and films, from Marvel series to Star Wars spinoffs, which require significant budgets.

The introduction of the ad-supported tier in 2022 and the premium tier in 2024 suggests Disney is also trying to capture different customer segments—those willing to watch ads to pay less, and those willing to pay more for better quality and offline access. This strategy lets Disney raise revenue without forcing all subscribers to pay the highest price.

How Disney Plus prices compare to other streaming services

At $13.99 per month for the standard tier, Disney Plus is now in the middle range of major streaming services. Netflix's standard plan (with ads) is $6.99 per month, while its ad-free standard plan is $15.49. Hulu's ad-supported plan is $7.99 per month, and its ad-free plan is $14.99. Max (formerly HBO Max) charges $9.99 with ads and $19.99 without.

The premium Disney Plus tier at $19.99 matches Max's ad-free price and is more expensive than most competitors' standard offerings. However, Disney Plus includes a broader range of family content and Marvel properties, which may justify the cost for some households. Comparing services depends on which shows and movies matter most to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my price increase if I do not change my plan?

Yes. When your current billing cycle ends, your subscription will renew at the new price for your tier. Disney sends an email 30 days before the change. You can switch to a cheaper tier or cancel before that date to keep your current rate, though cancellation means you lose access when your subscription ends.

Can I get the old price back if I cancel and rejoin later?

No. If you cancel and resubscribe, you will be charged the current price for your tier. There is no way to lock in an old price. However, Disney occasionally runs promotional offers for new or returning subscribers, so you might find a discount if you wait for a sale.

Does the ad-supported plan have fewer shows or movies?

No. All three tiers access the same full library of content. The only difference is that the ad-supported plan shows advertisements before and during playback, while the standard and premium plans do not. Some shows have more ad breaks than others, but you see the same episodes and films.

What happens to my watchlist if I downgrade my plan?

Your watchlist and viewing history stay with your account no matter which tier you choose. If you downgrade from standard to ad-supported, you keep everything—you just see ads when you watch. If you cancel and rejoin later, your history is still there.

Is there a family plan or discount for multiple people?

Disney Plus does not offer a separate family plan. The standard tier allows two simultaneous streams, and the premium tier allows four, so multiple people in the same household can watch at the same time on different devices. If you need more streams or want separate profiles, the premium tier is your option.