Disney Plus Premium does not show ads — it's the ad-free tier
Disney Plus Premium is the subscription tier without advertisements. When you pay for Premium, you watch movies and shows uninterrupted. The tier that includes ads is called Disney Plus with Ads, which costs less per month but shows commercial breaks during content.
Disney offers two paid tiers: Disney Plus with Ads (the cheaper option with commercials) and Disney Plus Premium (no ads, higher price). There is no free tier. Your choice between them depends on whether you want to pay less and accept ads, or pay more for uninterrupted viewing.
Key Takeaways
- Disney Plus Premium is the ad-free plan; Disney Plus with Ads is the lower-cost plan that includes commercials.
- Premium costs more per month than the with-Ads plan, but you will not see any advertisements during playback.
- Both plans give you access to the same content library — the only difference is whether ads appear.
- Premium also includes the ability to read content to watch offline, while the with-Ads plan does not.
What you get with Disney Plus Premium
Premium membership removes all advertisements from your viewing experience. You can watch any movie or show from start to finish without commercial interruptions. The content library is identical to the with-Ads plan — you are not paying for exclusive shows or movies, only for the removal of ads.
Premium also includes offline downloads, which the with-Ads plan does not offer. This means you can read episodes or movies to your device and watch them later without an internet connection. You can stream on up to four devices at the same time with Premium, while the with-Ads plan allows only one device at a time.
How Disney Plus with Ads works
The with-Ads plan costs less per month but includes commercial breaks. The number and length of ads varies — some shows have ads at the beginning, middle, and end, similar to traditional television. Disney does not allow you to skip these ads.
The with-Ads plan also limits you to streaming on one device at a time, and you cannot read content to watch offline. If you have a household that wants to watch simultaneously on different screens, you would need the Premium plan or a separate subscription.
Comparing the two plans side by side
| Feature | Disney Plus with Ads | Disney Plus Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Advertisements | Yes, included | No ads |
| Simultaneous streams | 1 device | 4 devices |
| Offline downloads | Not available | Available |
| Video quality | Up to 1080p | Up to 4K |
| Monthly cost | Lower price | Higher price |
Switching between plans
You can change from one plan to the other at any time through your account settings. Log into your Disney Plus account, go to your subscription settings, and select the plan you want. The change takes effect when ready or at your next billing date, depending on when you make the switch.
If you downgrade from Premium to with-Ads, you will lose access to offline downloads and 4K streaming. If you upgrade from with-Ads to Premium, those features become available right away. Your watch history and saved content remain the same regardless of which plan you choose.
Bundle options with other Disney services
Disney offers bundle packages that combine Disney Plus with Hulu and ESPN Plus. These bundles come in different configurations — you can choose to add ads to some services while keeping others ad-free. For example, you might get Disney Plus Premium (no ads) bundled with Hulu with Ads and ESPN Plus.
The bundle pricing is typically lower than paying for each service separately. Check Disney's website to see current bundle options and pricing, as these change periodically and may vary by region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Disney Plus Premium on multiple devices at once?
Yes. Premium allows four simultaneous streams, so four people can watch different content on different devices at the same time. The with-Ads plan limits you to one device at a time.
Does Disney Plus Premium include 4K video?
Yes, Premium supports video quality up to 4K Ultra HD. The with-Ads plan maxes out at 1080p (Full HD). Your device and internet speed must support 4K for you to see that quality.
Can I read shows on the with-Ads plan?
No. Offline downloads are only available with Disney Plus Premium. If you want to read episodes to watch without internet, you need the Premium tier.
What happens to my downloads if I downgrade to with-Ads?
Any downloads you made while on Premium will be removed from your device once you downgrade. You would need to upgrade back to Premium to read content again.
Is there a free trial for Disney Plus Premium?
Disney does not currently offer a free trial for either plan. You must pay for a subscription to watch. Check Disney's website for any promotional offers that might reduce the cost of your first month.