Hulu Live TV does not include Disney Plus as a standard feature
Hulu Live TV and Disney Plus are separate subscriptions, even though Disney owns both. When you pay for Hulu Live TV, you get live television channels, on-demand shows, and movies through Hulu's streaming service — but Disney Plus is not part of that package. If you want both, you need to pay for both subscriptions separately, or you can buy a bundle that combines them.
The confusion happens because Disney offers a bundle called Disney Bundle that pairs Hulu Live TV with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus. This bundle costs less than buying all three separately, but you are still paying for three distinct services. The bundle straightforward discounts the total price rather than combining them into one login or one channel guide.
Key Takeaways
- Hulu Live TV includes live channels and on-demand content but does not include Disney Plus unless you purchase the Disney Bundle.
- The Disney Bundle combines Hulu Live TV, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus at a lower total price than buying each subscription alone.
- You can also buy Hulu Live TV with the ad-supported version of Hulu, or add Disney Plus and ESPN Plus separately to your Hulu Live TV account.
- Hulu Live TV includes access to local broadcast channels, cable news, sports, and entertainment networks depending on your region.
What Hulu Live TV actually includes
Hulu Live TV is a live television streaming service. It gives you access to over 75 channels including ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, ESPN, CNN, MSNBC, USA Network, Bravo, and FX, plus regional sports networks and local channels in most markets. You also get access to Hulu's on-demand library of shows and movies. The service includes a cloud DVR that stores up to 50 hours of recorded programs, expandable to 200 hours for an additional monthly fee.
What you do not get with Hulu Live TV alone is Disney Plus, which is a separate streaming service focused on Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. You also do not get ESPN Plus, which is a sports streaming service distinct from the ESPN channel included in Hulu Live TV.
The Disney Bundle and how it works
The Disney Bundle combines three services: Hulu Live TV, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus. When you buy the bundle, you pay one monthly price but maintain three separate subscriptions with three separate apps. You log into Hulu Live TV through the Hulu app, Disney Plus through the Disney Plus app, and ESPN Plus through the ESPN app or ESPN.com. The bundle does not merge them into a single interface.
The bundle comes in different tiers depending on which version of Hulu you choose. You can get Hulu Live TV with the ad-supported version of Hulu paired with Disney Plus and ESPN Plus, or you can upgrade to Hulu Live TV with the ad-free version of Hulu. The ad-free option costs more per month. Pricing varies by region and changes periodically, so check Disney's website for current rates.
Other ways to add Disney Plus to your Hulu Live TV account
If you already have Hulu Live TV and want to add Disney Plus, you do not have to switch to the bundle. You can add Disney Plus as a separate subscription to your account. The same applies to ESPN Plus — you can add it individually without committing to the full bundle. This option works if you want to keep your current Hulu Live TV plan and straightforward layer on additional services.
Some people prefer this approach because it gives them more flexibility. You can cancel Disney Plus or ESPN Plus without affecting your Hulu Live TV subscription, whereas the bundle ties all three together. If you only want one or two of the three services, adding them individually may cost more overall, but it avoids paying for something you will not use.
Comparing the cost of bundle versus separate subscriptions
The Disney Bundle is cheaper than buying Hulu Live TV, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus separately. For example, if Hulu Live TV costs $75 per month, Disney Plus costs $8 per month, and ESPN Plus costs $11 per month, buying all three separately would total $94. The bundle typically costs around $15 to $20 less per month than that total, depending on which Hulu tier you choose and current promotional pricing.
The savings are real, but the exact amount depends on which version of Hulu you select and whether Disney is running any promotional offers. Ad-supported Hulu Live TV bundles cost less than ad-free versions. Check the Disney website or your streaming app to see the current pricing in your area, since rates vary by location and change throughout the year.
What channels and content you get with Hulu Live TV
Hulu Live TV includes major broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox), cable news (CNN, Fox News, MSNBC), sports networks (ESPN, ESPN2, Fox Sports, regional sports channels), entertainment channels (Bravo, FX, USA Network, TNT), and lifestyle channels (HGTV, Food Network, Discovery). The exact channel lineup depends on your location, since local channels and some regional sports networks vary by market.
You also get Hulu's on-demand library, which includes thousands of TV shows and movies available to stream anytime. This is separate from the live channel guide. The on-demand content rotates as licensing agreements change, so what is available today may not be available next month. Hulu Live TV does not include premium movie channels like HBO Max or Showtime unless you add them as paid add-ons.
How to check if Disney Plus is included in your current plan
If you already subscribe to Hulu Live TV, open the Hulu app and go to your account settings. Look for your subscription plan details — it will show exactly which services are included. If you see only "Hulu Live TV" listed, Disney Plus is not included. If you see "Disney Bundle" or "Hulu Live TV + Disney Plus + ESPN Plus," then all three are part of your plan.
You can also call Hulu customer service or check your monthly billing statement. The statement will list each charge separately, so if you are paying for Hulu Live TV and Disney Plus as two line items, you are paying for them separately rather than as a bundle. If you want to switch to the bundle or add Disney Plus, you can make that change directly in the app or by contacting support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Disney Plus shows on the Hulu Live TV app?
No. Disney Plus content only appears in the Disney Plus app. Hulu Live TV and Disney Plus are separate apps with separate content libraries. If you have both subscriptions, you need to switch between the two apps to access their different content.
Does the Disney Bundle lock me into a contract?
No. The Disney Bundle is a month-to-month subscription. You can cancel any of the three services at any time without penalty. Canceling one service does not automatically cancel the others, so you would need to cancel each one separately if you want to stop all three.
Is the Disney Bundle cheaper if I only want two of the three services?
Not always. If you only want Hulu Live TV and Disney Plus, buying them separately might cost less than the full bundle that includes ESPN Plus. Compare the current prices on Disney's website to see which option saves you money for the specific services you want.
Can I upgrade from regular Hulu to Hulu Live TV and keep Disney Plus?
Yes. If you already have Disney Plus, you can upgrade your Hulu subscription to Hulu Live TV without losing Disney Plus. Your billing will adjust to reflect the new plan, and both services will remain active on your account.
What happens to my Disney Plus if I cancel Hulu Live TV?
If you cancel Hulu Live TV but keep Disney Plus, your Disney Plus subscription continues. The two services are separate, so canceling one does not affect the other. However, if you are on the Disney Bundle and cancel the entire bundle, all three services stop unless you specifically keep one or more of them active.