Hulu Live TV and Disney Plus are separate services, even when bundled together
Hulu Live TV does not come automatically with a Disney Plus subscription. They are two distinct services with different costs and features. However, Disney offers a bundle that lets you subscribe to both at a discounted rate compared to paying for each one separately.
When you buy the bundle, you get a Hulu Live TV account and a Disney Plus account under one subscription. Hulu Live TV includes live television channels, on-demand shows and movies, and the ability to record programs. Disney Plus is a separate streaming library focused on Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. You access each through its own app or website login.
The bundle does not give you anything extra beyond what each service offers on its own—it straightforward combines two subscriptions at a lower total price than buying them separately.
Key Takeaways
- Hulu Live TV and Disney Plus are two different services that must be purchased together or separately; one does not include the other.
- The Disney Bundle combines Hulu Live TV, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus at a lower monthly cost than subscribing to each individually.
- You can buy Hulu Live TV alone, Disney Plus alone, or any combination of the three services depending on what you want to watch.
- Each service has its own app, login, and content library, even when bundled under one subscription.
The Disney Bundle pricing structure
Disney offers a bundle that includes Hulu Live TV, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus together. The bundle price is lower than the cost of all three services purchased separately, but the exact price depends on which ad tier you choose for Hulu Live TV.
Hulu Live TV itself comes in two versions: one with ads and one without ads. The bundle price changes based on which version you select. You can also choose whether you want ads on Disney Plus and ESPN Plus or pay more for ad-free versions of those services. This means there are multiple bundle options at different price points.
Prices change periodically, so the best way to see current costs is to visit the Disney Plus website or the Hulu website directly. Both sites show you the bundle options and what each one includes before you commit to anything.
What Hulu Live TV includes that Disney Plus does not
Hulu Live TV gives you access to live television channels as they broadcast, plus the ability to pause, rewind, and record programs to watch later. This is the main difference between Hulu Live TV and regular Hulu (which is on-demand only). With Hulu Live TV, you can watch news, sports, reality shows, and other live events in real time.
Disney Plus does not offer live channels or the ability to record anything. It is purely on-demand streaming of movies and shows from Disney's library. If you want to watch live sports, news, or other broadcast television, you need Hulu Live TV or another live TV service.
Hulu Live TV also includes a cloud-based DVR that stores your recordings for a set period. The amount of storage and how long recordings are kept depends on your plan.
What Disney Plus includes that Hulu Live TV does not
Disney Plus is a streaming library of movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm (Star Wars), and National Geographic. It includes original series made only for Disney Plus, theatrical movies, documentaries, and older content from Disney's archives. You can watch anything in the library whenever you want—there are no scheduled broadcast times.
Hulu Live TV does not include access to the Disney Plus library. If you subscribe to Hulu Live TV alone, you cannot watch Disney Plus content. The bundle is the way to get both at once.
How to choose between buying them separately or bundled
If you want both Hulu Live TV and Disney Plus, the bundle is almost always cheaper than buying them separately. The savings are usually significant enough that even if you only plan to use one service heavily, the bundle may still cost less than a single subscription.
If you only want Disney Plus and have no interest in live television, you can buy Disney Plus alone without Hulu Live TV. Similarly, if you only want live TV and on-demand Hulu content, you can buy Hulu Live TV without the bundle.
If you want ESPN Plus in addition to one or both of the others, the full three-service bundle is typically the most cost-effective option. You can compare the prices on Disney's website to see which option works best for your situation.
How to set up and use both services together
When you sign up for the bundle, you create one Disney account that covers all three services. You then read the Hulu app and the Disney Plus app on your devices. Each app has its own interface and content library, but they share the same login credentials.
On your TV, phone, tablet, or computer, you open whichever app you want to use at that moment. If you want to watch live TV or recorded shows, you open Hulu. If you want to watch Disney, Marvel, or Star Wars content, you open Disney Plus. Both apps pull from the same subscription, so you do not need separate logins for each one.
You can use the bundle on multiple devices at the same time, though the number of simultaneous streams allowed depends on your specific plan. Check the terms when you sign up to see how many devices can stream at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Hulu Live TV without Disney Plus?
Yes. You can buy Hulu Live TV as a standalone subscription without Disney Plus or ESPN Plus. You would then have access to live TV and on-demand Hulu content, but not Disney Plus movies and shows. The bundle is optional—it exists only to save money if you want multiple services.
Does Disney Plus come with Hulu Live TV if I already have a subscription?
No. If you already pay for Hulu Live TV alone, Disney Plus is not included. You would need to upgrade to the bundle or add Disney Plus as a separate subscription. Existing subscribers can change their plan through their account settings.
Can I watch live sports on Disney Plus?
Disney Plus does not include live sports. However, ESPN Plus (which is part of the bundle) carries some live sports events. If you want comprehensive live sports coverage, you would need ESPN Plus or a separate sports streaming service in addition to what the bundle offers.
What happens to my Disney Plus if I cancel Hulu Live TV?
If you are on the bundle and cancel Hulu Live TV, you would lose access to both services unless you switch to a different plan. You could then buy Disney Plus alone if you want to keep watching that content. Contact Disney's support to discuss your options before canceling.
Do I need a cable box or antenna to use Hulu Live TV?
No. Hulu Live TV streams over the internet on any compatible device—phone, tablet, computer, or streaming device connected to your TV. You do not need a cable subscription, cable box, or antenna. You only need an internet connection fast enough to stream video.