Disney Plus raised its prices three times between 2022 and 2024
Disney Plus increased subscription costs in December 2022, October 2023, and again in October 2024. The price you pay depends on which plan you choose and when you subscribed. The service now offers three tiers: a basic plan with ads, a standard plan, and a premium plan without ads.
The December 2022 increase moved the ad-free standard plan from $10.99 to $13.99 per month. At the same time, Disney introduced a new ad-supported tier at $7.99 per month for viewers willing to watch advertisements. This was the first time the service offered an ad-supported option.
In October 2023, prices rose again. The ad-supported plan jumped from $7.99 to $7.99 (no change), but the standard plan went from $13.99 to $13.99 (also unchanged at that moment). However, Disney introduced a new premium tier at $13.99 per month with no ads and higher video quality, while the standard plan dropped to $11.99 per month.
The October 2024 increase affected all three tiers. The ad-supported plan rose to $7.99 (held steady), the standard plan increased to $12.99, and the premium plan went to $14.99 per month.
Key Takeaways
- Disney Plus has raised prices three times: December 2022, October 2023, and October 2024, with the largest single jump occurring in 2022.
- The service now offers three subscription levels: an ad-supported plan at $7.99 per month, a standard plan at $12.99, and a premium plan at $14.99.
- Existing subscribers are usually grandfathered into their current price for a limited time, though Disney eventually moves all users to new pricing.
- The October 2024 increase affected the standard and premium plans but left the ad-supported tier unchanged.
The 2022 price increase and introduction of ads
The December 2022 increase marked a turning point for Disney Plus. The ad-free plan jumped $3 per month, from $10.99 to $13.99. This was the steepest single increase the service had imposed since launch.
At the same time, Disney introduced its first ad-supported option at $7.99 per month. This gave budget-conscious viewers a way to stay on the service at a lower cost, though they would see advertisements during playback. The ads were typically 15 to 30 seconds long and appeared at the beginning, middle, and end of shows and movies.
Subscribers who already had the $10.99 plan were given a grace period before being moved to the new pricing structure. The exact length of this period varied by account, but most existing users saw their rates change within a few months.
The 2023 restructuring with a new premium tier
October 2023 brought a more complex change. Disney introduced a three-tier system instead of the previous two-tier model. The new premium plan cost $13.99 per month and offered the highest video quality (4K resolution on compatible devices) and the ability to read content for offline viewing.
The standard plan dropped to $11.99 per month and removed some of the premium features, including 4K streaming and offline downloads. The ad-supported plan remained at $7.99 per month. This restructuring meant that viewers who wanted the best picture quality had to pay more than they had before.
Again, existing subscribers were given time before being moved to the new structure. Some users on the old $13.99 plan were grandfathered in temporarily, while others saw when ready changes depending on their account status and region.
The 2024 increase across standard and premium plans
In October 2024, Disney raised prices on two of its three tiers. The standard plan increased from $11.99 to $12.99 per month, and the premium plan rose from $13.99 to $14.99. The ad-supported plan held steady at $7.99 per month, making it the only tier that did not increase.
This increase affected both new subscribers and existing customers. Subscribers on the standard or premium plans saw their monthly charge go up, though the timing of when the new price took effect varied by account. Some users were notified weeks in advance, while others saw the change reflected in their next billing cycle.
How price increases affect your current subscription
If you are already subscribed to Disney Plus, you may not see a price increase when ready. Disney typically gives existing customers a grace period before moving them to new pricing. The length of this period depends on when your subscription renews and your region.
You can check your current plan and price by logging into your Disney Plus account and visiting the account settings or subscription page. There you will see your plan name, monthly cost, and the date your next billing cycle begins. If a price increase is coming, Disney usually sends an email notification before the change takes effect.
If you want to avoid a price increase, you can switch to a lower-cost tier before your renewal date. For example, switching from the premium plan to the standard plan would lower your monthly cost. You can make this change at any time through your account settings, and it will take effect on your next billing date.
Comparing Disney Plus to other streaming services
Disney Plus pricing is now comparable to other major streaming services, though the exact cost depends on which tier you choose. Netflix's ad-supported plan starts at $6.99 per month, while its standard plan is $15.49 and its premium plan is $22.99. Hulu's ad-supported plan is $7.99 per month, and its ad-free plan is $14.99.
Many viewers subscribe to multiple services, so the total cost of streaming can add up quickly. Some people choose the ad-supported tier of Disney Plus to keep costs down, while others prefer the premium plan for better video quality and no interruptions. The choice depends on your budget and how much you value picture quality and ad-free viewing.
Disney also offers bundle deals that combine Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus at a discounted rate compared to subscribing to each service separately. These bundles may offer better value if you watch content on multiple platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my price increase if I keep my current plan?
Yes, eventually. Disney moves all subscribers to new pricing within a few months of an increase, though existing customers usually get a grace period first. You can check your account settings to see your current price and when your next billing date is. If you want to avoid a price hike, you can switch to a lower-cost tier before your renewal date.
What is the difference between the standard and premium plans?
The premium plan costs $2 more per month and offers 4K video quality on compatible devices and the ability to read shows and movies for offline viewing. The standard plan streams in up to 1080p resolution and does not include downloads. If you watch on a regular TV or laptop, you likely will not notice a difference in picture quality.
Can I share my Disney Plus account with family members?
Disney Plus allows account sharing, but the rules depend on your plan and location. In some regions, the service limits how many people can use the account simultaneously or from different households. Check your account settings or contact Disney Plus support to learn the sharing rules in your area.
Is the ad-supported plan worth it to save money?
The ad-supported plan saves you $5 per month compared to the standard plan. The ads are typically short and appear a few times per episode or movie. If you are comfortable with advertisements and want to lower your monthly cost, it can be a good option. If ads bother you, the extra cost for an ad-free plan may be worth it.
When does Disney Plus usually raise prices?
Disney has raised prices in December 2022, October 2023, and October 2024. There is no set schedule, so price increases can happen at different times. The company typically announces increases a few weeks in advance and gives existing subscribers a grace period before the new price takes effect.