Disney Plus pricing and content in May

Disney Plus offers two subscription tiers in the United States: a standard plan with ads and an ad-free plan. In May 2024, the standard plan with ads costs $5.99 per month, and the ad-free plan costs $13.99 per month. These prices have held steady since late 2023, though Disney has adjusted them multiple times since the service launched. The ad-free plan also includes the option to read content to watch offline.

What you watch depends on which tier you choose. Both plans give you access to the same library of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content. The difference is interruptions: the cheaper plan shows ads during shows and movies, while the ad-free plan does not. Neither plan includes live television or sports — those are on ESPN Plus and Hulu, which Disney sells as separate subscriptions or bundled packages.

Disney Plus does not charge extra for new releases in May or any other month. Movies and shows arrive on the service on their scheduled date, included in your subscription. You do not pay per title or per view.

Key Takeaways

  • Disney Plus costs $5.99 per month with ads or $13.99 per month without ads, and both plans include the same content library.
  • The ad-free plan lets you read episodes and movies to watch later without an internet connection.
  • New Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars releases arrive on their scheduled date at no extra cost beyond your subscription.
  • Sports and live television are not included on Disney Plus; ESPN Plus and Hulu are separate subscriptions or available as a bundle.
  • You can share your account with people in your household, though Disney limits simultaneous streams depending on your plan.

What content arrives in May

Disney Plus releases new episodes and films throughout May on a rolling schedule. Marvel series, Star Wars shows, and Disney originals typically premiere on Wednesdays. Pixar films and Disney theatrical releases land on their announced dates. The exact titles and dates change year to year, so checking the Disney Plus app or website in early May shows you what is coming that month.

Older content — the full back catalog of Disney films, classic television shows, and completed series — remains available all month. You can watch any of it whenever you want as long as your subscription is active.

How many people can watch at once

The number of simultaneous streams depends on your plan. The standard plan with ads allows two streams at the same time on different devices. The ad-free plan allows four simultaneous streams. If someone tries to watch a fifth stream on the ad-free plan, Disney Plus will ask one of the other viewers to stop or will pause the playback.

Disney Plus defines a household as people living in the same home. If you share your login with someone outside your household, Disney may ask you to verify your account or may restrict access. The company has been inconsistent about enforcing this rule, but it is part of the terms of service.

Downloading shows and movies

Only the ad-free plan includes the ability to read content. Once you read an episode or film, you can watch it without an internet connection. Downloads use storage space on your device — a phone, tablet, or computer — so you cannot read everything at once. Disney Plus lets you manage which titles stay downloaded and which you remove to free up space.

Downloaded content expires after a set period, usually 30 days, though some titles have different rules. When the read expires, you need an internet connection to watch it again, or you can read it a second time.

Bundling Disney Plus with other services

Disney sells a bundle that includes Disney Plus (ad-free), Hulu (ad-free), and ESPN Plus (ad-free) for $14.99 per month. This costs less than buying all three separately. A second bundle includes Disney Plus with ads, Hulu with ads, and ESPN Plus with ads for $7.99 per month. A third option pairs Disney Plus (ad-free) with Hulu (with ads) and ESPN Plus (with ads) for $9.99 per month.

The bundle prices change periodically, and Disney sometimes offers discounts for the first few months. If you use Hulu for television shows and movies or ESPN Plus for sports, the bundle usually saves money compared to three separate subscriptions.

Payment methods and billing

Disney Plus accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. You can also pay through Apple, Google Play, or Amazon if you signed up through one of those platforms. Your payment method is charged on the same date each month, and Disney sends a receipt to your email.

You can cancel your subscription at any time through the account settings in the Disney Plus app or website. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period — you do not lose access when ready. If you cancel mid-month, you keep your subscription until the next billing date.

Comparing Disney Plus to other streaming services

Disney Plus focuses on family-friendly content and franchises: Marvel movies and shows, Star Wars, Pixar, Disney animated films, and National Geographic documentaries. If you want a broader range of adult dramas, comedies, and independent films, you might need a different service or a combination of services. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video each have different libraries and pricing.

The choice depends on what you watch. If your household watches mostly Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney films, Disney Plus alone may be enough. If you want television shows, sports, and films across many genres, the Disney bundle or multiple services might make more sense. Many people subscribe to different services in different months rather than paying for all of them year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Disney Plus on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, up to the limit for your plan. The standard plan with ads allows two simultaneous streams; the ad-free plan allows four. You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and smart televisions as long as you do not exceed that number at the same moment.

What happens if I share my password with someone outside my household?

Disney's terms of service say accounts are for household use only. The company has sent warnings to some users who share passwords with people in different homes, but enforcement is inconsistent. Disney may ask you to verify your account or restrict access if it detects out-of-home sharing.

Do I have to watch ads on the cheaper plan?

Yes. The $5.99 plan includes ads before and during shows and movies. The number and length of ads vary by title. If you want no interruptions, you need the $13.99 ad-free plan.

Can I read content on the cheaper plan?

No. Downloads are only available on the $13.99 ad-free plan. The cheaper plan with ads does not include offline viewing.

Is there a free trial for Disney Plus?

Disney Plus does not offer a free trial in the United States. You can start a paid subscription at any time, and you can cancel before the next billing date if you decide it is not for you.