Disney offers three separate subscription tiers, and most people end up on one that doesn't include Hulu
You're paying for both because Disney sells Hulu and Disney Plus as separate products with different price points. When you signed up for Disney Plus, you likely chose the standard Disney Plus plan—which does not come with Hulu. Disney also sells a bundle that includes both services, but you have to switch to it deliberately; the company does not automatically move you there.
The three tiers are: Disney Plus alone, Disney Plus with ads plus Hulu with ads, and Disney Plus Premium (no ads) plus Hulu (no ads). If you're on the first tier and paying for Hulu separately through another subscription, you're paying twice for overlapping services.
Key Takeaways
- Disney Plus and Hulu are sold as separate subscriptions by default, so signing up for one does not include the other.
- The bundle that includes both services costs less per month than paying for them separately, but you have to switch your plan to get it.
- Your current plan determines which bundle option is available to you—you cannot bundle an ad-free Disney Plus with an ad-supported Hulu.
- Switching to a bundle requires canceling your current plan and starting a new one, which may affect your billing date and any promotional pricing you're using.
The three Disney subscription options and what they include
Disney offers the bundle in two versions. The first is Disney Plus with ads and Hulu with ads together. The second is Disney Plus Premium (no ads) and Hulu (no ads) together. There is no option to mix and match—you cannot get ad-free Disney Plus bundled with ad-supported Hulu, or vice versa.
If you're currently on Disney Plus Premium (the ad-free version), you cannot add a cheaper ad-supported Hulu to your account. You would have to downgrade to the ad-supported Disney Plus tier, which would change your viewing experience on both services. This is why some people keep separate subscriptions even though a bundle exists—the bundle forces you into a specific combination.
The pricing varies by region and changes periodically, so the exact dollar amounts differ depending on where you live. In most U.S. markets, the bundle costs less than the sum of the two services purchased separately, but the savings depend on which tier you choose.
How to switch from separate subscriptions to a bundle
Log into your Disney Plus account and go to Account Settings. Look for a section labeled "Subscription" or "Plan Details." You should see an option to change your plan or view bundle options. Select the bundle that matches your preference for ads, then confirm the change.
When you switch, your old plan ends and the new bundle begins. Your billing date may shift, and any promotional discount you were using on your original plan will likely end. If you were in the middle of a promotional period—for example, a discounted rate for the first three months—switching will cancel that promotion and charge you the regular bundle price when ready.
After you switch to the bundle, cancel your separate Hulu subscription through whatever payment method you use for it (your credit card company, Apple, Google Play, or another platform). Do not cancel it before you switch your Disney Plus plan, or you may lose access to Hulu during the transition.
Why Disney keeps them separate by default
Disney profits more when people subscribe to both services without realizing they could bundle them. Keeping them as separate products means some subscribers never discover the bundle option and continue paying more than necessary. This is a common business practice across streaming services—the default choice is rarely the cheapest one.
The bundle also requires you to accept a specific combination of ad-supported and ad-free tiers. If you want ad-free Disney Plus but are willing to watch ads on Hulu, there is no bundle for you. This limitation means some subscribers rationally choose to keep paying separately rather than downgrade their Disney Plus experience.
What happens to your Hulu account when you bundle
If you already have a separate Hulu subscription, switching to the bundle does not automatically merge the accounts. You will have two Hulu accounts—your old standalone one and the new one that comes with the bundle. You need to cancel the standalone subscription yourself to stop paying for it.
Your watch history, saved shows, and profile settings on your standalone Hulu account will not transfer to the bundled Hulu account. If you have downloaded episodes or have a specific watchlist you want to keep, note those before you cancel the old account. The bundled Hulu account starts fresh.
When it makes sense to keep separate subscriptions
If you have Disney Plus Premium (no ads) and want to keep it that way, but you are willing to watch ads on Hulu, bundling forces you to downgrade your Disney Plus to the ad-supported tier. In that case, keeping separate subscriptions may cost more but gives you the exact combination you want.
If you share your Disney Plus account with family members who live in different households, bundling may not work for you. Disney Plus Premium includes the ability to watch on four screens at once and create separate profiles in different homes. The bundle tiers may have different sharing rules depending on your region, so check your account before switching.
Some people also keep separate subscriptions because they signed up for a promotional rate on one service that is not available on the bundle. If you are paying $1.99 per month for Disney Plus through a promotion that expires in six months, switching to a bundle now means losing that discount when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my Disney Plus watch history if I switch to a bundle?
No. Your Disney Plus watch history, profiles, and saved shows stay with your account when you switch plans. The bundle change only affects your subscription tier and billing, not your account data.
Can I bundle Disney Plus with ESPN Plus instead of Hulu?
Disney also sells a bundle that includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus together. This option is available in both ad-supported and ad-free versions. Check your plan options in Account Settings to see if this bundle is offered in your region.
What if I switch to a bundle and then want to go back to separate subscriptions?
You can switch back to a standalone Disney Plus plan at any time through Account Settings. You would then need to sign up for Hulu separately again. Any promotional pricing on your new plan would follow the standard terms for that tier.
Do I have to cancel my old Hulu account before switching to the bundle?
You should cancel it after you confirm the bundle is working, not before. If you cancel first, you might lose access to Hulu during the transition. Give the bundle plan one day to set up, then cancel the old Hulu subscription.
Why does the bundle cost less if I'm paying for both services anyway?
Disney prices the bundle lower than the sum of the two separate subscriptions to encourage people to buy both. It is a volume discount—you pay less per service when you commit to both. This is why bundling almost always saves money compared to separate subscriptions.