Disney Plus added ads to make the service cheaper for some subscribers

Disney Plus introduced an ad-supported tier in December 2022 because the company needed to lower the entry price and increase revenue from viewers who would not pay full price. The basic plan with ads costs less per month than the ad-free option, so Disney can attract budget-conscious subscribers while still making money from advertising. This is the same model Netflix, Hulu, and Max use — a lower-cost tier funded by ads, and a premium tier without them.

The ads appear during the show or movie you are watching, not before it starts. You cannot skip them. Disney sells these ad slots to companies that want to reach Disney Plus viewers, and that advertising money helps offset the lower subscription cost. If you find the ads disruptive, you have the option to pay more for an ad-free plan instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Disney Plus offers two subscription tiers: a cheaper plan with ads and a more expensive plan without ads.
  • Ads appear during shows and movies and cannot be skipped, typically lasting 15 to 30 seconds per ad break.
  • Upgrading to the ad-free plan removes all advertisements but costs more per month.
  • The ads you see are targeted based on general information Disney has about your account, not your viewing history.
  • Disney bundles its services, so you may be able to combine Disney Plus with Hulu and ESPN Plus at a lower total cost.

How many ads you will see on the basic plan

The number of ads varies depending on what you are watching. Movies typically have fewer ad breaks than television shows — usually one or two breaks during a feature film. TV episodes have more frequent interruptions, similar to traditional broadcast television, with ads appearing roughly every 10 to 15 minutes.

Each ad break usually lasts 15 to 30 seconds total, though this can vary. You cannot fast-forward through ads or skip them, so you have to watch them in full. The exact frequency and length are not published by Disney, so the experience may differ slightly between titles.

The difference between the ad-supported and ad-free plans

Disney Plus offers two subscription options. The Basic with Ads plan is the lower-cost option and includes all the same content as the ad-free plan, but with advertisements during playback. The Premium plan costs more per month and removes all ads.

Both plans let you stream on one device at a time. If you want to watch on multiple devices simultaneously, you need the Premium Plus plan, which also has no ads and allows up to four concurrent streams. The Premium Plus plan is the most expensive option.

You can switch between plans at any time through your account settings. The change takes effect at your next billing date, not when ready.

Why Disney Plus does not show personalized ads based on your viewing

Disney does not use your watch history to target ads to you. Instead, ads are targeted based on general information like your age range, gender, and general location — the same way traditional television advertising works. This means you will not see ads for shows you watched or characters you looked up.

Disney has stated this is a privacy choice: they do not want to track what you watch in order to sell more targeted ads. The trade-off is that ads may be less relevant to your interests, but your viewing data stays private to you.

Bundling Disney Plus with other services to reduce costs

Disney offers bundle packages that combine Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus at a lower total monthly cost than paying for each service separately. The Disney Bundle includes all three services with ads on Disney Plus and Hulu. The Disney Bundle Premium removes ads from Disney Plus and Hulu but keeps ads on ESPN Plus, and costs more.

If you already subscribe to Hulu or ESPN Plus, bundling may save you money even if you choose the ad-free tier. You can view the current bundle prices and compare them to your existing subscriptions in your Disney account settings.

What to do if ads are interrupting your experience

If you find the ads disruptive, your main option is to upgrade to the Premium or Premium Plus plan. This removes all advertisements and costs more per month, but gives you uninterrupted viewing.

You cannot disable ads on the Basic with Ads plan or use ad-blocking software to remove them — Disney's system is designed to prevent this. If the cost of upgrading is a barrier, consider whether you use Disney Plus frequently enough to justify the higher price, or whether you could pause your subscription during months when you are not watching.

How to upgrade or downgrade your plan

To change your subscription tier, log into your Disney Plus account on a web browser or the Disney Plus app. Go to your account settings, find the subscription section, and select the plan you want. Disney will show you the price difference and when the change takes effect — usually at your next billing date.

If you downgrade from Premium to Basic with Ads, you will keep access to your account and watchlist, but ads will appear on your next viewing session. If you upgrade, ads will stop appearing when ready, and you will be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an ad blocker to remove ads from Disney Plus?

No. Disney Plus detects ad-blocking software and will not let you watch content if an ad blocker is active. You will need to disable the ad blocker to continue viewing. This applies to browser extensions and network-level ad blockers.

Do I have to watch ads if I share my Disney Plus account with family?

Only the account holder can change the subscription plan. If your account is on the Basic with Ads tier, everyone using that account will see ads. If someone else pays for a Premium plan, you would need to use their account to watch without ads, but Disney's terms of service restrict account sharing to household members.

Will Disney Plus ever remove the ad-supported plan?

Disney has not announced plans to remove the Basic with Ads tier. The company has stated that the ad-supported plan is a permanent part of its strategy. However, pricing and plan details can change, so check your account settings periodically.

Are there fewer ads on certain types of content?

Movies generally have fewer ad breaks than TV shows, but Disney does not publish a detailed breakdown of which titles have more or fewer ads. The frequency depends on the length and type of content, similar to traditional television.

Can I pause my subscription to avoid paying during months I do not watch?

Yes. You can pause your Disney Plus subscription for up to three months at a time through your account settings. Your watchlist and preferences will be saved when you resume. This is a good option if you want to avoid charges during periods when you are not using the service.