Disney has announced that it will be increasing the prices for its streaming subscription packages starting October 21. The cost for the ad-supported Disney+ plan will rise by $2, reaching $11.99 per month. Additionally, the premium no-ads plan will see a $3 hike, bringing the monthly subscription to $18.99 or an annual charge of $189.99, which is an increase of $30.
Packages combining Disney+ with Hulu’s ad-supported service will also see a $2 per month increase. Meanwhile, all bundles that include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN, as well as those with Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max, will experience a $3 monthly increase. Notably, the pricing for NFL+ plans remains unchanged.
Disney had hinted at these price adjustments during its third-quarter earnings call. The company anticipates a modest growth in Disney+ subscribers in the upcoming fiscal quarter. The last time Disney adjusted its subscription fees was in October 2024, with most plans having seen a $1 to $2 increase.
These changes come amid considerable scrutiny over Disney’s handling of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” The show was temporarily pulled by Disney’s subsidiary, ABC, due to controversial comments made by the host regarding the alleged killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Following backlash from viewers and other late-show hosts, Disney announced the program’s return nearly a week later.
Amid this controversy, some fans expressed their disapproval by canceling their Disney+ subscriptions in a show of solidarity with Jimmy Kimmel. Disney did not provide immediate comments regarding the recent price changes.
Overall, while the subscription price hikes might be unwelcome news for some consumers, Disney appears to be working towards balancing financial growth with maintaining its diverse streaming offerings.