The streamflation trend continues: Disney is once again asking Disney+ and Hulu subscribers to pay even more for the streaming service. Disney+ Premium and Hulu Premium, the plans without ads, are both increasing from $18.99 to $21.49/month, up 13%. The pricing strategy is clearly aimed at pushing consumers toward bundles: The Disney+/Hulu Premium bundle is ticking up two bucks, from $19.99 to $21.99/month, which is nearly half what it would cost if you bought them separately.
The ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu (SVOD only) plans are also getting a hike, from $11.99 to $12.49/month. The Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) remains unchanged at $12.99/month — just 50 cents more than each of the services if purchased separately. The Disney+ and Hulu price increases are effective Wednesday (Sept. 23) for new subscribers.
Existing customers will see the new pricing on their next monthly bill. The higher prices come as Pixar blockbuster “Toy Story 5” debuted on Disney+ on Wednesday. Variety has reached out to Disney for additional info.
Meanwhile, Disney also recently raised the price of the ESPN Unlimited service, which increased from $29.99 to $31.99/month effective Sept. 17. Disney’s streaming price hikes have become an annual ritual. The latest increases mark the fourth time in four years the Mouse House is raising rates in the U.S., after price hikes for Disney+ and Hulu in October 2024 and in October 2023.
The ad-free Disney+ tier has now nearly doubled in price from the $10.99/month rate in 2023 prior to the fall increase that year. RELATED: Streaming Prices Continue to Balloon: Is ‘Streamflation’ at a Breaking Point?
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