Quick Answer: Disney announced a Disney Plus price increase on September 23, 2026. Disney+ Premium (no ads) jumps $2.50 to $21.49 a month, and Disney+ with ads rises 50 cents to $12.49. Hulu gets the same new prices. The Disney+ and Hulu Premium bundle goes up $2 to $21.99, while the Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads stays at $12.99. New subscribers pay the new prices now. Existing subscribers see them on their first bill on or after October 21, 2026. This is Disney’s fourth price hike in four years.
Another fall, another Disney Plus price increase. Disney is raising prices on most Disney+ and Hulu plans in the US, and for the first time, the ad-free version of Disney+ costs more than $20 a month.
If you subscribe to Disney+, Hulu, or one of Disney’s bundles, your bill is about to change. This guide shows every new price, when it takes effect, how Disney now compares with Netflix and other streamers, and the smartest ways to pay less.
Disney Plus Price Increase 2026: The New Prices
Here is how the individual plans change. Disney+ and Hulu now cost exactly the same at each tier.
| Plan | Old Price | New Price | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Disney+ with ads (Basic) | $11.99/mo | $12.49/mo | +$0.50 |
| Disney+ Premium (no ads) | $18.99/mo | $21.49/mo | +$2.50 |
| Hulu with ads | $11.99/mo | $12.49/mo | +$0.50 |
| Hulu Premium (no ads) | $18.99/mo | $21.49/mo | +$2.50 |
The biggest jump hits ad-free subscribers. Premium plans rise about 13 percent, while ad-supported plans go up only about 4 percent. That gap is not an accident, as we explain below.
New Disney Bundle Prices
Bundles are where Disney wants you to be, and the new prices make that very clear.
| Bundle | Old Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) | $12.99/mo | $12.99/mo (no change) |
| Disney+ and Hulu Premium (no ads) | $19.99/mo | $21.99/mo |
| Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN (with ads) | $19.99/mo | $21.99/mo |
| Disney+ Premium, Hulu Premium, and ESPN Select | $29.99/mo | $32.99/mo |
| Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Basic (with ads) | $19.99/mo | $21.99/mo |
| Disney+ Premium, Hulu Premium, and HBO Max Basic | $32.99/mo | $34.99/mo |
| Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited (with ads) | $35.99/mo | $35.99/mo (no change) |
| Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited (no ads) | $44.99/mo | $44.99/mo (no change) |
A few other plans are also safe for now. Bundles that include NFL+ Premium are not changing, and Disney+ add-ons keep their current prices. Hulu + Live TV packages are going up, so check Disney’s official pricing page for your exact plan.
When Does the Disney Plus Price Increase Take Effect?
The timing depends on whether you already subscribe:
- New subscribers: The new prices went live on September 23, 2026. Anyone signing up now pays the higher rate.
- Existing subscribers: Your price changes on your first billing date on or after October 21, 2026.
That gives current subscribers a short window to switch plans, downgrade, or cancel before paying more. Disney has listed the details on its official Disney+ pricing help page.
How Much Has Disney+ Gone Up Since Launch?
When Disney+ launched in November 2019, it cost just $6.99 a month. Here is how prices have climbed since then:
| Plan | 2019 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disney+ with ads | — | — | $7.99 | $7.99 | $9.99 | $11.99 | $12.49 |
| Disney+ Premium (no ads) | $6.99 | $7.99 | $10.99 | $13.99 | $15.99 | $18.99 | $21.49 |
| Hulu with ads | $5.99 | $6.99 | $7.99 | $7.99 | $9.49 | $11.99 | $12.49 |
| Hulu Premium (no ads) | $11.99 | $12.99 | $14.99 | $17.99 | $18.99 | $18.99 | $21.49 |
That means ad-free Disney+ has more than tripled in price since 2019. It has also nearly doubled since 2023, when it cost $10.99 before that fall’s increase.
This is Disney’s fourth straight year of fall price hikes, following increases in October 2023, October 2024, and October 2025. Counting the 2021 and 2022 changes, it is the sixth price increase since Disney+ launched.
Why Is Disney Raising Prices Again?
Disney has not given a detailed public reason for this specific increase. However, the pattern of the new prices tells a clear story.
1. Disney Wants You on Ads
Ad-free plans went up $2.50, while ad-supported plans rose just 50 cents. Streaming companies earn money twice from ad-tier viewers: once from the subscription and again from advertisers. Making the ad-free option more expensive nudges people toward ads.
2. Disney Wants You in a Bundle
The Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads did not change at all. It still costs $12.99, which is just 50 cents more than either service alone. The ad-free bundle, at $21.99, is only 50 cents more than one Premium plan. Bundled customers tend to cancel less often, which is valuable to Disney.
3. The Whole Industry Is Raising Prices
Disney is not alone. Netflix raised prices in March 2026. Apple TV went up $2 to $14.99 in August, and Peacock raised prices by $1 to $3 the same month. HBO Max raised prices in October 2025. Analysts call this trend “streamflation,” and there is no sign it is slowing down.
4. Disney+ and Hulu Are Merging Into One App
Disney has been fully integrating Hulu into Disney+, with a single unified app arriving in 2026. The two services still sell as separate subscriptions, but matching their prices at every tier makes the combined product simpler to sell.
Disney+ vs Netflix vs Other Streamers: Price Comparison
How does Disney stack up after the increase? Here is a quick look at major US streaming prices:
| Service | With Ads | Ad-Free |
|---|---|---|
| Disney+ | $12.49 | $21.49 |
| Hulu | $12.49 | $21.49 |
| Netflix | $8.99 | $19.99 (Standard) / $26.99 (Premium) |
| Apple TV | — | $14.99 |
Among standard ad-free tiers, Disney+ and Hulu at $21.49 are now among the most expensive. They cost more than Netflix Standard at $19.99, though Netflix Premium at $26.99 is still the priciest plan overall. It is worth noting that Netflix Standard is a 1080p plan limited to two screens, and Disney has no direct equivalent.
If you are also feeling the Apple squeeze, see our breakdown of the Apple TV price increase in 2026.
How Much More Will You Pay Per Year?
Small monthly increases add up fast. Here is what the new prices mean over a full year:
- Disney+ Premium: $21.49 x 12 = $257.88 a year, up $30 from last year.
- Disney+ with ads: $12.49 x 12 = $149.88 a year, up $6.
- Disney+ and Hulu Premium bundle: $21.99 x 12 = $263.88 a year, up $24.
- Disney+ and Hulu with ads bundle: $12.99 x 12 = $155.88 a year, no change.
The gap between the ad-free and ad-supported Disney+ plans is now $108 a year. That is the real decision most households face.
8 Ways to Save Money After the Disney Plus Price Increase
You do not have to simply accept a higher bill. Here are practical ways to pay less.
1. Switch to the Disney+ and Hulu Bundle With Ads
This is the single best deal in Disney’s lineup. For $12.99 a month, you get both Disney+ and Hulu with ads. That is only 50 cents more than Disney+ alone. If you pay $21.49 for Disney+ Premium today, switching saves you $8.50 a month, or $102 a year, and you gain Hulu too.
2. Bundle Instead of Paying Separately
If you want both services ad-free, never pay for them separately. Two Premium plans cost $42.98 a month. The Premium bundle costs $21.99, saving you almost $21 a month.
3. Rotate Your Subscriptions
You do not need every streaming service every month. Subscribe to Disney+ when a big show or movie drops, binge it, then cancel and move to another service. Many families save hundreds of dollars a year this way.
4. Cancel Before October 21 If You Rarely Watch
If you have not opened Disney+ in weeks, now is a good time to cancel. Canceling before your first billing date on or after October 21 means you never pay the higher price. You can always sign up again later. For more on your rights when canceling subscriptions, read our explainer on the FTC click-to-cancel rule.
5. Check Your Phone or Internet Plan for Perks
Some wireless and home internet plans include Disney+ or Disney bundles as a perk or at a discount. If you are already paying for a streaming service through your carrier, do not pay for it twice. Our guide to the best cell phone plans in 2026 covers which plans include streaming extras.
6. Look for Annual Plan Options
Disney has offered annual billing on some Disney+ plans in the past, which usually works out cheaper than paying monthly. Check the current options in your account settings before the new price hits.
7. Share Within Your Household Only
Disney started cracking down on password sharing outside the home in 2023. Sharing within your own household is allowed, so make sure everyone at home uses one account instead of paying for separate ones.
8. Avoid Risky Workarounds
Some people try to sign up through other countries using a VPN to get lower prices. This usually breaks the service’s terms of use and can get your account suspended. VPNs are great for privacy and secure streaming on public Wi-Fi, as our guide to the best VPNs for streaming explains, but they are not a reliable way to dodge price hikes.
Which Disney Plan Is Best for You After the Price Increase?
With so many plans and bundles, picking the right one can feel confusing. Here is a simple guide based on how different households watch.
Best for Families With Kids: Disney+ and Hulu Bundle With Ads ($12.99)
Kids usually care about Disney, Pixar, and animated shows, not whether there are a few ad breaks. The ad-supported bundle gives the whole family Disney+ plus Hulu’s adult shows for parents, all for $12.99. For most families, this is the sweet spot.
Best for People Who Hate Ads: Disney+ and Hulu Premium Bundle ($21.99)
If ads are a deal breaker, do not buy Disney+ Premium alone for $21.49. For just 50 cents more, the Premium bundle adds ad-free Hulu. There is almost no reason to pay for Disney+ Premium on its own anymore.
Best for Sports Fans: ESPN Bundles
If you watch college football, the NFL, or the NBA, a bundle with ESPN makes more sense than paying for ESPN separately. The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle with ads now costs $21.99. Heavy sports fans who want everything should look at the ESPN Unlimited bundles, which did not change and still cost $35.99 with ads or $44.99 without.
Best for HBO Max Fans: Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max Bundle
If your household also watches HBO Max, the three-service bundle with ads costs $21.99 a month. Buying Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max separately costs far more, so this bundle is one of the better values in streaming right now.
Best for Light Viewers: Subscribe Only When Needed
If you only open Disney+ for a new Marvel movie or a holiday special, skip the ongoing subscription. Sign up for one month when something you want arrives, then cancel. You will likely spend far less than a full year of any plan.
How to Change or Cancel Your Disney+ Plan
Switching plans before the new price hits your bill is easy. The exact steps depend on how you signed up.
If You Pay Disney Directly
- Go to the Disney+ website and log in.
- Open your Account page by selecting your profile.
- Under your subscription, choose the option to change your plan.
- Pick the new plan or bundle you want and confirm.
- To cancel instead, choose Cancel Subscription and follow the prompts.
If You Pay Through Apple, Google, Roku, or Amazon
If you subscribed through an app store or a streaming device, you usually need to manage or cancel your subscription through that company’s account settings, not through Disney. On an iPhone, for example, you manage it in your Apple account’s Subscriptions menu.
If You Get Disney+ Through Your Carrier
If Disney+ comes with your phone or internet plan, contact your provider or check your carrier account. Your price may be set by your plan rather than by Disney directly.
Tip: When you cancel, you normally keep access until the end of your current billing period. So there is no need to wait until the last minute, as long as you cancel before your first bill on or after October 21.
What Does This Mean for Hulu + Live TV and ESPN Subscribers?
The spotlight is on Disney+ and Hulu, but live TV and sports subscribers are affected too.
Hulu + Live TV packages are also getting more expensive. If you use Hulu + Live TV as your cable replacement, check the updated price on Disney’s pricing page and compare it with other live TV services before your renewal date.
ESPN fans get mixed news. Bundles that combine Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN with ads rise $2, and the premium ESPN Select bundle rises $3. However, the top-tier ESPN Unlimited bundles are unchanged, which makes them relatively better value than before for households that watch a lot of live sports.
Is Disney+ Still Worth It in 2026?
That depends on how you watch. Disney+ still has one of the strongest libraries for families, with Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content in one place. New ways to watch keep arriving too. At Meta Connect this week, Meta announced that Disney+ subscribers in some countries will be able to stream Marvel films like The Avengers in 3D on its headsets starting in November, which we covered in our Meta Connect 2026 recap.
Disney+ is probably still worth it if:
- You have kids who watch Disney or Pixar content regularly.
- You follow Marvel and Star Wars series closely.
- You already use Hulu and can switch to a bundle.
You may want to cancel or downgrade if:
- You only watch one or two shows a year.
- You pay for ad-free Premium but would not mind a few ads.
- You subscribe to four or more streaming services and rarely use them all.
Streaming Price Increases in the Past Year
Disney’s hike is part of a much bigger wave. Here is a quick tracker of recent US streaming price increases:
| Service | When | What Changed |
|---|---|---|
| HBO Max | October 2025 | All three tiers rose by $1 to $2 |
| Netflix | March 2026 | Ads plan to $8.99; Premium to $26.99 |
| Apple TV | August 2026 | Up $2 to $14.99 a month |
| Peacock | August 2026 | Plans rose by $1 to $3 |
| Disney+ and Hulu | September 2026 | Premium to $21.49; ads plans to $12.49 |
If you subscribe to several of these services, your total monthly streaming bill may now rival what a basic cable package used to cost. That is exactly why reviewing and trimming subscriptions once or twice a year has become one of the easiest ways for households to save money.
Looking ahead, few analysts expect prices to fall. Streaming companies are under pressure to turn a profit, and annual increases have become routine. The best defense is to stay flexible, favor bundles and ad tiers, and cancel what you do not use.
Key Takeaways
- The Disney Plus price increase raises Disney+ Premium to $21.49 and Disney+ with ads to $12.49 a month.
- Hulu matches those prices exactly at both tiers.
- The Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads stays at $12.99, making it the best value in Disney’s lineup.
- New subscribers pay the new prices now. Existing subscribers pay them from their first bill on or after October 21, 2026.
- This is Disney’s fourth straight annual price increase and the first time ad-free Disney+ has topped $20.
- Switching from Disney+ Premium to the ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle can save you about $102 a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Disney Plus now?
Disney+ with ads costs $12.49 a month, and Disney+ Premium without ads costs $21.49 a month in the US after the September 2026 price increase.
When does the Disney Plus price increase start?
New subscribers have paid the new prices since September 23, 2026. Existing subscribers will be charged the new price on their first billing date on or after October 21, 2026.
Is the Disney+ and Hulu bundle going up?
The ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle stays at $12.99 a month. The ad-free Premium bundle rises $2 to $21.99 a month.
How much is Hulu after the price increase?
Hulu with ads costs $12.49 a month, and Hulu Premium without ads costs $21.49 a month, matching Disney+ exactly.
Why does Disney keep raising prices?
Disney has not given a detailed reason, but the new prices push customers toward ad-supported plans and bundles. The whole streaming industry has also been raising prices, with Netflix, Apple TV, Peacock, and HBO Max all increasing rates in the past year.
How many times has Disney+ raised prices?
This is the fourth price increase in four years and the sixth since Disney+ launched at $6.99 a month in 2019.
Is Disney+ more expensive than Netflix now?
Disney+ Premium at $21.49 costs more than Netflix Standard at $19.99, but less than Netflix Premium at $26.99. Disney+ with ads at $12.49 costs more than Netflix with ads at $8.99.
What is the cheapest way to get Disney+?
The best value is the Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads at $12.99 a month. It costs only 50 cents more than Disney+ with ads alone and adds Hulu. Also check whether your phone or internet plan includes Disney+ as a perk.
Final Word
The 2026 Disney Plus price increase continues a trend that shows no sign of stopping. Ad-free streaming is getting expensive, and Disney is clearly steering subscribers toward ads and bundles. The good news is that the smartest option, the $12.99 Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads, did not change at all.
Before your bill updates on or after October 21, take five minutes to review your plan. Switching tiers, bundling, or pausing a service you rarely use could easily save you $100 or more over the next year.
