Jump straight to the Disney Plus price increase info you want by clicking on the links below:
1. New cost
2. When did it happen?
3. Why did it increase?
4. Was it worth it?
5. Current deals
Is a Disney Plus price increase on the way? Not if you're based in the US - the cost went up at the beginning of this year, so another hike in 2021 is very unlikely. It's a similar story for the UK, Canada, and Australia. However, that situation is a bit more complicated. Confused? Don't worry, we've explained everything you need to know about the Disney Plus price change below.
- Disney Plus: See the deals here
Wondering why a Disney Plus price increase happened in the first place? It's a fair question, especially considering the fact that the streaming service is just over a year old. You'll find more info further down the page, but it mostly boils down to funding new, original programming over the next few years. That includes everything from a raft of new Star Wars shows to movies like an Enchanted sequel.
To see all the deals as they stand following the Disney Plus price increase, click here or visit the official Disney Plus website.
Will there be another Disney Plus price increase?
Can we expect another Disney Plus price increase soon? Not if you're based in the US - the cost went up at the beginning of this year, so another hike in 2021 is very unlikely.
It's a similar story for the UK, Canada, and Australia; prices went up a few months ago for new subscribers, and existing members don't have to pay the more expensive monthly fee until August 23 2021. As such, I'd be surprised if another Disney Plus price increase happened before 2022.
Disney Plus price increase - new cost
Although none of us like to pay more, the Disney Plus price increase was mercifully small. Indeed, it went up by just $1 in the US this March 26 for a monthly sub and $10 for an annual membership. Meanwhile, it rose by $3 for Canadian or Australian members and £2 for new UK subscribers as of February (those who signed up before then keep the old rates until August 23).
Here's exactly how much a sub costs following this year's Disney Plus price increase:
- US: $7.99 per month / $79.99 for a full year
- CA: $11.99 per month / $119.99 for a full year
- UK: £7.99 per month / £79.90 for a full year
- AU: $11.99 per month / $119.99 for a full year
If you're signed up to the US bundle with Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus, you'll have also felt the Disney Plus price change - the cost increased by one dollar to $13.99 per month or $19.99 per month for the no-ads version.
Disney Plus gift cards jumped in price ever so slightly as well, matching the new yearly cost of $79.99 in the US. That's also true for the UK; gift cards are now £79.90 across the pond.
Disney Plus price increase - when did it happen?
When the cost change occurred is where things get confusing. In short, the date of the Disney Plus price increase depended on your region and current membership status. Here's a breakdown of exactly when the change to your Disney Plus sign-up has happened or will happen:
- US subscribers: Memberships for current and existing Disney Plus subscribers increased on March 26 2021. See all the offers here.
- Existing UK, Canadian, & Australian subscribers: Already have a membership? You'll get the original pricing until August 23 2021. Browse the deals here.
- New UK, Canadian, & Australian subscribers: The Disney Plus price increase is now in effect for new subscribers (as of February 23 2021). You can find the best offers here.
Basically, the Disney Plus price increase kicked in at the same time for most of the world - it's only existing members in the UK, Canada, and Australia that will see a grace period where their current rates are honored until August.
Disney Plus price increase - why did it go up?
If you're anything like us, you're probably wondering why the Disney Plus price increase happened in the first place. It's a fair question - the service has only been out for a year.
It all comes down to Disney's plans for the future. The price hike was to help fund an avalanche of new content we'll be getting over the next year or two, including numerous Star Wars shows, Marvel spin-offs, and live-action movies like an Enchanted prequel. In fact, Disney has promised 10 Marvel shows and 10 Star Wars shows over the next few years alone.
What's more, the UK, Canada, and Australia have received more mature content like Family Guy via an add-on called 'Star'. Because it's a bonus channel built into Disney Plus offering everything from How I Met Your Mother to Die Hard (i.e. an equivalent to the US Hulu service), we're finally getting those grown-up dramas that have always been lacking on Disney Plus - a downside we mentioned in our Disney Plus review. Sure, Brits, Canadians, and Australians are having to pay for it. But they don't need to pay for a separate service a la Hulu.
Disney Plus price increase - is it worth it?
Is the Disney Plus price increase is worth it? Broadly speaking, yes. If you're in the US, it's not too much of a change. You're paying $1 extra per month, which is still a hike but isn't deadly. You're getting a lot more bang for buck in the long run as well thanks to Disney's upcoming slate of shows and films, so we can't complain too much.
The Star channel has been added to the UK, Canadian, and Australian line-up, bringing with it a raft of mature content the service was sorely lacking until now
As for the rest of the world, the Disney Plus price change is a bigger jump in cost but is still fair value. If not more so, actually. That's because the Star channel has been added to the UK, Canadian, and Australian line-up, bringing with it a raft of mature content the service was sorely lacking until now. Because that expanded library ranges from Lost to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it's a big win.
OK, so it would have been nice for the US to get an integrated service like Star too (US readers have to pay for Hulu separately or grab the bundle with Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus instead). But never say never - it's always possible something like Hulu will be merged with Disney Plus some day.
Disney Plus deals
Now that the Disney Plus price increase is no longer breathing down our necks, you can renew your membership without fear of it rising in cost anytime soon. Indeed, you should be able to grab Disney Plus bundles at the current rate for the rest of 2021. We'd imagine, anyway.
Current Disney Plus deals in your area are listed below. And don't worry, we'll let you know if we spy another Disney Plus price change on the horizon.
Disney Plus deals - US
Disney Plus deals - Canada
Disney Plus deals - UK
Disney Plus deals - Australia
Considering giving Disney Plus to family or a loved one? If they haven't subscribed before, a Disney Plus gift card is probably your best bet. Looking for other streaming service offers, on the other hand? Don't miss our guides to the best HBO Max prices, Fubo TV costs, and Peacock TV costs.