In August, during the third-quarter financial results call, Disney CEO Bob Iger announced that Disney+ would be experiencing price hikes globally.
These increases are significant, with potential hikes of up to 27% depending on the chosen Disney+ subscription tier.
However, there are definitely measures you can adopt to sidestep the price hike, at least for up to a year.
In this article, we will concentrate on the impending price surges in the United States and explore strategies to maximize savings before the hike in Disney+ subscriptions takes effect. Look out for further articles on other countries within the next few days.
How To Save On Your Disney+ Subscription Before The Price Increase
Disney+ is increasing its prices, but there are strategies and tips you can employ to maximize your savings before the hike takes effect.
If you’re a monthly Disney+ subscriber:
You should consider switching to the annual plan before October 12, 2023.
While the upfront cost and commitment might not be ideal for everyone, it truly represents the most economical way to continue enjoying the same features.
By making the switch before October 12, you can reap the benefits of a substantial 27.27% discount, translating to a savings of $30.00. Your annual subscription fee for the first time will be $110 instead of the regular $139.99. In other words, you’re getting over two months free!
By opting for the annual payment, you’re locked in at that rate for an entire year. This means that if, hypothetically, Disney increases the prices again within the next 12 months (as has happened before), you won’t be affected by the hike until your annual subscription comes up for renewal.
If you’re unable or unwilling to switch to the annual plan, another option to consider is downgrading your subscription to the Disney+ plan with ads. After the price increase in October, downgrading could save you a substantial $6.00 per month, amounting to a yearly saving of $72.
If you’re an annual subscriber:
If your annual subscription just so happens to renew before October 12, you’re in luck, as you’ll be able to enjoy the lower prices until your subscription comes up for renewal again.
Unfortunately, if your annual plan renews after October 12, you’ll be subject to the higher pricing. While there aren’t any tricks to bypass this increase, you might consider downgrading your subscription to save some costs.
If you downgrade to the monthly ad-supported plan, you could save up to $44.11 per year. If you don’t mind the ads and don’t need to download content for offline viewing, downgrading could be a sensible way to save money.
If you’re NOT subscribed to Disney+:
If you’re contemplating subscribing to Disney+, it’s highly recommended that you do so before October 12, 2023, to avoid the upcoming price hike.
Ideally, you would want to opt for the annual plan, as it provides the greatest savings. By committing annually before October 12, you can enjoy a substantial discount of 27.27%, amounting to a $30.00 saving. You’ll pay $110 instead of $139.99. In other words, you’re getting over two months free!  This will also mean that you get to enjoy Disney+ ad-free, as it’s not possible to pay for the ad supported plan annually.
If you prefer a monthly subscription, make sure to sign up before October 12 to secure savings for one month. However, please note that when your subscription renews after October 12, the price will increase by 27%, from $10.99 to $13.99. This is under the assumption you choose the ad-free plan. This is yet another reason why we recommend the annual plan. Despite the upfront cost and commitment, it remains the only way to achieve the maximum savings.
Additionally, you could sign up for the monthly ad-free plan before October 12, and then switch to the ad-supported plan just before your subscription renews. This strategy will enable you to enjoy Disney+ ad-free for one month at a lower rate, allowing you to catch up on all those movies and shows without any interruptions. Afterwards, you can downgrade to the more affordable $7.99 plan, which includes ads, moving forward.
Other Ways To Save On Disney+
Disney+ Plan With Ads
All Disney+ plans are set to experience a price increase in October, with the exception of the Disney+ ad-supported plan. Disney is making this plan particularly attractive with a pricing of just $7.99, a significant savings compared to the $13.99 ad-free option.
Alternatively, you can bundle Hulu (with ads) and access both streaming services for a mere additional $2.00, totaling $9.99.
Black Friday Deal
While nothing has been confirmed for Black Friday 2023, Disney has previously offered substantial discounts on both Hulu and Disney+. However, keep in mind that these discounts are typically available only to new subscribers or to those who are returning to the service after a hiatus.
You might consider delaying your sign-up to see what promotional pricing Disney offers later this year.
Phone Carrier Deals
Many phone carriers offer Disney+ included with certain plans, or as a limited-time promotion. For instance, Verizon Unlimited customers can enjoy six months of Disney+ for free, a perk that is available even to existing subscribers. Once your free period concludes, your subscription will continue at the regular rate.
Even better, those subscribed to Verizon’s 5G Get More or 5G Play More plans can access the Disney Bundle, which includes ad-supported Hulu and ad-free ESPN+, as part of their service at no additional cost.