Subscription prices on some of America’s favorite content are rising this fall for consumers, with price hikes taking effect on October 17.
In a press release on Tuesday, Disney+ announced that the new prices for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ ad-supported and ad-free plans in the U.S. will increase by $1 to $2 monthly.
Disney+ basic and premium plans, which currently cost $7.99 and $13.99 per month, respectively, will now cost consumers $9.99 and $15.99 per month, a $2 increase per month for each plan.
The Hulu plan with ads will cost $9.99 per month, and the plan without ads will cost $18.99 monthly. ESPN+ will now cost $11.99 per month and includes ads.
Bundles offered by the entertainment giant will also be subject to price increases.
The Duo Basic plan, which includes Disney+ and Hulu (both with ads), will cost $10.99 a month. The Duo Premium plan, however, will not be subject to price changes. The premium plan includes Disney+ and Hulu with no ads.
Those with Hulu+ Live TV plans will see a monthly fee of $82.99 with ads and $95.99 per month for a plan without ads.
Disney has also partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery, offering packages that include Disney+, Hulu, and Max for $16.99 a month with ads and $29.99 per month ad-free. The bundles provide “a savings of 38% compared with the price of the services purchased separately,” according to NBC 5 DFW.
These changes were announced ahead of Disney’s third-quarter financial results, per Fox 4 KDFW.
There will be subscriber incentives for those willing to pay the new prices.
According to Disney+’s press release, “Beginning September 4, ABC News Live and a playlist focused on preschool content will be available to all subscribers, with four additional curated playlists to follow later this fall.”
Alisa Bowen, president of Disney+, further explained what some of these playlists will look like.
“Playlists are the latest example of how we’re providing the best value and experience for our subscribers every time they open Disney+,” Bowen stated. “Whether it’s news, kids’ content, popular genres, hit TV shows or blockbuster films, there will be something for everyone in a lean-back viewing experience based on seasonality and interest.”
Changes to streaming services are occurring more frequently. Netflix announced in July that it would be discontinuing its basic plan for subscribers in the U.S. and France to grow membership and generate more revenue, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.