Disney+ Raises Prices for Third Consecutive Year: What You Need to Know

Disney+ Subscription Price Hikes Again: What You Need to Know In a move that has left many subscribers reeling, Disney+ announced on September 24, 2025, that it will be increasing its prices for the third consecutive year. The price hike affects almost all plans, including bundle options with ESPN, HBO Max, and Hulu. According to an official document from Disney, the price increase is set to take effect next month, with most tiers seeing a higher cost. This marks the third time in as many years that Disney+ has raised its prices, sparking concerns among subscribers about the affordability of the streaming service. "We understand that this may be a challenging time for our subscribers," said a spokesperson for Disney+, "but we believe that these price increases will help us continue to invest in high-quality content and improve the overall user experience." The price hike comes at a time when many consumers are already struggling with rising costs of living, including increasing prices for streaming services. As Marisa Kabas, a journalist who broke the story yesterday, noted, "This is just another example of how companies like Disney+ are passing on their own costs to consumers, rather than finding ways to reduce expenses." Disney+ has been steadily increasing its prices since 2022, with the most recent hike affecting subscribers in October of that year. The company has cited rising production costs and increased competition from other streaming services as reasons for the price increases. The price hikes are not limited to individual plans; bundle options will also see an increase. For example, the Disney+ Bundle with ESPN+ and Hulu will cost $19.99 per month, up from its current price of $12.99. The Disney+ Bundle with HBO Max will cost $24.99 per month, up from its current price of $17.99. While some subscribers may be able to absorb the price increase, others may find it difficult to afford. As Kabas noted, "This is a concerning trend for consumers who are already struggling to make ends meet." In response to the price hike, Disney+ has promised to continue investing in high-quality content and improving the user experience. However, many subscribers remain skeptical about the company's motives. As one subscriber expressed on social media, "I'm not sure how much more I can afford to pay for Disney+. It feels like they're just trying to milk us for every penny." The price increase is set to take effect next month, with most tiers seeing a higher cost. Subscribers are advised to review their plans and adjust accordingly. Background: Disney+ launched in 2019 as a streaming service offering a wide range of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content. Since its launch, the company has steadily increased its prices, citing rising production costs and increased competition from other streaming services. Additional Perspectives: Industry analysts have weighed in on the price hike, with some predicting that it will lead to a decline in subscribers. "This is a concerning trend for Disney+," said one analyst. "If they continue to raise their prices, they risk losing market share to competitors like Netflix and Amazon Prime." Others have noted that the price increase may be a sign of a larger issue within the streaming industry. As Kabas noted, "This is just another example of how companies like Disney+ are passing on their own costs to consumers, rather than finding ways to reduce expenses." Current Status: The price hike is set to take effect next month, with most tiers seeing a higher cost. Subscribers are advised to review their plans and adjust accordingly. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: consumers will need to be more mindful of their spending habits in order to stay ahead of the curve. As Kabas noted, "It's time for companies like Disney+ to take a closer look at their pricing strategies and find ways to make them more affordable for consumers." *Reporting by Zdnet.*