Disney Raises Streaming Prices in US, UK

Walt Disney will raise prices across Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select in the U.S. effective Oct. 21, 2025: Disney+ with ads will rise from $9.99 to $11.99 and the ad-free Disney+ Premium from $15.99 to $18.99 (annual Premium to $189.99); Hulu’s ad-supported tier will move to $11.99 and ESPN Select to $12.99, and multiple Disney+/Hulu/ESPN bundles will also cost more. The increases — the fourth straight October hike since 2022 — are presented as part of Disney’s push to bolster direct-to-consumer revenue after its streaming unit reached profitability amid higher content and operating costs. The timing has drawn political sensitivity and customer backlash after ABC briefly pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live!, prompting boycott calls and criticism that the move looks poorly timed despite Disney saying the hikes were planned earlier. Observers warn cumulative, across-the-board dollar bumps could strain household entertainment budgets and affect subscriber churn after earlier losses tied to prior price rises and password-sharing crackdowns. Separately, Disney quietly raised its U.K. annual Standard plan by about £10, prompting angry customer reactions on social media.