Disney Plus subscribers were caught off guard this week after receiving emails confirming that the cost of an annual subscription would rise from $79.99 to $159.99. The price increase, already announced earlier this year, is now taking effect and appears to be affecting long-time users the most.
In September, Disney said the ad-supported version of Disney Plus would rise by $2 to $11.99 per month. The Premium plan, which excludes ads, increased by $3 to $18.99 per month. Those changes took effect shortly after the announcement, but many subscribers say the annual jump feels much steeper.
For some, the increase amounts to about $30 each year, depending on when their plan renews. Others, who had previously locked in promotional rates or bundle offers, are seeing as much as an $80 jump. Complaints have spread quickly across social media, where users say they are reconsidering whether the service is worth the new cost. They have one week left to decide.
The timing adds to Disney’s recent troubles with content deals and public relations. Negotiations with YouTube TV have stalled over several networks, including ESPN and ABC. Without a new agreement, those channels could be temporarily dropped from the lineup, creating further tension for subscribers who rely on the platform for live sports.
The price backlash also follows continuing fallout from Disney’s handling of late-night programming. The company faced backlash two months ago after it briefly pulled Jimmy Kimmel Live! from its schedule following controversial remarks by Kimmel about the killing of political activist Charlie Kirk and his supporters. Many say they have not returned to the service since that incident, and the new price hike could make that decision permanent.
Maybe this will convince people to fianlly stop giving money to people who hate you.
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Mike Murphy
I'm a politically incorrect, amateur sci-fi writer with zero publications to date. I'm also an unrepentant veteran of the US Navy and fan of Peter Park's marriage to Mary Jane.
English (US) · 