What Disney+ costs and what you get at each price level

Disney+ offers three subscription tiers in the United States: a plan with ads at $7.99 per month, an ad-free plan at $13.99 per month, and a premium ad-free plan at $19.99 per month. The differences between them are the presence of ads, video quality, and the number of devices that can stream at the same time. All three tiers give you access to the same library of content — Disney films, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and ABC shows — but the experience of watching changes based on which plan you choose.

Prices and plan names vary outside the United States. In Canada, for example, the plans are called Standard with Ads, Standard, and Premium, and the dollar amounts are in Canadian currency. If you live outside the US, check Disney+ directly in your country to see the local pricing and what each tier includes.

Key Takeaways

  • The ad-supported plan costs $7.99 per month and shows ads during content, while the two ad-free plans cost $13.99 and $19.99 per month with no interruptions.
  • The $19.99 premium plan allows four simultaneous streams and streams in 4K resolution, while the $13.99 plan allows two simultaneous streams in 1080p.
  • The $7.99 plan with ads allows two simultaneous streams in 1080p, the same as the $13.99 ad-free plan, but with commercial breaks.
  • All three plans access the same content library; the difference is how many people can watch at once, picture quality, and whether ads play during shows and movies.
  • You can change plans or cancel anytime through your Disney+ account settings without penalty.

How ads work on the $7.99 plan

The $7.99 per month plan includes ads that play before, during, and after content. Disney does not publish the exact number of minutes of ads per hour, but the experience is similar to watching television — you watch a show or movie, ads interrupt it, and then it resumes. The ads are targeted based on your age and general location, but Disney does not allow you to skip them.

Some content on the ad-supported plan has restrictions. A small number of titles — mostly older films and shows — are not available on the $7.99 plan at all. Disney publishes a list of these titles in your account under the plan details, so you can see before you subscribe whether the content you want to watch is included.

Video quality and simultaneous streams on each plan

The $7.99 and $13.99 plans both allow two people to stream at the same time on different devices. If a third person tries to watch while two streams are already running, the oldest stream stops. The $19.99 premium plan allows four simultaneous streams, which means four people can watch different content at the same time without interruption.

Video resolution differs between the ad-free plans. The $13.99 plan streams in 1080p (Full HD), which is the standard resolution for most televisions and computer monitors. The $19.99 plan streams in 4K (Ultra HD), which requires a compatible device and a fast internet connection — Disney recommends at least 25 Mbps for 4K streaming. The $7.99 plan with ads also streams in 1080p, matching the $13.99 plan in picture quality.

The device you use matters for 4K. A 4K television, newer streaming device, or high-end tablet can display 4K content, but older devices or smartphones may not support it even if you pay for the premium plan. Disney's website lists compatible devices for 4K streaming.

Bundling Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+

Disney offers bundle packages that combine Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ at a lower total price than buying each separately. The most common bundle is the "Disney Bundle," which includes Disney+ (ad-free), Hulu (with ads), and ESPN+ (with ads) for $14.99 per month. A second option adds ad-free Hulu for $24.99 per month. A third option includes all three services ad-free for $24.99 per month.

The bundle prices change periodically, and the exact combination of ad-supported and ad-free versions varies. If you already subscribe to Hulu or ESPN+, bundling may cost less than your current separate subscriptions. You can view bundle pricing and options directly on Disney's website or in your account if you are already a subscriber.

How to change or cancel your plan

You can switch between the three Disney+ plans at any time through your account settings. Log in to Disney+, go to your account, select "Subscription," and choose "Change Plan." The new plan takes effect when ready, and your billing date stays the same. If you downgrade from a higher-priced plan to a lower one mid-month, Disney does not refund the difference.

To cancel, go to the same Subscription section and select "Cancel Subscription." Disney does not charge a cancellation fee, and your access continues until the end of your current billing period. If you cancel mid-month, you keep access for the remainder of that month. You can resubscribe at any time without penalty.

Payment methods and billing cycles

Disney+ accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and gift cards as payment methods. You can also subscribe through third-party platforms like Apple, Google Play, or Amazon, though the price may differ slightly depending on the platform. Billing happens monthly on the same date each month that you subscribed.

If your payment method fails, Disney sends a notification and gives you time to update it before your access is suspended. You can update your payment information in your account settings at any time. If you subscribe through a third-party platform like Apple, you manage billing through that platform instead of directly with Disney.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Disney+ account with people outside my household?

Disney's terms of service state that accounts are for personal use within a household. The company has announced plans to restrict password sharing, though the exact rules and timing have changed. Check your account settings or Disney's website for the current policy on sharing and whether extra fees explore for out-of-household users.

What internet speed do I need for Disney+?

Disney recommends 5.5 Mbps for 1080p streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K streaming. These are minimum speeds; faster is better if multiple people are streaming at once or if other devices are using your internet. You can test your speed through your internet provider's website or a free speed-testing tool.

Do I have to watch ads on the $7.99 plan, or can I skip them?

You cannot skip ads on the $7.99 plan. Ads play before, during, and after content, and you must watch them to continue. If you want to avoid ads entirely, you need the $13.99 or $19.99 plan.

Can I read shows and movies to watch offline?

Yes, all three plans allow you to read content to watch later without an internet connection. The number of downloads and how long you can keep them depends on the title, but most shows and movies can be downloaded to a phone or tablet through the Disney+ app.

What happens if I downgrade from the $19.99 plan to a lower plan mid-month?

The new plan takes effect when ready, but you do not receive a refund for the unused portion of the month. Your next billing charge will be at the new plan's price on your regular billing date. If you want to avoid paying for two plans in one month, wait until your billing date to make the change.