Not only is your Disney+ subscription about to cost more, you’re also going to get bombarded with offers to buy Disney-themed merchandise. According to the Wall Street Journal, Disney+ will soon offer T-shirts, themed accessories, and children’s costumes associated with some of its shows. Users would scan a QR code on the screen that links to the Shop Disney website.
The report says some merchandise may be exclusive to Disney+ subscribers.
This is all part of CEO Bob Chapek’s plan to squeeze as much money as possible from Disney’s loyal fans. The company is said to be working up a membership program like Amazon Prime to offer discounts to members.
While some viewers may enjoy the opportunity to snag some additional Disney merchandise or pay for the privilege of a discount, others may cringe at the encroachment of more commerce from an already expensive ecosystem.
The company’s Q3 earnings call offered bombshell after bombshell. While combined subscribers of Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ topped Netflix for the first time, subscribers to all three services are facing price hikes.
Just a few days ago, ESPN+ increased its prices by 43%. Prices for the other parts of the Disney Bundle are going up as well. Hulu’s price hike arrives October 10, with increases for Disney+, the Disney Bundle, and Hulu Live TV arriving December 8.
Additional surprises may be announced on Disney+ Day: September 8. Be sure to bookmark The Streamable for full coverage of the day’s events.
| Service | Current Price | October 10 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu Premium (No ads) | $12.99/month | $14.99/month |
| Hulu Basic (With ads) | $6.99/month | $7.99/month |
| Service | Current Price | December 8 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Disney+ Premium (No ads) | $7.99/month | $10.99/month |
| Disney+ Basic (With ads) | N/A | $7.99/month |
| Disney Bundle | Current Price | December 8 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (With Ads): Disney+, Hulu | $2.99/month | $9.99/month |
| Basic (With Ads): Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ | N/A | $12.99/month |
| Existing Subscribers: Disney+ (No Ads), Hulu (With Ads), ESPN+ (With Ads) | $13.99/month | $14.99/month |
| Premium: Disney+ (No Ads), Hulu (No Ads), ESPN+ (With Ads) | $19.99/month | $19.99/month |
| Hulu + Live TV Plan | Current Price | December 8 Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (With Ads): Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ | N/A | $69.99/month |
| Existing Subscribers: Disney+ (No Ads), Hulu (With Ads), ESPN+ (With Ads) | $69.99/month | $74.99/month |
| Premium: Disney+ (No Ads), Hulu (No Ads), ESPN+ (With Ads) | $75.99/month | $82.99/month |
-
Disney+
Disney+ is a video streaming service with over 13,000 series and films from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, The Muppets, and more. It is available in 61 countries and 21 languages. It is notable for its popular original series like “The Mandalorian,” “Ms. Marvel,” “Loki,” “Obi-Wan Kenobi,” and “Andor.”
-
ESPN+
ESPN+ is a live TV streaming service that gives access to thousands of live sporting events including NFL, MLB, NHL, UFC, College Football, F1, Bundesliga, PGA Tour, La Liga, and more. Users can see sports documentaries and select archived events. Subscribers can access exclusive articles from top ESPN insiders.
-
Hulu
Hulu is a video streaming service that gives access to thousands of full seasons of exclusive series, hit movies, kids shows, and Hulu Originals like “Only Murders in the Building,” and “The Handmaid's Tale.”
-
Hulu Live TV
Hulu Live TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 70 channels for $82.99/month. Hulu + Live TV base plan includes local channels, 33 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs). Subscribers get free access to Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra charge.
