Disney+ subscribers in the UK are facing another financial blow as the entertainment giant announces significant price increases across its streaming platforms. The latest hike marks the second time in under a year that customers will need to dig deeper into their pockets to access their favourite Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney content.
The standard Disney+ subscription without ads will now cost £7.99 per month – an increase of £1 from the previous price. Meanwhile, the premium tier that includes 4K streaming and additional features jumps to £10.99 monthly, representing a £2 increase.
What's Behind the Price Increases?
Disney justifies the price adjustments by pointing to their substantial content investments and the introduction of new features. The company continues to pour billions into original programming, including new Marvel series, Star Wars spin-offs, and the expanding National Geographic catalogue.
A Disney spokesperson stated: "We continue to deliver exceptional entertainment with unparalleled storytelling. Our pricing reflects the increasing value of our service and supports our ongoing investment in quality content."
How This Compares to Other Streaming Services
The new pricing positions Disney+ closer to competitors like Netflix, whose standard plan currently costs £10.99 monthly. However, Netflix recently introduced a more affordable £4.99 ad-supported tier, a strategy Disney has also adopted with its £4.99 ad-supported Disney+ option.
Industry analysts suggest these repeated price increases reflect streaming services' struggle to achieve profitability after years of aggressive subscriber growth at discounted rates.
What Subscribers Need to Know
- Existing subscribers will see the new prices take effect from their next billing cycle after October 12th
- The annual subscription option remains available at £79.90, offering savings compared to monthly payments
- The ad-supported tier remains the most budget-friendly option at £4.99 monthly
- Bundle options with Hulu (in applicable regions) continue to offer potential savings
With streaming costs continuing to climb across the industry, many households are now reevaluating their subscription portfolios and considering which services provide enough value to justify the increasing expense.
