Disney+ is back with another tempting offer for UK viewers – but as always, savvy streamers should know to look beyond the headline price.
For a limited time, new and returning subscribers can snag the Standard with Ads plan for just £1.99 a month for three months.
While it might seem like a bargain, there’s more to consider than just the price tag, especially with potential price hikes and password-sharing changes on the horizon – so let’s go over the details.
Since bursting onto the scene in March 2020, Disney+ has become a big player in UK streaming. The initial offering included 4K streaming, four concurrent streams, and ad-free viewing, providing excellent value for subscribers.
However, those early days of getting everything for just £5.99/month are long gone.
In February 2021, coinciding with the launch of Star, a new content hub featuring more mature content, Disney+ implemented its first price hike. The monthly fee increased to £7.99, while the annual subscription rose to £79.90.
Fast forward to November 2023, and we’ve got a three-tier system, complete with an ad-supported option for those willing to sit through adverts.
US Prices Going Up: Should UK Viewers Worry?
Our friends across the pond are in for a shock this October, with Disney+ US jacking up their prices again. The Basic (with adverts) tier is jumping from $7.99 to $9.99 monthly, while the Premium tier is climbing to a hefty $15.99.
That’s quite a leap for viewers who’ve already seen their fair share of increases.
While there’s no official word on UK increases yet, we’ve seen this movie before. Historically, when prices go up in the US, it’s not long before we feel the pinch here too.
Remember last year’s pricing overhaul? It followed a similar pattern: US prices increased, and the UK wasn’t far behind.
Disney+ Password Sharing Party’s Over
Last year, Disney+ started to clamp down on password sharing, even here in the UK.
While we’re still waiting for the official rollout of the new ‘Extra Member’ option, the streaming giant has made it clear that the days of freely sharing your login with friends and family are numbered.
In the coming weeks or months, Disney+ plans to enforce its “household-only” sharing policy more strictly, following in the footsteps of Netflix.
To soften the blow, they’re rolling out an “Extra Members” feature for those who want to share legally. While we don’t have the exact UK pricing yet, it’s likely to set you back around £4.99 per extra user, if Netflix’s model is anything to go by.
So, if you’ve generously shared your account with mates across the country, you might need to have some awkward conversations soon.
And, of course, this may also mean a price increase for those who used to share their account – and its costs – with other family members or friends.
Disney+ Bring Back £1.99/month Deal
To celebrate the upcoming autumn schedule, Disney+ has brought back a deal we saw earlier this year.
From now until September 27 2024, Disney+ is offering new and returning customers a chance to nab their Standard with Ads plan for £1.99 a month for up to three months.
That’s a £9 saving overall compared to the usual price.
Do note that this offer is for new Disney+ subscribers, and returning Disney+ subscribers with no current active subscription – so if you’re currently subscribed, you can’t switch to this discounted offer.
As a reminder, the current Disney+ UK tiers are:
Standard with Ads: £4.99/month, offering Full HD quality and two concurrent streams, but with adverts and no downloads (this is the tier you can get for £1.99/month now).
Standard: £7.99/month or £79.90/year, providing Full HD quality, two streams, and download capability.
Premium: £10.99/month or £109.90/year, featuring 4K UHD & HDR quality, four streams, Dolby Atmos audio, and downloads.
Remember, this offer is for the Standard with Ads tier only. So you’ll be trading a lower price for adverts popping up during your binge sessions.
Been There, Done That: A Warning from the Past
If this deal rings a bell, you’re not wrong. Earlier this year, Disney+ ran a similar promotion. The catch? Many viewers forgot about the price hike after the three months were up.
Some found themselves stuck with a higher bill, having forgotten to cancel or switch plans.
After your three months of Disney+ on the cheap, the price will jump back up to £4.99 a month (unless they’ve sneaked in another price hike by then).
So, set a reminder on your phone if you don’t want any nasty surprises.
All in all, if you’ve been on the fence about Disney+, this could be a cheap way to give it a whirl.
With shows like Agatha All Along, In Vogue: The 90s, and the Inside Out 2 film on the horizon, there’s plenty to keep you glued to your screen.
But weigh up those short-term savings against how much you’ll end up paying in the long run – and how much those adverts might get on your nerves.
If you end up loving Disney+, don’t forget you can always switch to an annual Standard or Premium plan to save a few quid.
Unless you’re watching tv all day long, these price hikes are making Dusney, Netflix and others seem more like a luxury than a necessity. I’ve cancelled mine yet I’m still enjoying life!
Thank you for the heads up. My previous Disney literally finished today. Good timing.