The clock is ticking for Disney+ subscribers and potential new customers in the UK. beginning November 1Disney+ is set to offer a complete overhaul of its subscription tiers, each with distinct features and pricing.
Not only does this restructuring offer more options, but it is also a signal of an impending price hike for some.
And most importantly of all – the new password sharing rules on Disney+ could impact your costs too (see more on that below).
If you’re considering a Disney+ subscription or are a current monthly subscriber, acting now, before a major renewal, could save you money in the long run.
As we reported previouslyDisney+ is adding a new ad-supported tier to its streaming service in the UK, a ‘premium’ tier. So, instead of just one subscription tier, there will be three, starting next week.
New Disney+ tiers and prices
Since its launch in the UK, Disney+ has only had one tier £7.99 per month (Previously £5.99 per month), or £79.90 per year.
But starting November 1, 2023, Disney+ will offer three separate tiers:
- Standard with ads: at a price £4.99 per monthThis plan offers Full HD 1080p video quality, two simultaneous streams, 5.1 and stereo audio. However, it will not support downloads.
- standard:L £7.99 per month or £79.90 Annually, subscribers get Full HD 1080p video (no 4K), two simultaneous streams, 5.1 and stereo audio, plus the added bonus of downloads.
- beloved: in £10.99 per month or £109.90 Annually, this tier offers up to 4K UHD video quality, HDR, four simultaneous streams, Dolby Atmos audio, and downloadability.
Existing subscribers will continue with their current plan, which will soon be renamed “Disney+ Premium,” but will have the option to switch to the new standard tiers.
However, it is important to note that existing subscribers will only keep their current prices until December 6. After that, they’ll be billed at the new rate starting in their next billing cycle (unless they switch to a different tier).
Last chance to save with the annual plan
If you’re considering signing up for Disney+, annual plans offer a way to lock in the savings — but only if you act before November 1st.
The current Disney+ plan costs £7.99 per month, which works out to £95.88 over a year. However, if you choose the annual plan at £79.90, you’ll actually save almost £16.
After 1 November, the ‘Premium’ plan – which is equivalent to the current Individual plan – will cost £10.99 per month or £109.90 per year.
If you subscribe to the current annual plan Before the price change, you’ll pay the current price of £79.90, saving you £30 Compared to the new annual rate (and a total of £52 if you compare it to the new monthly rate).
So, if you want to get the most out of your Disney+ subscription, now is a good time to act, as subscribing before November 1 will allow you to lock in current prices.
However – as I always say, one Benefits of cutting the cord Broadcast TV is the flexibility it gives you, to subscribe to one service, then cancel after two months and move to another service, then come back when there is something new to watch on the first service.
So, if you pay a year in advance for a Disney+ subscription, you’ll lose some of that flexibility. So, this is only a good deal if you’re absolutely sure you want to keep Disney+ for several months.
Double whammy: Password sharing crackdown adds to the cost
Just when you thought rising prices were the only financial hurdle to consider, Disney+ is throwing another curveball: a crackdown on password sharing.
As we reported last monthRecently, Disney+ issued new terms that explicitly state that sharing your Disney+ subscription outside of your “home” is not permitted (yes, Just like Netflix).
The term “home” is precisely defined as “the collection of appliances associated with your primary personal residence and used by the individuals who reside there.”
According to the updated agreement, Disney+ may “analyze the use of your account to determine compliance with this Agreement.”
If a violation is discovered, Disney+ reserves the right to “restrict or terminate access to the Service and/or take any other steps as permitted under this Agreement.”
This means that if a member of your household violates these terms, you, the account holder, may face repercussions that may range from restrictions on your account to complete termination of your subscription.
For those who enjoy a cost-effective Disney+ experience by splitting the bill with friends or extended family, this change effectively represents another price increase.
Previously, you might have been sharing one “premium” subscription, which allowed for four simultaneous streams, between multiple households.
With this option no longer offered, each household would now need their own subscription, doubling or even quadrupling the cost depending on how many people you were sharing with.
Reconsider the need for an insurance premium
On the flip side, this change may cause you to re-evaluate your subscription needs.
If you plan to sign up for the upcoming “Premium” plan, primarily to take advantage of the four simultaneous streams, but you can no longer share your account with friends or family members outside of your household – you may not need these additional streams anymore.
In this case, downgrading to the Standard plan may be a more cost-effective option (but also remember that the new Standard plan does not support 4K and Dolby Atmos).