In November 2023, streaming giant Disney+ stirred up the emotions of its users with a big announcement: three new subscription models, including a cheaper promotional subscription, were introduced. The premium version, which offers all the benefits of the service, has since cost a whopping €11.99. Existing customers, on the other hand, had reason to be happy because they could continue to enjoy the full Disney+ service for just €8.99 – at least temporarily.
But now serious changes are on the way! As the customer king from FOCUS online learned, long-time Disney+ users will soon find an unpleasant surprise in their email inbox. Disney+ is announcing a far-reaching adjustment to subscription prices: From July 24th, even the most loyal customers will have to dig deeper into their pockets and shell out a whopping 11.99 euros for the premium service. That means a painful increase of three euros – or almost 34 percent!
When asked, the Disney+ press office explained that the price adjustment was aimed at standardizing subscription fees for all customers. For those who already have the premium version for 11.99 euros, however, nothing will change.
The number of customers affected by the price increase remains unclear, as Disney+ does not publish exact figures. However, according to information available to FOCUS online, the price increase affects a large proportion of the streaming service's subscribers, presumably in the high five-figure range.
How to continue streaming Disney+ at the old price
Under “Other options” you can select other subscription models. The booking will then take place from the next month, so you can continue to benefit from the old price.
The selection of subscription models at a glance:
-
Standard with advertising: 5.99 euros per month
- Video quality up to 1080p Full HD
- Two simultaneous streams
- No downloads
-
Standard (ad-free): 8.99 euros per month
- Video quality up to 1080p Full HD
- Two simultaneous streams
- Downloads possible
-
Premium (ad-free): 11.99 euros per month
- Video quality up to 4K UHD and HDR
- Four simultaneous streams
- Supports Dolby Atmos
- Downloads possible
Children who log in via their profile are simply reminded to check their mailbox because an important message is waiting for them there.
How to save on Netflix, Disney and other streaming providers
Take out annual subscriptions
Some streaming providers offer discounts if you opt for an annual subscription. This can be particularly worthwhile if you use the service regularly.
- Example: Disney+ offers an annual subscription that is cheaper than twelve monthly payments.
Choose advertising subscriptions
Some streaming services offer cheaper subscriptions that are funded by advertising. If you are willing to watch the occasional ad, you can save a lot of money.
- Example: At Netflix, the advertising subscription costs 4.99 euros per month. The provider displays about four minutes of advertising per hour.
Take advantage of free trial periods
Streaming providers usually offer free trial periods for a few days. Use these to test the service thoroughly and then decide whether a subscription is worth it. Cancel in good time if you no longer want to use the service.