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It is now months after the initial announcement, and the changes to Disney+ set into motion by the now-former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bob Chapek, are going to finally become a reality later this week.
Disney+ includes Disney movies, Pixar movies, Marvel movies, and Star Wars content (as well as some National Geographic content). Credit: Disney
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On Thursday, December 8, the original ad-free streaming service, now called Disney+ Premium, will increase in price from $7.99/month or $79.99/year to $10.99/month or $109.99/year. Disney+ Basic subscription, the new level with ads, will launch at the cost of $7.99/month.
Disney Fanatic previously shared that 4 minutes of ads will run on Disney+ per hour, but kids’ profiles will still remain free of any ads. This move is a part of Chapek’s more recent focus on generating ad revenue from the Mouse House’s streaming and sports assets, like ESPN, rather than solely measuring Disney+’s success from new subscribers.
Current Disney+ subscriber can modify their subscriptions anytime between now and December 8. They will be charged the new rates on the first billing date on or after the eighth. Basic bundle options featuring Hulu with ads and ESPN+ with ads are also available. There is also the Legacy Disney Bundle, which features Disney+ Premium, Hulu with ads, and ESPN+ with ads available. But this option, which is increasing from $13.99/month to $14.99/month, will not be available after December 7. Existing subscribers will be able to keep this plan so long as they do not change or cancel it.
Credit: Disney
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For those who opt for the ad-supported tier, Disney states, “you will see ads during movies and shows. Ads are typically shown before the video starts and throughout playback — similar to what you’d expect from commercials during a traditional TV broadcast.”
We at Disney Fanatic will continue to update our readers on Disney+ news and stories as more developments come to light.
