NEWS: Disney+ Adding New Feature and Planning to Raise Prices…AGAIN

Get ready Disney fans — there are BIG changes coming your way, this time in the world of streaming.

Disney+

Disney has already been cracking down on password sharing for its streaming services, revealed its streaming bundle with Max, discussed the Disney+ app getting an ESPN tile by the end of this year, and announced its new sports streaming service (Venu) (though the launch of that service has hit a snag). But MORE updates have been revealed.

Recently, Disney has made some big Disney+ updates — a price increase hit the service not too long ago (with more expected in the future), and continuous playlists are available now too.

During the Q4 earnings call for fiscal year 2024, Disney shared more Disney+ news. First of all, the company ended the quarter with 174 million Disney+ Core and Hulu subscriptions, as well as more than 120 million Disney+ Core paid subscribers. That’s an increase of 4.4 million over the prior quarter.

Mirabel!

But the big update is that on December 4th, the ESPN tile will debut on Disney+! The company will include some live sports and other ESPN programs directly in Disney+, even if you’re not an ESPN+ subscriber.

©Disney

However, this update means that more price increases are on the horizon for Disney+. “We certainly look to continue to increase pricing based on the value we’re providing,” said Hugh Johnston, CFO of The Walt Disney Company.

©ESPN

If you DO have the Disney bundle (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+), you’ll have full access to all three services within the Disney+ app. Disney expects to later launch its stand-alone ESPN “Flagship” streaming service in the fall of 2025. At that time, anyone who subscribes to ESPN Flagship and Disney+ will have the full suite of ESPN and ESPN+ content available in Disney+.

We expect changes will continue to be made to Disney+ in the coming years as Disney’s streaming goals change and evolve.