From November 2023, there will be new subscription models at Disney Plus, one of which is also partially financed by advertising. Still, the introduction of the new subscription options is ultimately a hidden price increase.
Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, WOW and Disney+ – when the inevitable GEZ fees are added on top, the monthly expenditure on entertainment media can be quite high. Those who would like to save a little on Disney+ can rejoice – from November 1, 2023, the streaming service of the Mouse House will offer three new models, including an option co-financed by advertising. But beware, ultimately this is also a hidden price increase.
In addition to a standard subscription, which will cost you 8.99 euros a month (or 89.90 euros if you pay annually), there will also be an ad-financed and a premium variant in the future.
Although you will have to reckon with interruptions during the streams in the lowest-cost model, this variant will only cost 5.99 euros a month. Both the advertising savings package and the standard subscription allow two simultaneous streams, which can be streamed in Full HD, i.e. up to 1080p.
If you opt for the Premium version, you can not only have four streams running in parallel, but you can also watch your shows in 4K UHD and HDR. You can also access Dolby Atmos for the audio output, while the other streams only have stereo 5.1 sound. For these advantages, however, you’ll have to dig deeper into your pocket, the whole thing will then cost you 11.99 euros per month – or 119.90 euros if you decide to take out an annual subscription right away.
THE NEW SUBSCRIPTION MODELS ARE A HIDDEN PRICE INCREASE
If you are already a Disney+ customer, nothing will change for you for the time being. In Germany, users* will keep their current monthly and annual subscription at the existing price through November 1 – of course, Disney reserves the right to change this in the future. Your current subscription will automatically be renamed to “Premium,” but you can easily revert to the ad-supported model.
Ultimately, this is a hidden price increase: The services that were previously included in the regular subscription for 8.99 euros will cost new customers 11.99 euros per month in the future. Disney+ last increased its prices on February 23, 2021. Previously, Disney+ cost 6.99 euros a month.
In addition, the streaming service wants to take stronger action against account sharing in the future. Netflix has led the way, now the other streaming providers are following suit. As Disney CEO Bob Iger announced at a balance sheet meeting on August 9, 2023, they are currently examining ways to best take action against account sharing. Not good news for all those who have shared Disney+ with friends so far…
