A significant shift is on the horizon for Disney+ enthusiasts in the UK and Europe, as Disney sets the stage for a tri-tiered approach to its streaming service starting November 1, 2023.
This pivotal change entails an adjustment in pricing for the highest tier, renowned for its 4K HDR (Dolby Vision) and Dolby Atmos features.
Notably, Disney+ subscribers in the United States are not exempt from this wave of price revisions.
Fortunately, a loophole exists that allows both current and prospective subscribers to circumvent the impending surge in subscription costs for at least a year. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to assist you.
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Evading the Disney+ 2023 Price Surge
While widely acknowledged as a premier streaming service, some may find themselves reconsidering their Disney+ subscriptions when confronted with impending price adjustments. Alternatively, they might contemplate transitioning to a lower tier to conserve their finances.
Price adjustments are poised to affect both US and UK markets, albeit with minor discrepancies in approach and timeline.
Nevertheless, an avenue presents itself for securing the optimal Disney+ experience without incurring additional expenses—at least in the short term.
In the United States, the cost of the Standard tier (ad-free) is slated to rise by $3, reaching $13.99 per month. Similarly, the UK’s Premium tier (equivalent to the existing Disney+ membership) will see a £3 increase, raising it to £10.99 per month.
Existing subscribers are in luck, as they will be seamlessly upgraded to the premium tier once the revised pricing structure takes effect.
By procuring an annual subscription in advance (prior to October 12 in the US or November 1 in the UK), you can secure the upcoming 12 months at a mere cost of $109.90 or £79.90 respectively. This prudent decision translates to savings exceeding $50 or £50 in each respective region, in comparison to continuing with monthly payments.
The Viable Alternative
Irrespective of your geographic location, you will retain the flexibility to alter your Disney+ subscription tier and optimize your savings.
As of November 1, the UK will introduce Disney+ Standard with Ads, mirroring its counterpart already present in the US under the name Disney+ Basic.
This tier will be priced at $7.99 in the United States and £4.99 in the UK, posturing itself as an economical alternative.
In exchange, subscribers gain access to the complete streaming library, albeit limited to a maximum resolution of 1080p and accompanied by 5.1 audio. The provision of simultaneous streams is capped at two, and offline viewing is excluded.
The UK and Europe will also witness the launch of the Standard plan, offering comparable benefits, including 1080p quality and allowance for two concurrent streams.
Notably, this variant incorporates offline viewing and eliminates ads, retaining the cost equivalent to a prevailing Disney+ subscription.
Culminating the array of options is the Premium plan, priced at £10.99 per month, to which all existing subscribers will be seamlessly upgraded.
Across the Atlantic, the United States will maintain both the ad-supported Basic plan priced at $7.99 per month and exempt from the impending price adjustment, as well as the Standard plan, which is slated to become costlier in the near future.