Choosing between Disney+ and the new Disney Bundle plans can be confusing. This guide aims to break down the benefits and details of each, helping you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re already a Hulu subscriber looking to upgrade your subscription or entirely new to streaming, this article will equip you with all the necessary information to optimize your streaming experience.
It compares the costs of top streaming services versus the Disney Bundle, which includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+: What’s offered
Disney+ offers a tremendous on-demand library of content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
You can watch classics like “The Lion King” and “Frozen,” alongside blockbuster movies like “Avengers: Endgame” and Disney+ Originals. Disney+ also features original series such as “The Mandalorian”, “Loki” and “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” as well as a robust selection of National Geographic documentaries.
Hulu is a go-to for current TV shows, movies, and original content. It provides next-day access to series from major networks such as ABC and FX, including popular titles like “Abbott Elementary” and “The Bear.” Hulu Originals like “Shogun” and “The Dropout” have gotten high praise from audiences and critics alike.
Subscribers to Hulu + Live TV get over 85 live TV channels for $76.99 per month (with ads) or $89.99 per month (ad-free), making it a comprehensive service for both on-demand and live content that includes Disney+ and ESPN+.
ESPN+ is tailored for sports fans, offering live coverage of NHL, MLB, UFC, and college sports. It also includes original programming such as “30 for 30” and “Detail,” along with exclusive articles and fantasy sports tools.
User Interface and Experience
Disney+ features a clean and intuitive interface, with dedicated hubs for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. Users can create up to seven profiles, each with personalized recommendations. A Hulu hub is available to Disney Bundle subscribers, which shows a limited amount of shows and movies from Hulu.
The service also supports offline viewing and has parental controls to restrict content for younger viewers. Hulu’s interface is straightforward, supporting up to six user profiles with personalized recommendations.
Disney+ and Disney Bundle Subscriptions
How do I subscribe to Disney+ or the Disney Bundle?
You can sign up for a standalone Disney+ subscription on the Disney+ website.
- Disney+ with Ads: $7.99 per month.
- Disney+ Premium (no ads): $13.99 per month, or $139.99 annually. This plan allows subscribers to download programs for offline viewing and access premium articles.
Disney Bundle Options:
- Duo Basic: Disney+ (with ads) and Hulu (with ads) for $9.99 per month.
- Trio Basic: Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (all with ads) for $14.99 per month.
- Trio Premium: Disney+ and Hulu (no ads) plus ESPN+ (with ads) for $24.99 per month.
Choosing the Disney Bundle offers significant savings.
For example, the Duo Basic bundle saves you $5.99 per month compared to subscribing to Disney+ and Hulu separately. Similarly, the Trio Basic bundle saves approximately $11.98 per month compared to subscribing to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ individually.
Disney Bundle Device Compatibility
All services in the Disney Bundle are widely supported across various devices:
- Streaming Devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV.
- Game Consoles: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, NVIDIA Shield.
- Smart TVs: Sony, Samsung, LG, and models running Android TV or Google TV.
- Mobile Devices: iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.
Existing Hulu Subscribers
Here are a few common questions that readers ask about bundling their Hulu account.
What if I already subscribe to Hulu and want Disney+?
When you sign up for the Disney Bundle, make sure you use the same email address associated with your Hulu account. Disney should automatically recognize your existing Hulu subscription and handle the rest.
If you’re on a Hulu (ad-supported) plan directly from the company, signing up for the Disney Bundle through Hulu will credit your Hulu bill.
What if I already subscribe to Hulu with no commercials?
If you want to maintain your Hulu (No Ads) plan, you can keep your existing account and sign up for the Disney Bundle through your Hulu account.
Visit the Manage Account page on your Hulu account and add the Disney Bundle. New Hulu subscribers can also get the commercial-free option with the Disney Bundle for $24.99 per month.
Steps to Subscribe:
- Sign up for the Hulu (No Ads) plan.
- Activate Disney+ and ESPN+ as part of the bundle.
- Manage any add-ons, such as HBO Max or Live TV, from your Hulu account.
Hulu + Live TV
Subscribers to the Hulu with Live TV plan now receive Disney+ and ESPN+ as part of their subscription. This package includes over 90 live TV channels for $76.99 per month. Subscribers to Hulu’s live TV service get local broadcast channels such as NBC, ABC, PBS and FOX alongside popular sports networks like ESPN and FS1.
Disney+ and ESPN+ in this package include ads. Subscriptions are month-to-month with no contracts, and cancellation is straightforward.
Note that Hulu + Live TV currently offers a 3-day free trial, so you can test out the service and cancel online before the trial ends if you decide the service is not for you.
Disney+ and the Disney Bundle
Disney+ offers a rich library of movies and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and all 34 seasons of The Simpsons.
How many streams: Disney+ vs. Disney Bundle
- Disney+: Supports up to four simultaneous streams and 4K content at no extra charge. Subscribers can create up to seven profiles for a personalized experience.
- Disney Bundle: Provides seven simultaneous streams across all services (four for Disney+, one for Hulu, and two for ESPN+).
Comparison with Other Streaming Services
- Netflix: Ad-supported plan for $6.99 per month; ad-free plan for $15.49 per month.
- HBO Max: Ad-supported plan for $9.99 per month; no-ads plan for $16.99 per month.
- Prime Video: Prime Video Standalone with ads for $8.99/month.
Disney+ Lineup: TV Shows and Movies
Since its launch in 2019, Disney+ has offered over thousands of TV episodes and movies, including blockbuster films, originals, and documentaries. Disney+ supports high-quality streaming formats like:
- 4K Ultra HD
- HDR10
- 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos audio
- Dolby Vision
- IMAX Enhanced
Is Disney+ a Good Cord-Cutting Option?
Disney+ stands out by offering multiple subscription options. A Disney Bundle plan can save you money compared to individually subscribing to Hulu and Disney+.
If you’re already subscribing to Hulu, the Disney Bundle provides great value by adding ESPN+ to your subscription at a lower cost than paying for Disney+ and Hulu individually.
The Disney Bundle combines Disney+ with Hulu’s extensive library of TV shows, originals, and movies, plus live sports and original shows on ESPN+.
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