The world of streaming just saw another shake-up, and this time, it's impacting your favorite anime viewing on Disney+ and Hulu. As of Wednesday, Disney has increased subscription prices for its popular streaming platforms, following a series of hikes in previous years. For anime enthusiasts keeping a close eye on their entertainment budget, understanding these changes is crucial, especially with the ongoing integration of Hulu content into Disney+.
What's New with Disney+ and Hulu Prices?
Standalone subscription costs for both Disney+ and Hulu have seen a bump. If you're subscribing to Disney+ with ads, the monthly price has moved from US$11.99 to US$12.49. For an ad-free experience, the Disney+ Premium tier jumped from US$18.99 to US$21.49. Hulu standalone subscriptions reflect these exact same increases for their ad-supported and ad-free options.
These updated prices are already in effect for all new subscribers signing up from Wednesday. For existing loyal fans, you'll see these price adjustments reflected on your bill on or after October 21. It's a good time to review your current plan and consider your options.
Bundle Up! How Bundles Are Affected
For many anime fans, bundles offer a more comprehensive and often cost-effective way to access a wider range of content. Here's how the popular bundles have been impacted:
- Disney+ and Hulu Bundle with Ads: Good news for budget-conscious viewers, this bundle surprisingly remains at US$12.99. This could be a sweet spot for those looking for value.
- Disney+ and Hulu Premium Bundle (No Ads): The ad-free bundle for both services saw an increase from US$19.99 to US$21.99.
- Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Select Bundle: This comprehensive package went up from US$19.99 to US$21.99.
- Premium Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Bundle (No Ads): The ultimate ad-free trio bundle increased from US$29.99 to US$32.99.
These bundle adjustments highlight Disney's strategy, potentially encouraging subscribers to opt for the ad-supported bundle, which retains its previous pricing.
A History of Hikes and Future Integration
This isn't the first time Disney+ subscribers have faced price increases. The streamer previously raised its prices in October 2025, and before that in October 2024. Going back further, October 2023 also saw price hikes alongside the announcement of plans to restrict password sharing. This consistent trend suggests a strategic push towards increasing revenue.
Looking ahead, there's significant news for the future of streaming. Disney announced in August 2025 that it is "fully integrating" the Hulu streaming service. This means a new singular app, featuring both Disney+ and Hulu services, is set to launch in 2026. While the subscription services will remain standalone options, both Disney+ and Hulu content will be conveniently accessible from this unified application. Disney's 100% ownership of Hulu, secured after acquiring Comcast's remaining 33% stake in 2023, paved the way for this seamless integration.
Anime on Disney+: Your Streaming Options
For anime enthusiasts, the evolution of content availability across these platforms has been particularly interesting. Historically, anime that streamed on Disney+ internationally would often find its home in the U.S. on Hulu instead. This created a dual-platform scenario for fans.
Currently, anime still streams robustly on Hulu. However, with the growing integration, a significant amount of content, including many anime titles from the Hulu library, now also streams directly on Disney+ for subscribers who have access to both services, typically through a bundle. This means more convenient access to your favorite shows without having to switch apps, especially once the unified app rolls out.
As prices adjust, evaluating your subscription choice becomes even more pertinent. Whether you opt for a standalone service or a bundle, understanding where your preferred anime content resides and how these changes affect your wallet is key to smart streaming. The future promises a more unified viewing experience, but for now, keep an eye on those price tags!
Sources: Disney+, Hulu
