Grab the Disney+ and Hulu Bundle at a Great Discount This March
Disney has announced a significant price reduction for its streaming bundle, offering the combination of Disney+ and Hulu for $4.99 a month over three months to both new and returning subscribers. This promotion, which includes ad-supported versions of both services, is set to expire on March 24 and represents a 62% decrease from the standard price of $12.99.
The discount coincides with the upcoming launch of new programming, including the highly-anticipated animated film Zootopia 2, the Star Wars animated series Maul – Shadow Lord, and the fourth season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.
This move comes on the heels of Disney’s third price increase within three years for its streaming services, which have seen significant upward trends in costs following broader market patterns. These increases were announced last September and took effect last October.
In its latest earnings report, Disney revealed better-than-expected streaming profits for the October-to-December quarter. The entertainment segment, bolstered by Disney+ and Hulu, reported operating income of $450 million, with projections indicating potential growth to $500 million in the current quarter. Although the recent price hikes have contributed positively to the company’s financial performance, they have also historically resulted in a notable number of subscriber cancellations. As of year-end, Disney has not disclosed the current number of subscribers, having stopped quarterly subscriber reporting in a manner similar to Netflix.
Amid these developments, Disney is undergoing notable corporate changes. Longtime CEO Bob Iger is set to transition leadership to Josh D’Amaro on March 18. Additionally, Dana Walden, who has managed both Disney+ and Hulu as Co-Chair of Entertainment, has been elevated to president and chief creative officer.
Disney’s bundling strategy has proven particularly effective, gaining traction among cost-conscious customers. The company offers a popular bundle that includes ESPN+ alongside Hulu and Disney+. Furthermore, the enhanced ESPN app, which features both ESPN+ programming and traditional network feeds, is also available in bundled formats. Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have collaborated to launch a 2024 bundle that includes HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu, a rare offering featuring services from competing companies.
Looking ahead, Disney+ and Hulu are expected to merge into a single app. At a recent Morgan Stanley investor conference, CFO High Johnston indicated that the company is actively developing a “much, much friendlier app” aimed at improving user experience with better viewing recommendations and additional enhancements.
