What Disney+ is and how much it costs
Disney+ is a streaming service owned by The Walt Disney Company that shows films, television series, documentaries, and other video content. You pay a monthly or annual fee to watch as much as you want from their library on devices like phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
Disney+ offers three subscription tiers with different prices and features. The Standard plan is the least expensive option and includes ads. The Premium plan costs more and removes ads from most content. The Premium+ plan (called Premium Plus in some regions) is the highest tier and adds the ability to download content to watch offline. Prices vary by region and change periodically, so you should check the Disney+ website directly for current rates in your area.
You can also bundle Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+ at a lower combined price than paying for each separately. The bundle comes in different versions depending on which ad levels you choose for each service.
Key Takeaways
- Disney+ requires a valid payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal) and a working email address to set up an account.
- You can watch on up to four devices at the same time with a single account, though simultaneous viewing limits vary by subscription tier.
- Disney+ does not offer refunds for partial months, so cancelling mid-month means you lose access immediately without a prorated credit.
- The service includes content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and other studios owned by Disney.
- You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings without penalty.
What you need to set up an account
To create a Disney+ account, you need a valid email address and a payment method. Disney+ accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. If you are under 18 in your country, you may need a parent or guardian's payment method and permission.
During sign-up, Disney+ will ask for your name, email, password, and billing address. Some regions also require a phone number. The payment method you provide will be charged on the same day each month (or year, if you choose annual billing) unless you cancel first.
If you already have a Disney account from another Disney service, you can link your Disney+ subscription to that account. This lets you manage multiple subscriptions in one place and share your profile across devices.
How many people can watch at once and share an account
Disney+ allows multiple profiles on a single account, which means different household members can have their own watch history, recommendations, and parental controls. However, the number of devices that can stream at the same time depends on your subscription tier. The Standard plan allows two simultaneous streams, while the Premium and Premium+ plans allow four simultaneous streams.
Disney+ does not officially support password sharing outside your household, and the company has stated it may take steps to limit this practice. If you share your password with people who do not live with you, Disney+ may ask you to verify that you own the account or may require those users to set up their own subscriptions.
If you want to give someone else access without sharing your password, you can invite them to create their own profile on your account. They will have their own login and watch history but will count toward your simultaneous stream limit.
What content is included and what is not
Disney+ includes films and series from Disney, Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm (Star Wars), National Geographic, and other studios owned by The Walt Disney Company. This includes theatrical releases, original series made for Disney+, documentaries, and older catalogue content. New films typically arrive on Disney+ several months after their theatrical release, though timing varies.
Content that is not included: films and shows from studios Disney does not own, live sports (ESPN+ is a separate subscription for that), and some older or licensed content that Disney no longer has rights to stream. In some countries, content available in other regions may not be available in yours due to licensing agreements.
Disney+ offers parental controls so you can restrict what younger viewers can watch based on content ratings. You can set different restrictions for different profiles on the same account.
How to cancel and what happens to your account
You can cancel your Disney+ subscription at any time through your account settings on the Disney+ website or app. Look for "Subscription" or "Billing" in your account menu, then select the option to cancel or manage your subscription. You do not need to contact customer service to cancel.
When you cancel, your access ends immediately. Disney+ does not offer refunds for the remainder of your billing period, so if you cancel mid-month, you lose access right away without a credit toward future months. Your account and any saved preferences will remain in Disney's system for a limited time, so if you resubscribe later, some of your watch history may still be there.
If you subscribed through a third-party platform (like Apple, Google Play, or Amazon), you must cancel through that platform, not through Disney+ directly. Check your app store account settings to find your Disney+ subscription and cancel it there.
Payment methods and billing issues
Disney+ charges your payment method on the same date each month (or annually, depending on your plan). If your payment fails, Disney+ will usually try again a few days later. If the second attempt fails, your account may be suspended until you update your payment method.
To update your payment information, go to your account settings and select "Payment Method" or "Billing." You can add a new card or change which card is charged without interrupting your service. If you want to change your billing date, you may need to cancel and resubscribe, depending on your region.
If you see a charge you do not recognize or believe you were charged in error, contact Disney+ customer support through the help section of the website or app. Keep records of your subscription date, billing statements, and any communications with Disney+ in case you need to dispute a charge with your bank or payment provider.
Differences between subscription tiers
| Feature | Standard (with ads) | Premium | Premium+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ads during content | Yes | No | No |
| Video quality | Up to 1080p | Up to 4K | Up to 4K |
| Simultaneous streams | 2 devices | 4 devices | 4 devices |
| Download for offline viewing | No | No | Yes |
The Standard plan is the lowest-cost option but includes advertisements before and sometimes during shows and films. The Premium plan removes ads and allows higher video quality (up to 4K on supported devices) and more simultaneous streams. The Premium+ plan adds the ability to download content to your device so you can watch it later without an internet connection.
You can change your subscription tier at any time. If you upgrade mid-month, you will be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of that month, then charged the full tier price on your next billing date. If you downgrade, the change usually takes effect on your next billing date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Disney+ on multiple devices at the same time?
Yes, but the number of devices depends on your tier. Standard allows 2 simultaneous streams, while Premium and Premium+ allow 4. If you exceed your limit, you will see an error message asking you to stop watching on another device.
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
Your access ends immediately and you cannot watch any content. Disney+ does not refund unused portions of your billing period. If you resubscribe later, some of your watch history may still be there, but this is not may provide.
Can I download shows and films to watch offline?
Only the Premium+ tier includes downloads. With this plan, you can download content to your phone or tablet and watch it without an internet connection. Downloads expire after a set period, and you must reopen the Disney+ app periodically to refresh them.
How do I change my payment method?
Go to your account settings, select "Payment Method" or "Billing," and add or update your card information. Changes take effect immediately for your next charge. If you subscribed through a third-party app store, update your payment method in that app store instead.
Is there a free trial for Disney+?
Disney+ does not currently offer a free trial in most regions. However, some promotions or bundle offers may include a discounted first month or trial period. Check the Disney+ website to see if any current offers are available in your area.