Should You Get Disney+ Steaming: Is Disney Plus Worth It?

With a variety of streaming services at the ready, and all the shows you could ever want to watch at your fingertips, how are you making the decision on which streaming services to keep and which ones to skip? Because frankly, there are just so many…and only so many hours in a day! From Max, to Netflix, to Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video, you can see almost everything on your watchlist. So what shows does Disney Plus have to make the new MORE EXPENSIVE monthly cost worth it? Is Disney Plus on your list? Is Disney Plus Worth It in 2026?

So, why would you want to add Disney Plus to your streaming catalog? Do you really “need” to see The Mandalorian? Or do need to revisit the old-school Ducktales? With EXCLUSIVE content specific to Disney, you may be wondering if you can’t just grab those shows through Hoopla, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video instead.  But let’s walk you through why you may or may not want Disney Plus Streaming to your lineup. 

How Much Does Disney Plus Cost?

How much does Disney Plus Cost? This is by far the most important question in the “Is Disney Plus Worth It?” topic. Especially since almost everyone cut the cable cord to “save money.” As such, does it really make sense to invest the $240 dollars a year in a Disney Plus and Hulu Streaming Service Package without Ads? 

Early on in the streaming service game Disney Plus was offered at $6.99 a month. While this may be in line with Bob Iger’s sentiment that the “pricing was way off”, there was a perceived Add Value for Disney Plus customers that other streaming services couldn’t boast. But, that is no longer the case. With the prices of Disney Plus going up, it is no longer something you can just add to your monthly budget because it’s worth it. It’s now risen to the level playing field of all the other streaming services and begs the question of worth. As it’s taking a healthy chunk of your streaming service budget each month.  

Is Disney Plus Worth it?

With a price range of $11.99 a month to $360 dollars a year if you’re looking at the Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle, Disney Plus is getting expensive. Jumping a whopping 27% in one year, Disney Plus Prices across the board are going UP! And it’s the second price hike in less than a year, so be prepared for another jump and the reality that you may need to ask this same question upon every renewal. We’ve pulled together this table for a clear view of what you will be paying, monthly or annually, across the Disney Plus Pricing Options. 

If you’re like most people, a life without ads is preferred. That said, at 19.99 a month, with no annual discount option, this price is kind of high, in our opinion. Of course, if you’re just going for Disney+ and not Hulu, that’s still weighing in at 15.99 a month. And while this monthly cost may just be priced a little over your coffee and breakfast sandwich at Starbucks, the $192 per year cost, for access to a few shows you like, may not be worth it for you. 

Can I share My Disney+ Plus account?

No, you cannot share your Disney+ account. As a result, Disney+ cannot be shared outside of your Household. A Household is a collection of devices associated with your primary personal residence that are used by the individuals who reside there. People outside of your Household can sign up for their own account to watch Disney+ or can be added on as an Extra Member.

How Many People Can I have on My Disney+ Account

Disney+ allows Seven Profiles total. Note that your Disney+ Account connects to your already establish Disney account. This means your login for your Disney Cruise, Disney Vacation and Disney Store are all the same.

Notes on Usage

U.S. residents, 18+ only. Access content from each service separately. Location data required to watch certain content. Select Hulu content available on Disney+ with valid Hulu and Disney+ subscriptions; additional content only available on the Hulu app. Hulu content can be streamed on Disney+ on up to 2 devices simultaneously. Additional app features and device restrictions apply. Offer valid for eligible subscribers only. Subject to Disney+, ESPN, and Hulu Subscriber Agreement.

Should I get the Disney Plus Bundle?

If you’re debating whether or not to get the Disney+ Bundle, which includes either Disney Plus and Hulu, OR Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN, considering the costs helps. For instance, if you’re planning on getting Disney Plus without Ads, and really need access to Only Murders in the Building, The Great, and What We Do in the Shadows, then the extra $1/ month on top of your Disney Plus subscription, ( for the hulu with ads, add on) may not seem like a big deal. Especially if you only plan on getting the service for a few months in the fall, when the new shows come out. ( Without ads, however, Disney+ and Hulu premium comes in at $20 a month)

However, if you’re looking at something like getting Hulu, and then adding Disney Plus to that, know that your $2 dollars extra only gets you Disney Plus, with ads. There is no way to get Disney Plus without ads as a Hulu add-on unless you go with the Premium Bundle. 

Is Disney Plus Cheaper Monthly or Annually?

Annual Plans are no longer offered. Disney Plus, without ads, annually, costs $228. This puts the monthly cost the same as per month of $18.99/ month. That said, there is no annual payment option for any of the Disney+ Bundle Products, so if you’re planning to have the services all year long, the Annual price when offered, is CHEAPER. However, it does remove the options for bundle pricing and locks you into an annual contract. As such, upon renewal or beginning the service, choose wisely. 

If I cancel my Disney Plus Annual Subscription, do I get a Refund?

No. As the service is paid through the end of the current billing cycle, it won’t cancel until that cycle is complete. As an annual subscriber, you’ve already paid it, and will not get a refund for partial or unused months. If you cancel your subscription after the Disney+ Promotional Period, your cancellation will be effective at the end of the current billing period. No refunds or credits for partial months.

What are the Disadvantages of Disney Plus?

Apart from price, the biggest disadvantage of Disney Plus is their current track record for removing shows you like. Earlier this year Disney removed amazing programming from the platform to save money and limit payout to actors and writers. The Mysterious Benedict Society and Turner and Hooch were both original programming that didn’t get much of a lifespan on the platform.

What Shows are on Disney Plus?

That said, much like taking on any other streaming service, it’s sometimes about more than just the cost. In fact, it tends to be closer to this; What do I get on Disney Plus that I can’t get anywhere else? You can peruse the Disney Plus Catalog for every title available. Keeping in mind that Disney owns practically everything, chances are there is more than you realize! Check out our What’s New on Disney Plus post for all the films and shows on the way. 

Does Disney Plus have All the Disney Movies?

No. In fact, Disney Plus doesn’t have certain Disney films that you would expect to be on the platform. Disney+ does not have the live-action Cinderella for instance. It also doesn’t have the classic ABC Family Christmas Movies that you would expect it to. It also doesn’t have certain Disney archival content on the platform. Certain holiday specials, like Mickey’s Magical Christmas, isn’t included. The Wonderful World of Disney and the House of Mouse are also not on Disney Plus. 

Exclusive Premiere Access on Disney Plus

Never mind that some films will always release in theaters first, or simultaneously. The fact that Disney films, both current and archival, come back to Disney Plus is a bonus. And Disney Plus Premier Access often means you get to see a new Disney Film at the same time it’s in theaters, for an extra fee of $29.99 of course. Mulan, Cruella, Jungle Cruise Black Widow, and Encanto were all released on Disney Plus, some required a charge, and some were free to subscribers. And Pixar’s Turning Red releases EXCLUSIVELY on Disney Plus. Just like both Soul and Luca before it, it’s FREE to subscribers and is unable to be seen anywhere else.  In addition to that, Disney Plus opens most releases to subscribers, about 70 days after a theater release.  If you’re a Disney Fan or a Disney Family, looking to save on the per-person price tag at the movie theater, then Disney Plus will quickly pay for itself. Even with the $30 dollar upcharge on these films. 

Doctor Who on Disney Plus

As the new home to everyone’s favorite time traveler, Doctor Who is the show will be the one that people are watching. New subscribers will surely abound. And as much as true Doctor Who Fans will just own all the DVD box sets of this show, the NEW season will only air on Disney Plus. Of course, we don’t know if Max or Britbox will move Doctor Who off their platforms or not. But either way, Disney Plus will be the American home of the Doctor Who 60th Anniversary Specials as well as the new season featuring Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa as the 15th Doctor. Outside of the U.S., you can catch Doctor Who on the BBC. 

Marvel Cinematic Universe Exclusive Content

Loki, Falcon and the Winter Soldier, WandaVision… need we say more. If you have any investment in the MCU at all, then you will need to add Disney Plus to your streaming lineup. Because it’s less about “Is Disney Plus Worth it?” and more about, “can I let the Marvel Cinematic Universe storytelling happen without me”? CRITICAL pieces of the Marvel story are only happening on Disney Plus. So, if you’re hoping to have a complete picture when theater-worthy films release like Thunderbolts, it would benefit you to get Disney Plus, so you can stay up to date in the interim. 

Does Disney Plus have all the Marvel Movies?

Disney Plus has all of the Marvel Movies, so far, with the exception of the Spider-Man movies, which are still under Sony’s umbrella. 

Star Wars Films and Series

A cornerstone of the Disney Plus universe is a plethora of Star Wars-related content. Both original and new. While housing all the Star Wars films, animated series, The Mandalorian, and now the Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka there is more than enough content here for the Star Wars fan. Does Disney Plus have all the Star Wars Movies? Yes. 

Disney Channel Original Series

While the fan base for Disney Channel Original content may be smaller than Star Wars and Marvel, it’s definitely just as powerful. Classics like Wizards of Waverly Place, Even Stevens, and Shake it Up, along with Disney XD programming are just a few things included spanning this catalog beginning with Disney Channel’s inception in 1983. 

• Disney Channel Valentines Day Episodes and Movies on Disney Plus
• Best Disney Movies for Easter on Disney Plus
• Disney Channel Halloween Episodes on Disney Plus
• Disney Channel Christmas Episodes on Disney Plus
• Disney St. Patrick’s Day Movies and TV Episodes on Disney Plus

The Simpsons

The Simpsons is a show with a cult following if ever there was one. And if you’re looking for the complete catalog of this series you can find all of it on Disney Plus! Complete with its own collection in the Disney Plus platform, you can find any episode you need at any time. Does Disney Plus Have all the Simpsons Episodes? Yes, Disney Plus has all the Simpson episodes through Season 33 ( as of August 2023). Including holiday specials, and shorts. 

Schoolhouse Rock!

This vintage television show was alive and well in the good old days, teaching kids everything they needed to know about grammar, math, science, and history. a one-stop-shop, if you’re looking for educational resources for the kids, Schoolhouse Rock! in its entirety, can only be seen on Disney Plus. This is one of our TOP choices for a Disney Homeschool Curriculum and may be worth it as a school year cost for you. 

The Muppets 

Another fan favorite, all things Muppets can be found on Disney Plus and include The Muppet Movie, Muppet Show, Muppets Now, and a variety of Muppets holiday specials. In addition, you can also see original Muppet content, like Muppet’s Haunted Mansion, AND classic Muppet content like The Great Muppet Caper. For us, this means year-round access to our favorite Disney Christmas Movie, Muppet’s Christmas Carol. Which, of course, we also have on DVD.

Once Upon a Time

Is Once Upon a Time on Disney Plus? Yes. Yes, it is. To OUAT fans this is a godsend. Mainly because as one of the best shows produced by ABC in the 2000s, watching this entire series on Disney Plus is a must. For us, when we considered ” Is Disney Plus Worth It?” this was the show that sealed the deal since it wasn’t being shown anywhere else. If you’re up for a massive soap opera fairytale drama featuring Snow White and Prince Charming, Emma Swan and Captain Hook, and an evil queen with a heart, don’t miss this one. 

Boy Meets World and Girl Meets World

If you’ve heard of the ’90s, you’ve heard about this show. Boy Meets World that is. Featuring Cory and Shawn and television’s most endearing friendship, between two guys. And then, of course, Girl Meets World gives us the girl version, set in the 2010s. Both shows come with all the highs and lows of middle school. Both shows come with their own devoted followers, for the instructions given about friendship, family, and growing up. 

Ducktales

Take Scrooge McDuck, a reluctant family-man/ billionaire and add in crazy nephew Donald Duck with Huey, Dewey and Louie in tow. What you get is a nonstop clash of personalities (present in every family) an understanding of how to work with money (something we can all learn), and a penchant for adventure ( and who doesn’t need more of that!) Seriously though, from this cartoon we learn how to be a family, love each other, take risks, believe in magic, the importance of friendship. The classic and the remake are filled with stories of adventure, family and mystery. Its a cartoon we watch over and over again. 

Waking Sleeping Beauty

If you have any passion for Disney films, you will be amazed by this documentary, giving you an inside look at the Animation department at Walt Disney Studios. And even more shocked at the faces and personalities you get to see here; Tim Burton, Howard Ashman, Glen Keane, Ron Clements, Ollie Johnston, Frank Thomas and all the powers that be. Struggles of the iconic CEO Michael Eisner, and news of Roy Disney’s resignation from the Board. Disney vs. Spielberg’s American Tail and The Land Before Time during a time of rebuilding. And the decision to refocus the company back on animated film and what that meant for the animators.

This is a 2010 documentary that covers 1984-1994 at Disney, and all the things that led that team to a boiling point, but not before creating the most fantastic, iconic Disney films. From the team that came up with The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King…completely worth the watch, and re-watch. Definitely worth Roger Ebert’s 4.5 Stars.

The Gummi Bears

Ok guys, so not sure we can actually identify life lessons in the Gummi Bears, but give us enough time and we’re sure to come with something. Frankly, it’s Disney Animation Gold from the 80’s and deserves your respect. It’s basically all about these bears that have the ability to bounce when they drink Gummi berry juice. Of course they’re always outrunning the bad guy and his trolls. And saving the kingdom. So there’s that. With the absolute catchiest theme song ever and 6 seasons of super fun stories, this is another one we can just play on repeat. It’s very addictive.

With Lorenzo Music, of Garfield fame, voicing Tummi, you’ll find yourself subconsciously concerned about where his next meal is coming from. And with Jim Cummings, also known as Tigger, playing Zummi you’ll be hoping he masters that magic book before the bad guys show up. ( We admit the character names could have been craftier in this one.)

Suite Life of Zack and Cody

Twins Zack and Cody live the suite life at the Tipton Hotel with their lounge singer mother, getting into scrapes and annoying the hotel manager. Add in Ashley Tisdale, a rambunctious Brenda Song, and you have the makings of classic Disney Channel TV. Tisdale was actually working two other Disney roles at this time- Candace on Phineas and Ferb, and Sharpay on High School Musical. Thankfully, after you wrap up the 3 seasons of Suite Life, you can head over to another 3 seasons of Zack and Cody on Deck! Thank goodness they made more!

Pirates of the Caribbean Curse of the Black Pearl

Captain Jack Sparrow in all his glory. A Johnny Depp comeback is always appreciated. We love this historical flick for the music, fancy costumes, mystery, and swashbuckling swordplay. Nothing beats Johnny, Orlando and Kiera working together. We love love love that the sword fight choreographer was Bob Anderson, also known for his work on The Princess Bride and Lord of the Rings! We adore that there’s a great love story and that Captain Jack seems half drunk most of the time and can still put one over on the King’s men. Fingers crossed that Pirates of the Caribbean 6 isn’t horrible!

The Rocketeer

A Disney+ Top 10 things to watch classic film if ever there was one. Set in the good old days of WWII, this film stars Jennifer Connelly fresh off her Labyrinth with David Bowie days. With former James Bond, Timothy Dalton, in the role of bad guy Nazi secret agent Sinclair, and Bill Campbell as the boy next door with a rocket pack. This movie brings to life some of that behind the scenes movie magic and off the comic book page storytelling. With a cozy love story and a hero to save the day. They just don’t make them like this anymore. 

Disney Movies

While Disney Plus may not have ALL the movies Disney has ever made, they have a lot of them! This includes Disney animated films like Cinderella and classic live-action films like That Darn Cat. Chances are if you’re looking for a Disney movie, it’s on Disney Plus. Check out the Disney Plus Catalog for every title available.

Disney Plus Original Programming

One of the main perks of Disney Plus, prior to the WGA, and SAG-AFTRA strikes of course was the nonstop flow of absolutely NEW content. Unfortunately, I think we’re all seeing how unsustainable that kind of artistic creation on the part of the writers, actors, and production teams really is. That said, we’re hoping for the sake of sustainability, that Disney actually begins to pull back on its original content. And instead drills down into the archives a bit for “new” things. Several select new shows and programs a year, evenly spaced throughout the year would be enough to get people to the service, without breaking Hollywood in the process. We saw this effort earlier this year as they began to fill Disney Plus with content already produced for the partner franchises; National Geographic, Pixar, Star Wars, Marvel, and a bunch of documentaries, independently produced, all took their place on the platform. Of course, have a quick list of the Top 10 Things to Watch to Disney Plus if you’re wondering what the fuss is about. 

Behind the Attraction

An absolute favorite, and one that we hope will get a second season, is the Behind the Attraction series. As parkgoers, learning all the intricate details and lore around Disney Parks rides was such a treat. And something that could only be seen on Disney Plus as part of the Exclusive Original Programming. Featuring a behind-the-scenes look at Disney Imagineers, stories, and how they brought attractions to life, this is such a fun show to help build your Disney knowledge. 

High School Musical the Musical the Series

Without intention, High School Musical, The Musical, The Series became the star vehicle for breakout star Olivia Rodrigo. And a favorite among anyone and everyone adoring musical theater. With Broadway Stars touting its brilliance and more talent than you can imagine, HSMTMTS, has begun to garner a following almost as strong as the original High School Musical. 

This cheeky Disney+ Original Series is all about high schoolers putting on the dramatic production of High School Musical. Queue love triangle, dance competition, quirky video shots and adorable love songs. We love love love this cast. The talent and drama. Much like the original High School Musical we know and love. This one has a whole lot of heart and tunes you’ll sing and re-sing during your next house cleaning. give it a chance. At 10 episodes, you’ll be thankful that binge watch can simply happen overnight so you can still go to work the next morning. 

The Mandalorian

By far the most hyped of all shows on Disney+, this Disney Plus Original follows the bounty hunter, the Mandalorian, in his search for the galaxy’s ultimate prize, a 50 year old alien. The Child, is a member of the Yoda species, and absolutely to adorable ( and powerful) to harm. The bond between these is wonderful to watch. Apart from the amazing score, intricate storyline, and gorgeous set and costume design, we really are just in it for Baby Yoda! Quintessentially all things Star Wars, this is a must-see. definitely on our Disney+ Top 10 things to Watch.

Mickey Mouse Shorts (2013) and The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse and friends show up in this fun Emmy-Award Winning animated series, for adventures, and mishaps. This is one of our favorite shows to watch. These mini cartoons are about 5-6 minutes long and offer fun snapshots into the world of Mickey Mouse! The original series started in 2013 and is available on Disney Plus, and features the original voice actress for Minnie Mouse. After her passing, the show closed out the run and reopened a new run as the Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse. All in all both series are the same animation. And definitely worth the watch. 

Emmy-Award winning cartoons starring Mickey and friends. What’s not to like? In the classic Mickey cartoon style, you can count on finding favorites in these short cartoons. You’ll want to watch these over and over. Even more fun, is finding the easter eggs throughout the series. If you’re traveling to Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World be sure to stop by the Mickey Shorts theater. The new attraction features Vacation Fun, a whole new Mickey cartoon with a round-up of classic shorts you can watch at home on Disney+

Classic Disney Saturday Morning Cartoons

Ok, so let’s get down to brass tax here. When we ask ourselves, “Is Disney Plus Worth It”, it’s the Saturday Morning Cartoons that we simply can’t give up. You know the ones. Ducktales, Gummi Bears, and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh join newbie favorites like Phineas and Ferb and Gravity Falls. All are ONLY available on Disney Plus. 

What Shows are on Hulu?

A common combination is to have Disney Plus and Hulu as a bundle. This means you get all the content on Disney Plus for kids and a bunch of adult content on Hulu. Weirdly, Disney has chosen to begin moving forward to a “one app” experience for these services to combine. As they take full ownership of Hulu, we could definitely see the bundle situation change and shift to an exorbitantly priced service featuring a gigantic collection of shows that you may, or may not want. But, if you’re looking for more “grown-up” content you can head to the other streaming service under Disney’s umbrella, Hulu. Hulu also has original programming and most of the Fox catalog. Plus, Hillary Duff’s new comedic vehicle, How I Met Your Father,  Elle Fanning’s The Great, and FX’s What We Do in the Shadows. 

Comedies

• Brooklyn Nine-Nine: A cult classic, all 8 seasons are available for watching and rewatching on Hulu. Andy Samberg and friends work the beat in New York, complete with day-to-day problems, and crimes to fight. 
• Abbott Elementary: Emmy award-winning comedy at its best, Abbott Elementary is by far one of the best comedy sitcoms of the day. 
• What We Do In the Shadows: A fan favorite, this campy, over-the-top, comedy follows fish out of water vampires as they try to navigate neighbors, modern conveniences, and daylight from their spooky, sometimes dilapidated home in State Island. Originally written by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, this series follows the same flavor as the film. 

Dramas

• Only Murders in the Building: Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Nathan Lane lead this Emmy award-winning sitcom. As they solve murders by podcast. Fun and frisky, each season offers a new murder to solve. Exquisitely written, this show is beautiful, smart, and offers a great story. 
• The Bear: A renowned cast makes The Bear a must-see on Hulu, and a show that’s getting more and more notice each season. Combining drama and comedy, this one follows a brilliant chef who returns home to run his family’s sandwich shop after a death in the family. Life, love, and everything in between are tackled in this dramedy. 
• The Great: Nicholas Holt and Elle Fanning lead the all-star cast in this mostly true retelling of Catherine the Great’s reign in Russia. Gorgeous scenery and costumes, get you to the table for this one. And an interest in how Catherine will eventually overthrow the Czar to take her place on the throne of all Russia. Lots of sex in this one, so be wary of the kids watching. 

What Christmas Movies are on Disney Plus?

We pretty much live for the holidays. And having the BEST Holiday movies at our fingertips with a streaming service like Disney Plus is a godsend. This past Christmas we didn’t even ask “Is Disney Plus Worth It.” Mainly because the number of times we watched the Santa Clause trilogy alone completely justified the cost. We have a list of the Best Christmas Movies on Disney Plus and all the Disney Channel Christmas Episodes you can watch, for a reason. 

And many more! For those looking for Christmas Rom Coms on Disney Plus, you can find 12 Dates of Christmas, Snowglobe, and While You Were Sleeping.

What Christmas Movies are on Hulu?

With a full lineup of Christmas Movies on Hulu, there is no shortage of things to watch for the holidays. Especially, if you add this to your Disney Plus Bundle! With classic rom-com, kid’s cartoons, and family favorites, here are just a few you can watch, and rewatch through the holiday season. 

• The Holiday
• The Man Who Invented Christmas
• Jingle All the Way
• The Happiest Season
• Back to Christmas
• A Christmas Movie Christmas

How Many Streaming Services Do You Need?

Finally, we come to the big question, How Many Streaming Services Do You Need? Or rather, How Many Shows can you ACTUALLY watch? The second one always gets us. Causing us to fall into that trap of just paying, and paying for more streaming services each month than we can actually use. So, when it comes to how many streaming services you need, consider just making a chart. Good old-fashioned data will tell you what you’re actually most, versus what you’re actually just scrolling through. From there, you can then check out alternatives to streaming. 

Apps like Hoopla, through your local library, get you FREE ACCESS to shows from Acorn, BritBox, Paramount Plus, Disney, Fox, Hallmarks, and more. And they even have Binge Passes, which you can check out for 7 days.

Disney Plus Streaming Service Review

In a world where serial binge-watching has become the norm, chances are your watchlists on the services you already pay for, are limitless. From Netflix to Hulu, to Amazon Prime Video, to HBO Max, how could you possibly get through all that programming? Ever?

Hopefully, this post has given you a quick snapshot of what you get when you get the Disney Plus streaming service. And if you’ve been asking “Is Disney Plus worth It,” perhaps this post has cleared up a few of your questions. Let us know if you have questions we need to cover! And happy streaming.