As the streaming wars continue to heat up, Disney+ is making an early move to attract budget-conscious consumers in 2026. Following a period of fluctuating prices that saw increases late last year, the Mouse House has unveiled its first significant streaming bundle discount of the new year, partnering with Hulu to offer a compelling, albeit temporary, deal.
For subscribers looking to maximize their entertainment value without breaking the bank, Disney+ has announced a special offer for a one-month trial of the ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle for just $9.99. This marks a solid $3 reduction from the standard monthly price of $12.99 for the ad-supported pairing.
The January 2026 Bundle Deal Explained
The promotion, which officially began in mid-January 2026, is designed to entice users who might have previously dropped one or both services after holiday price adjustments. The offer is available to new subscribers and eligible returning customers—specifically those not currently active on Disney+ or any of its existing bundle plans.
A Modest Saving with Significant Value
While a $3 saving might seem minor in the grand scheme of monthly expenses, the timing and structure of the deal make it noteworthy. At $9.99, the discounted bundle price is actually $2 cheaper than subscribing to either Disney+ or Hulu standalone with ads. This effectively means users get one service essentially free for the month if they are interested in both platforms.
This introductory pricing strategy suggests Disney is keenly aware of subscription fatigue. By bundling the family-friendly and blockbuster content of Disney+ with the more mature, critically acclaimed offerings on Hulu, they are providing a comprehensive entertainment package at a highly competitive entry point.
The crucial detail for interested parties is the expiration date. This promotional rate is set to conclude on February 17, 2026. This gives potential subscribers just over a month to decide if the combined value proposition justifies the commitment, even if only for the introductory period.
What’s Streaming: A Content Deep Dive
The value of this bundle hinges entirely on the content libraries available across both platforms in early 2026. Disney+ continues to be the home for its core pillars: Pixar, Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Star Wars, and National Geographic.
Disney+ Highlights for Early 2026
For Marvel fans, this period is particularly significant. With the anticipated release of the MCU series Wonder Man, subscribers have fresh, high-profile content to dive into. Furthermore, ongoing releases like Season 2 of Percy Jackson & the Olympians and new episodes of the Phineas & Ferb reboot ensure a steady stream of engagement for diverse demographics. For those preparing for future cinematic events like Avengers: Doomsday, catching up on recent MCU installments via Disney+ is essential homework.
Hulu’s Adult-Focused Appeal
Hulu complements Disney+ by offering a mature slate that often drives critical conversation. Key exclusives currently driving subscriptions include the critically acclaimed Shōgun, the ongoing narrative tension of The Handmaid's Tale, and the fan-favorite Only Murders in the Building. Hulu also remains the exclusive streaming home for major film franchises, notably the Predator universe, featuring recent hits like Prey and the new installment, Predator: Killer of Killers.
This content juxtaposition—blockbuster IP on Disney+ meeting prestige and genre fare on Hulu—is precisely why the bundle remains a powerful offering, even with ads.
Navigating the Ad-Supported Landscape
It is important to reiterate that this specific introductory price applies only to the ad-supported tiers of both services. In today's streaming environment, consumers are increasingly forced to choose between lower costs and an uninterrupted viewing experience. The $9.99 price point aims squarely at users who prioritize cost savings and are willing to tolerate commercial breaks.
As Disney navigates the post-pandemic streaming reality, where growth is slowing and profitability is paramount, these strategic discounts serve a dual purpose: securing new subscriber numbers early in the year and encouraging users to experience the full breadth of the Disney ecosystem before the standard pricing structure resumes.
For anyone on the fence about either service, the February 17 deadline presents a low-risk opportunity to sample two major streaming libraries simultaneously. Whether the content lineup warrants the full $12.99 price after the trial remains the ultimate test for long-term subscriber retention.
