Disney Plus Commercials: Are They Coming?

Disney Plus currently offers an ad-free tier, but a cheaper ad-supported plan launched in December 2022, bringing commercials to the service for the first time. With this plan, you get the same movies and shows, but you’ll see ads before and during content, just like on traditional TV. This article explains exactly how the ad-supported tier works, what it costs, and how it compares to the ad-free option.

Background: Why Disney Plus Has Commercials Now

When Disney Plus launched in November 2019, it was marketed as a premium, ad-free streaming service. For the first three years, there were no commercials at all. However, in late 2022, Disney introduced a cheaper tier with ads to attract price-sensitive subscribers and boost revenue per user. This followed a trend set by Netflix and HBO Max, which both launched ad-supported plans around the same time.

The ad-supported tier became available in the United States on December 8, 2022. Disney later expanded it to international markets. The company has stated that the ad tier is a key part of its growth strategy, aiming to reach a wider audience who might not want to pay full price.

How the Ad-Supported Plan Works

If you subscribe to the Disney Plus Basic (with ads) plan, you get access to the same library of movies and series as ad-free subscribers. The key differences are:

Commercial breaks: Ads play before and during content. The length and frequency vary, but typical breaks are 30 to 60 seconds long, appearing every 15 to 20 minutes.
No downloads: On the ad-supported plan, you cannot download titles for offline viewing. This feature is reserved for the ad-free tier.
Simultaneous streams: Both plans allow four concurrent streams, so that’s not affected.
Resolution: The ad-supported plan streams in Full HD (1080p), while the ad-free plan also offers 4K Ultra HD and HDR where available. So if you have a 4K TV, you’ll lose that quality on the cheaper plan.

Parental controls still work the same way. You can set profiles for kids, and the ads shown on children’s profiles are limited and adhere to advertising standards for minors.

How to Choose Between Ad-Free and With Ads

Your choice depends on your viewing habits and budget. Consider these factors:

Budget: If you want to save $6 per month (or $72 per year), the ad-supported plan is clearly cheaper.
Ad tolerance: If you strongly dislike commercials and find they interrupt your immersion, the ad-free plan is worth the extra cost.
4K requirement: If you own a 4K TV and want to watch Disney Plus in the best possible quality, you need the ad-free plan because the ad tier caps at 1080p.
Offline viewing: If you travel or have unreliable internet, the ability to download content is a major advantage of the ad-free plan.
Family sharing: Both plans allow four profiles and four simultaneous streams, so that doesn’t differentiate them.

If you’re on the fence, you could start with the ad-supported plan and upgrade later if the ads bother you. Disney lets you switch plans at any time, though the change takes effect at the start of your next billing cycle.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Several misunderstandings about Disney Plus ads are worth clearing up:

“Ads are only on older content.” Not true. Ads appear on all content in the ad-supported plan, including new releases and originals.
“You can fast-forward through ads.” No. On the ad-supported plan, you cannot fast-forward or skip ads. They are embedded and must play through.
“The ad plan is the same as the free trial.” No. The free trial (when offered) gives you full ad-free access for a limited time. The ad-supported plan is a permanent, cheaper subscription.
“Ads are only for adults.” Children’s profiles also show ads, but they are limited and must comply with regulations. You cannot disable ads on a child’s profile if you’re on the ad plan.

Another common issue is that some users see ads even on the ad-free plan. This is usually a glitch or a session error. If that happens, log out and log back in, or contact Disney Plus support. Ads should never appear on the ad-free tier.

Comparison: Disney Plus Ads vs. Other Streaming Services

Disney’s ad-supported tier is similar to those of its competitors, but there are differences:

Netflix (Standard with ads): Launched in November 2022. It costs less than Disney’s ad tier, but it does not allow downloads and streams in 720p, which is lower than Disney’s 1080p.
HBO Max (now Max) with ads: Launched in 2021. It offers 1080p and allows downloads, unlike Disney’s ad tier. Its price is comparable to Disney’s.
Hulu (with ads): Hulu has had an ad-supported tier for years. Disney owns Hulu, and there are bundle deals that include both Disney Plus and Hulu with ads at a discounted rate.

Overall, Disney’s ad tier sits in the middle: better resolution than Netflix’s ad plan, but no downloads, which Max offers. The exact prices vary and change over time, so check the official websites for current rates.

Costs and Bundles

As of 2024, Disney Plus Basic (with ads) costs $7.99 per month in the US. The ad-free plan costs $13.99 per month. There are also bundle options:

Disney Bundle Duo Basic: Includes Disney Plus (with ads) and Hulu (with ads) for $9.99 per month.
Disney Bundle Trio Basic: Includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN+ (all with ads) for $14.99 per month.
Ad-free bundles: You can also get bundles without ads, but they cost more, typically around $24.99 per month for the Trio Premium.

These bundles offer significant savings if you want multiple services. However, note that ESPN+ always has ads, even in the premium bundle, because it’s a live sports service.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

When using the ad-supported plan, Disney collects data about your viewing habits to serve targeted ads. This is standard practice for ad-based streaming services. If you’re concerned about privacy, you can:

Review Disney’s privacy policy to see what data is collected.
Adjust your ad preferences in your account settings, if available.
Use the ad-free plan to avoid targeted advertising altogether.

There’s no security risk from the ads themselves, but be cautious of any ad that asks for personal information. Legitimate ads will never ask for your password or credit card details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get Disney Plus without any commercials?

Yes. The Disney Plus Premium (ad-free) plan has no commercials. You pay a higher monthly fee, and you also get 4K streaming and offline downloads. That’s the only way to avoid ads entirely.

How long are the commercial breaks on Disney Plus?

Commercial breaks typically last between 30 seconds and 1 minute. They usually appear at the beginning of a show or movie and then every 15 to 20 minutes during longer content. The exact frequency depends on the title and the length of the episode.

Can I skip or fast-forward through the ads?

No. On the ad-supported plan, you cannot skip or fast-forward through commercials. The ads are embedded in the stream, and the player will not allow you to jump past them. You can only pause or stop watching.

Does the ad-supported plan include all Disney Plus content?

Yes, you get access to the same library as the ad-free plan. All movies, series, and originals are available. The only differences are the ads, the lack of downloads, and the 1080p resolution cap.

Can I switch from the ad-supported plan to the ad-free plan later?

Yes. You can change your subscription plan at any time through your account settings. The change will take effect at the start of your next billing cycle. If you upgrade, you’ll pay the higher price; if you downgrade, you’ll pay the lower price.

Are there ads on children’s profiles?

Yes, there are ads on children’s profiles, but they are limited and must comply with children’s advertising regulations. The ads are typically for toys, movies, or other age-appropriate products. You cannot remove ads from a child’s profile if you’re on the ad-supported plan.

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