Disney Plus took the world by storm when it launched in November 2019, offering fans easy access to classic, new, and exclusive content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic. One notable perk that initially attracted new users was the *7-day free trial*, giving potential subscribers the chance to explore the platform before committing financially. But as streaming services evolve and platforms change their strategies, many wonder: Can you still get the Disney Plus 7-day free trial?
What Was the Disney Plus 7-Day Free Trial?
When Disney Plus debuted, it offered a standard seven-day free trial to new users in several countries. This trial allowed access to all available content, including original series like The Mandalorian, old-school Disney animated classics, and several Marvel hits. It was a marketing move to entice people into trying the service risk-free, with the hope that a rich content catalog would convert trial users into paying subscribers.
The trial was available via the Disney Plus website and apps, and users could cancel before the end of the period to avoid being charged.
Is the Disney Plus 7-Day Free Trial Still Available?
As of early 2024, the 7-day free trial is no longer available on Disney Plus in most regions. Disney officially discontinued the trial in June 2020 across the United States and gradually phased it out in other countries as well. According to Disney executives, the decision came after the platform had proved its value and strong subscriber growth minimized the reliance on free trials.
In place of the free trial, Disney has pivoted toward offering promotional deals and bundled packages, especially in partnership with other services or during special membership events.
Why Did Disney Plus Remove the Free Trial?
There were several reasons why Disney chose to end the free trial:
- High demand: Disney Plus experienced a massive surge in subscribers early on, especially after the release of major titles.
- Preventing abuse: Some users exploited the trial by creating multiple accounts to access new content without paying.
- Exclusive content launches: Disney wanted to prevent people from signing up for free just to watch limited, event-driven content like The Mandalorian episodes or Marvel movie drops and canceling immediately after.
Ultimately, Disney felt that the platform’s content catalog had matured to a point where users would be willing to subscribe without testing the waters first.
Are There Alternative Ways to Access Disney Plus for Free?
Although the formal 7-day free trial is gone, there are still *other methods* through which users can access Disney Plus without paying directly.
1. Phone Carrier Promotions
Some mobile carriers offer access to Disney Plus as part of their service packages. For example, Verizon previously offered a free Disney Plus subscription for up to one year with select mobile or internet plans.
2. Bundled Subscriptions
The Disney Bundle, which includes Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN+, sometimes comes with promotional pricing or limited-time offers. While not completely free, these bundles often provide significant value compared to purchasing each platform individually.
3. Special Trial Offers
Although the 7-day trial is not generally available, Disney may occasionally offer limited free trials or discounted first-month subscriptions during marketing promotions or holidays.
It’s worth checking the Disney Plus home page during events like Disney+ Day or Black Friday for special access opportunities.
How to Start a Paid Disney Plus Subscription
If you’re ready to subscribe, the process is simple:
- Visit the Disney Plus website or download the app from your device’s app store.
- Click on the “Sign Up” or “Subscribe Now” button.
- Choose between the monthly or annual subscription plan.
- Enter an email address and create a password.
- Provide your payment information.
- Click confirm, and you’ll have full access to the platform’s content library.
Keep in mind, once you pay for the subscription, cancellations do not result in a refund, but you will be able to continue using the service for the remainder of your paid term.
Disney Plus vs. Other Streaming Services: Who Still Offers Free Trials?
As Disney bucks the free-trial trend, other streaming platforms have begun following suit. Here’s how Disney Plus compares to leading competitors in 2024 in terms of trial offerings:
- Netflix: No free trial available since 2020.
- Amazon Prime Video: Offers a 30-day free trial for new users (includes all Prime benefits).
- Hulu: Often provides a 30-day free trial, depending on the plan.
- Apple TV+: Offers a 7-day free trial and extended periods with device purchases.
- Peacock: Offers a limited free tier with ads and selected content.
This shift away from standard free trials aligns with the streaming industry’s broader trend to prioritize long-term monetization over short-term user spikes.
Will Disney Bring Back the 7-Day Free Trial?
While there’s no official word from Disney, it’s unlikely the 7-day free trial will return as a standard option, especially given Disney’s ambitious content schedule, global expansion, and positive revenue growth from existing subscribers. However, Disney could reintroduce limited-time trials for specific promotions, partnerships, or regions where the service is newly launched.
In new markets, Disney has occasionally rolled out short trial promotions as part of international growth strategies. For the majority of users, though, the no-trial policy remains in effect.
Conclusion
Although Disney Plus no longer offers a 7-day free trial, the platform still provides numerous ways for users to experience its content affordably. From bundled deals and promotional periods to free trials offered through mobile providers, there are plenty of options worth exploring.
As the streaming wars continue, companies like Disney are finding new ways to prove that their content is worth paying for — with or without a free trial. For prospective subscribers, staying tuned to promotions and taking advantage of bundles remains your best bet for cost-effective access to Disney’s magic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still sign up for a 7-day Disney Plus free trial in 2024?
No, the 7-day free trial is no longer available in most countries as of 2024.
2. Why did Disney Plus remove the free trial option?
Disney removed the trial to prevent abuse and to capitalize on major content releases without giving away free access.
3. Are there any other ways to watch Disney Plus for free?
Yes. You can explore mobile carrier promotions, bundled subscription packages, and occasional limited-time discounts.
4. Will the free trial ever return?
It’s possible but unlikely on a wide scale. Disney may bring back trial periods for specific promotions or new market expansions.
5. What is included in a Disney Plus paid subscription?
A subscription includes access to all Disney Plus content, including movies, series, exclusive originals, and a growing library of back-catalog content.
6. How much does Disney Plus cost?
In 2024, Disney Plus pricing typically ranges from $7.99/month (with ads) to $10.99/month (ad-free), depending on your region and selected plan.
7. Can I share my Disney Plus account with others?
Disney allows multiple profiles and device support per account, though account sharing may be restricted based on the terms of service in the future.