Disney Just Revealed Bold New Plans for the Future of Disney+
Disney has been on a roll lately, rolling out updates that touch nearly every corner of the company. From brand-new lands being added to its theme parks to new movies in the works, the momentum isn’t slowing down. But the biggest shake-up might not be inside the parks—it’s happening on your TV screen.
Park Expansions That Have Fans Talking
The coming years will bring 4 of the most ambitious expansions Disney has attempted in decades.
Tropical Americas – Animal Kingdom
Animal Kingdom will welcome a colorful land celebrating Central and South America with lush landscapes, cultural experiences, and attractions inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones. The anticipated opening is 2027.
Piston Peak – Hollywood Studios
Inspired by Planes: Fire & Rescue, Piston Peak is rumored to have aerial stunts, interactive firefighting attractions, and themed dining. Hollywood Studios is expected to debut this high-energy land in 2028 or 2029.
Monsters, Inc. Land – Hollywood Studios
The lovable monsters from Pixar will soon have more space to play. Rumored features include a laughter-powered factory attraction, character meet-and-greets, and a suspended coaster. This one isn’t expected until after Piston Peak opens.
Villains Land – Magic Kingdom
A long-requested addition, Villains Land will finally give Disney’s most famous bad guys a place to call home. Guests can expect dark castles, immersive environments, and attractions designed to put them in the center of a villain’s story. While Disney hasn’t locked in a date, many believe the land could open around 2029 or 2030.
Disney+ Right Now
Disney+ is Disney’s all-in-one digital home for movies, TV, and original productions. It currently costs $9.99 per month with ads or $15.99 without. Bundle deals, such as the ad-free Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ combo, are also available for $29.99.
The bundle offers substantial value for subscribers as Hulu’s ad-free plan costs $18.99 for just the one streaming service. Even with multiple pricing tiers, the bundle options remain one of the most cost-effective ways to access Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ compared to paying for each separately.
A Streaming Announcement That Changes Everything
During today’s earnings call, CEO Bob Iger unveiled a plan that could completely change how Disney+ operates. While he touched on more minor updates—like expanded profile customization and behind-the-scenes tech upgrades to improve streaming quality—the real headline was Hulu’s full integration into Disney+.
Soon, subscribers won’t have to bounce between apps to find what they want. Marvel blockbusters, Hulu originals, Disney classics, and even ESPN+ live sports will all be accessible in one place. Iger said this single-app approach will create a smoother user experience, strengthen recommendations, and make content discovery easier than ever.
He also highlighted the value of the Disney bundle, noting it already costs less than paying for each service individually. By combining them into one platform, Disney hopes to attract new sign-ups, keep current subscribers from canceling, and reinforce its place as one of the most competitive streaming packages available.
What This Means for Viewers
The integration means a much simpler streaming experience. Having Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ content under one roof eliminates the need to switch apps, making jumping from a Marvel movie to a Hulu original or even live sports easier. Updated profile customization could also improve parental controls and help each viewer get more relevant recommendations.
However, this shift also signals the end of Hulu as a standalone platform. By the end of 2026, its entire library will be folded into Disney+, marking a significant consolidation in the streaming landscape.
While bundles will still offer savings compared to paying for each service individually, price increases are likely as Disney invests in technology and content licensing for the combined platform. For many, the convenience and variety will outweigh the higher cost—but it’s also a reminder that even streaming isn’t immune to rising prices.
Bigger Than Just Convenience
Merging the two platforms positions Disney to compete more directly with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. With Disney’s full library, Hulu’s originals, and ESPN+ sports all in one place, the combined offering could become one of the strongest packages in streaming.
Disney has never been shy about reinventing itself, and with new park lands on the way and this streaming overhaul ahead, it’s clear the company is aiming to capture attention both in the parks and at home.
