Disney introduces new perks to retain subscribers amid rising prices

In the United States, on May 29, 2025, Disney+ began its initiative to launch subscriber perks aimed at differentiating itself from the growing competition in the streaming service market. As subscription fees continue to rise, many users feel dissatisfied with the value they receive, prompting Disney to provide extra incentives. Among the offerings available to Disney+ subscribers are discounts on Adidas products and stays at select Disney Resorts Collection hotels. Additionally, subscribers can access free trials for popular services, including a six-month trial for a premium DoorDash subscription, a three-month trial for Clear+, and a two-month trial for Duolingo premium. Other offers include participation in contests for experiences such as attending the premiere of Disney films. Following the announcement made in November 2023 regarding Disney's full acquisition of Hulu, the company reveals that Hulu subscribers will also benefit from a similar perks program set to launch on June 2, 2025. While specific details about Hulu's perks remain vague, they are expected to provide unique experiences and chances to win items inspired by Hulu originals. Premium content offerings and exclusive contests may retain existing subscribers and potentially attract new ones, especially as they compete with other popular streaming services. By integrating a MyDisney account with Hulu or Disney+, subscribers can access these new perks; however, this integration may not appeal to all users. Additionally, many of the perks require sharing personal information with third parties, raising concerns about privacy and marketing exploitation. Disney has faced criticism due to recent price increases of up to 25% for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, leading to questions about customer engagement strategies. Despite these challenges, Disney’s new subscriber perks may serve as an effective method for enhancing audience interaction and satisfaction. As Disney combines its platforms into a unified app, viewers can benefit from easier access to various content and discounts all in one place. This innovative approach has the potential to distinguish Disney+ and Hulu from their competitors, including Netflix, which boasts substantial subscriber numbers but lacks similar promotional offers.