✦ Edited and fact-checked by Mia Carter, our Contributing Writer with over 27 years covering tech and mobile apps.
Does Disney+ still offer a free trial?
Short answer: no. Disney+ hasn’t handed out a standard free trial since 2020, and Disney hasn’t announced any plans to bring that trial back. Although in August 2026, Disney did publicly confirm that it is exploring a separate free streaming product/tier.
For now, that may be a bit of a letdown if you were hoping to test-drive Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars, and Nat Geo content before paying for it. But “no trial” doesn’t mean “no free options.” There are a few real workarounds that still exist through carriers, cable bundles, and Disney’s own promotional pricing, all rounded up on our Disney+ deals page.
Here’s what actually happened to the Disney+ free trial, what it costs now, and how to get the service for less (or free) through a legitimate backdoor. For a deeper look at the service itself, check our full Disney+ review. We’ll also cover cancellation, in case a promo period is about to expire.
What does the Disney+ free trial include?
Nothing, technically, because it doesn’t exist anymore. Disney+ retired its 7-day introductory trial back in 2020, and the company’s own help center confirms no free trials are currently offered to new or returning subscribers.
There are still a few near-equivalents worth knowing about. Spectrum’s TV plans include Disney+ at no extra cost. Hulu + Live TV currently offers eligible subscribers a 3-day free trial that includes Disney+ access through the Disney+ app. DIRECTV also offers a 5-day streaming trial on plans that include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited. Verizon’s standard current Disney bundle perk is discounted to $10 a month on eligible plans rather than free, although some legacy or previously activated offers may differ.
Disney+ itself still isn’t offering a free trial, but Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV can provide short-term Disney+ access as part of a larger live TV trial, while Spectrum and carrier perks can reduce or eliminate the separate Disney+ charge.
How do I sign up for the Disney+ free trial?
Since there’s no dedicated trial button to click, “signing up for the free trial” really means picking the cheapest legitimate entry point.
- Decide whether you want standalone Disney+ or the Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN), since bundling is usually the better value.
- If eligible, activate a carrier perk first. Then check whether your Verizon, Spectrum, or Xfinity account already includes free or discounted Disney+ access before paying separately.
- If no perk applies, go to Disney+’s standard checkout process and select a plan; you’ll need to enter payment details even for promotional or bundle pricing.
- Review the billing terms before completing signup; eligible Disney+/Hulu bundles may offer discounted pricing for the first six months before reverting to the regular monthly rate. Note your renewal date so you know exactly when standard pricing kicks in.
How do I cancel my Disney+ free trial?
There’s no active trial to cancel, but the same steps apply to canceling a promotional period, carrier perk, or standard subscription before it renews at full price.
- Log in to Disney+ and select your profile, then “Account.”
- Under ‘Subscription,” select your Disney+ or bundle subscription.
- Select “Cancel Subscription” and follow the prompts to complete the cancellation.
- You’ll generally keep access through the end of your current subscription term, but Disney+ generally doesn’t prorate refunds.
If you subscribed through Apple, Google Play, Roku, or a carrier like Verizon, you’ll need to cancel through that platform instead of directly on Disney+.
What other live TV streaming services have free trials?
Disney+ isn’t offering a trial, but plenty of live TV streaming services still are — here’s how they compare.
| Service | Trial length | Channels | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV | 5 days | 90–185+ | View Plans for DIRECTV STREAM |
| Frndly TV | 7 days | 50+ | View Plans for Frndly TV |
| Fubo | 5 days | 26–296+ | View Plans for FuboTV |
| Hulu + Live TV | 3 days for eligible subscribers | 95+ | View Plans for Hulu |
| Philo | 7 days | 70+ | View Plans for Philo |
| YouTube TV | Varies by plan/promotion | 100+ | View Plans for YouTube TV |
Data effective as of post date.
Disney+ free trial FAQ
Does Disney+ have a free trial in 2026?
No. Disney+ discontinued its standard U.S. free trial in 2020 and hasn't brought it back. The closest options are short live TV trials that include Disney+ (such as Hulu + Live TV or DIRECTV) or TV providers such as Spectrum that include Disney+ at no additional charge.
How can I get Disney+ for free?
The most reliable options come through other services rather than Disney+ itself. Spectrum's TV plans include Disney+ at no additional charge, while eligible Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV customers can temporarily access Disney+ during those services' free trials. Check any wireless, cable, or live TV subscriptions you already have before paying for Disney+ separately.
How much does Disney+ cost after the trial ends?
There's no trial to "end," but standard Disney+ pricing is $11.99 a month with ads or $11.99–$18.99/mo. (or $189.99 a year) for Premium. Disney+/Hulu bundles start at $12.99 a month, while Disney+/Hulu/ESPN Select starts at $19.99 a month and Disney+/Hulu/ESPN Unlimited starts at $35.99 a month.
Can I still cancel before being charged if I sign up through a promo?
Yes. If you activate a discounted or bundled offer, canceling before the promotional period ends through your Disney+ account settings (or the third-party platform you signed up through) stops future billing, though you typically won't get a refund for the current period.
CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.
