Since launching in Canada in November 2019, Disney+ has quickly become one of the most popular streaming platforms in the country. With a vast library of content that includes Disney’s Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic franchises, it is a one-stop destination of entertainment for all ages. Its low cost, user-friendly design, and exclusive programming such as The Mandalorian and WandaVision have made the platform popular among Canadian viewers.
What truly sets Disney+ apart from other streaming services is its connection to a wide range of popular franchises and its ability to offer viewers both classic Disney productions and the latest blockbusters. The surge in the popularity of streaming services has allowed Disney to capitalise on its already-existing, extensive fanbase by offering viewers both a nostalgic experience and a gateway to global storytelling.
How Much is Disney+ in Canada?
As of 2025, Canadian viewers can choose from three different tiers when subscribing to the service. The cheapest option is the Disney+ Standard; a great option if you don’t mind ads. For those who prefer to watch ad-free content, Disney+ offers two subscription options: Standard or Premium. With the Premium service, you can stream in up to 4K UHD quality with HDR. It is also a great option for families, as you can watch on up to four devices at the same time. The Premium option also gives you an immersive sound experience with up to Dolby Atmos audio.
While the standard with ads only comes with a pay-monthly option, you can choose to pay annually for the ad-free services. You can save money with the annual payment plan because you get twelve months of streaming for the price of just ten months.
| Subscription Level | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Disney+ Standard with Ads | $8.99 | n/a |
| Disney+ Standard | $12.99 | $129.99 |
| Disney+ Premium | $15.99 | $159.99 |
| Extra Member - Standard with Ads | $6.99 | n/a |
| Extra Member - Standard | $7.99 | n/a |
| Extra Member - Premium | $7.99 | n/a |
Disney+ also allows you to add an extra member to your plan. This option makes it possible to add another person to your subscription service when they are not living in your household. A great option, for example, if you have a son or daughter who has moved away to study.
Disney+ also offers bundle options for its Canadian viewers. There are several bundles to choose from with the basic bundle, Disney+ and Hulu with ads, available for just over $14 per month, while the most expensive bundle, Disney+, Hulu + Live TV, and ESPN+, all ad-free, will cost you over $100 per month. The bundles offer a great deal to watch for Canadians looking for even more diverse programming with Hulu offering TV shows and movies and ESPN+ extensive sports coverage.
Disney+ vs Other Streaming Services in Canada
When we compare Disney+ with other leading streaming services, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Crave, there are several key aspects to consider, including pricing, content, and exclusives.
Pricing
The cheapest streaming service, among the major providers in Canada, is Amazon Prime Video, which costs $9.99 per month and comes with the Amazon Primer membership. Next come Disney+ and Apple TV+, both offering their ad-free service for $12.99 per month. Netflix without ads is more expensive at $18.99 per month and if you want to go ad-free with Crave, you will need their premium service, which is $22.00 per month.
Content
Disney+ boasts a vast library of family-friendly movies and shows, including exclusive Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and National Geographic content. It also offers a wide variety of Disney classics, which makes it a great choice for parents with young kids. On the other hand, Netflix carries a wider variety of content, including original series such as Stranger Things and The Crown, films, documentaries, and international programming, appealing to a diverse viewership. Amazon Prime Video also offers a large selection of movies, shows, and live sports. Although Apple TV+ has a smaller content library, it offers plenty of high-quality original programming, including Ted Lasso and Severance. Crave’s main focus is premium HBO shows, complemented by a wide selection of films and Canadian programming.
Exclusives
Each streaming service offers exclusive content, which will often influence viewers’ decisions when choosing a streaming subscription. Disney+’s standout exclusives include The Mandalorian and Andor from its Star Wars series, as well as Marvel series such as Loki, WandaVision, and Ms. Marvel. Netflix’s exclusive offerings include global hits such as Squid Game and Bridgerton, and the service also boasts a large catalog of original films. Amazon Prime Video offers a wide range of exclusives, which include The Boys, Twelve Final Days, and Fallout, thus catering to a wide range of tastes, while many original shows by Apple TV+ have been praised for their original storytelling and high-standard production. Crave sets itself apart by providing access to the latest releases and critically acclaimed programming on HBO.
Overall, Disney+ is a brilliant choice for Canadians looking for family-oriented content and fans of big franchises such as Marvel and Star Wars, while Netflix and Amazon Prime Video offer a wider variety of genres and international content. Apple TV+ offers original and critically acclaimed series, while Crave carries premium HBO programming, making it a top pick for Canadians who enjoy HBO’s content.
History of Disney+
Disney+ was officially launched in Canada, the United States, and the Netherlands on November 12, 2019, by The Walt Disney Company. Disney’s streaming service was a strategic response to the rising demand for online, on-demand entertainment. The company, which has long been known for its vast collection of animated movies, TV shows, and franchises, recognised that audiences were shifting toward streaming platforms such Netflix and Amazon Prime. Disney launched its own streaming service both to compete with other streaming platforms and to promote its famous brand and collection of entertainment.
Disney’s plan for Disney+ was to create a family-friendly platform that integrated its vast programme library with modern digital technology seamlessly. Disney’s plan was to create a streaming platform that would attract both its loyal fans and capitalise on the potential of its major franchises, including Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar. Disney+’s early strategy centered on original programming, such as their hit shows The Mandalorian and the Winter Soldier, giving it a competitive edge. In addition, their content strategy included nostalgic favorites combined with new releases to appeal to a broad demographic, including families with young children and adult fans of major franchises.
Disney+’s Expansion
Since its launch, Disney+ has seen impressive growth and global expansion, becoming a major player in the streaming business. After launching in Canada, the United States, and the Netherlands, Disney+ expanded to other global markets, including Europe, Latin America, and parts of Asia. According to Statista, Disney has around 125 million subscribers worldwide, which has surpassed expectations. Especially if we compare it to Netflix, the current market leader, which took a decade to reach similar subscriber numbers when there was far less competition.
Disney+’s success is largely thanks to its content deals and exclusive programming. The platform’s substantial investment in original content from key franchises has resulted in highly successful shows that have helped boost both viewership and subscriber counts. In addition, Disney+’s licensing deals have extended its content, adding popular films such as live-action Disney classics and National Geographic documentaries into its library. Disney+ has also benefited from its partnerships with other platforms, such as including Hulu and ESPN+ in the Disney Bundle. Thanks to this integration, Disney+ can reach a more diverse audience, including sports lovers and those interested in programmes for adult audiences.
Pros and Cons of Disney+ in Canada
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable pricing - while more expensive than Amazon Prime, Disney+ is cheaper than Netflix or Crave. | Less varied content - compared to streaming services such as Amazon Prime and Netflix, content from Disney+ can feel limited. However, customers can access more varied content by choosing one of the Disney+ bundles. |
| Family-friendly viewing - Disney+ is a family favourite thanks to its library of Disney classics, films from Pixar, and content from Star Wars and Marvel. | Regional restrictions- despite its expansion, Disney+ still has some regional restrictions where some shows and films may not be available in Canada. In addition, some exclusive content may be released at different times in different locations, meaning longer waiting times for some programming. |
| Exclusive originals and franchise content - with Disney+, Canadians can view exclusive original series from Disney+ and get exclusive access to new films from Pixar and original programming from National Geographic. | Limited adult-oriented content - while Disney+ is working to expand its programme offering for adults, much of its content is still targeted at families, while other services offer a broader range of programmes for grown-up audiences. |
| High-quality streaming experience - users can stream on up to four devices simultaneously and premium subscribers get 4K Ultra HD and Dolby Vision for supported programmes. | Lack of live TV and sports - on its own, Disney+ does not offer live TV broadcasts or sports. If viewers want to access sports and live TV through Disney+, they will have to get one of the available bundles which costs more. |
