Emie WangDisney+ Raised Its Prices Again — Here Is What Australian Law Says You Can Do About It
In April 2026, Disney+ increased its Standard monthly subscription from AU$15.99 to AU$17.99 — a rise of $2 per month, or roughly 13 per cent. The Premium plan climbed even further, from AU$20.99 to AU$24.99, a 19 per cent jump. For annual subscribers, the increases are steeper: Standard yearly now costs AU$179.99, up from AU$159.99, and Premium yearly has risen from AU$209.99 to AU$249.99.
It is the second major price increase for Australian Disney+ subscribers in just over a year. Alongside the hike, Disney introduced a new Standard with Ads tier at AU$9.99 per month — a lower-cost entry point that trades a cheaper bill for a more interrupted viewing experience.
If you feel the price rises caught you off guard, you are not alone. And under Australian law, you may have more recourse than you think.
What the Australian Consumer Law Actually Says
Australia's principal consumer protection framework is the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), which includes the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) in Schedule 2. The ACL prohibits misleading and deceptive conduct, and requires that businesses dealing with consumers engage honestly and transparently.
For subscription services specifically, there is growing legal pressure. In February 2026, Treasury released draft legislation — the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026 — targeting subscription traps, drip pricing, and hidden fees. That Bill was introduced into the House of Representatives on 1 April 2026.
Critically, the draft laws impose new obligations on subscription service providers, including mandatory reminder notices before renewals, trial expiries, or price increases. If passed (expected to apply from 1 July 2027), services like Disney+ will be legally required to notify you before a price increase takes effect — not just update a webpage.
At present, whether Disney+ met its existing obligations under the ACL when implementing these price rises depends on how it communicated the changes and whether subscribers had adequate opportunity to cancel before being charged the higher rate.
3 Rights You Have Right Now
Even before the new legislation takes effect, Australian consumers have tools available under existing law:
1. The right to cancel. If you subscribed on the understanding of a particular price and the price has changed materially, you have a right to cancel your subscription. Disney+ offers cancellation at any time. The ACL gives you the right to do this without penalty, and consumer protections under Australian law cannot be contracted out of.
2. The right to dispute unauthorised charges. If you were charged the higher rate without adequate notice and you believe this was not properly disclosed, you can raise a complaint with your bank or financial institution for a chargeback, or lodge a complaint with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The ACCC has confirmed that subscription traps and dark patterns are among its 2026–27 enforcement priorities.
3. The right to complain to the ACCC. The ACCC monitors unfair trading practices and accepts consumer complaints online. A significant volume of complaints about a practice, particularly from a major provider, can inform enforcement action and policy.
For a practical guide to Australian consumer guarantees and your rights when dealing with subscription services, visit consumer rights under the ACL at the ACCC website.
Why the New Legislation Matters
The Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices) Bill 2026 is the most significant consumer protection reform in years, and it was designed with streaming services like Disney+ in mind.
Under the proposed rules, subscription providers must clearly disclose key subscription terms upfront, provide reminder notices before automatic renewals or price changes, and offer a simple cancellation process — one comparable in ease to the sign-up process. The ability to bury a price increase in a terms-of-service email that most people never read would no longer be sufficient.
Corporate penalties under the proposed regime are substantial: the greater of $50 million, three times the value of any benefit derived from the breach, or 30 per cent of adjusted turnover during the breach period. For individual executives, penalties of up to $2.5 million apply.
When to Seek Legal Advice
Most Australians will handle a Disney+ price rise by downgrading, cancelling, or accepting the increase. But there are circumstances where a consumer rights lawyer can add real value:
- If you believe you were charged a higher rate without adequate prior notice in breach of your subscription terms
- If you subscribed to a long-term plan with a price guarantee that was not honoured
- If you are a small business subscriber and your use qualifies under the ACL's small business protections (the Unfair Trading Practices Bill extends its subscription protections to small businesses, not just individuals)
A consumer rights solicitor can assess whether your specific situation gives rise to a compensation claim or complaint and advise you on the fastest path to resolution. ExpertZoom connects you with qualified Australian consumer lawyers — accessible, efficient, and focused on outcomes.
The Bigger Picture for Streaming Subscribers
Disney+ is not alone in raising prices. Netflix, Stan, and Binge have all adjusted their pricing in 2025–2026. The broader trend reflects a streaming industry moving away from growth-at-all-costs and toward profitability — with subscribers bearing the cost of that transition.
Australia's new unfair trading practices legislation signals that governments and regulators are watching. The introduction of mandatory notice requirements and simple cancellation processes reflects a recognition that the current subscription model, built on friction and inertia, has gone too far.
In the meantime, knowing your rights under existing Australian Consumer Law is your best tool. If in doubt, the ACCC is your first call. If the situation is more complex, ExpertZoom's network of consumer law specialists is available to advise.
YMYL disclaimer: This article provides general legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation regarding subscription disputes or consumer rights, consult a qualified Australian solicitor.
