Disney+ scraps free trial offer ahead of Hamilton and Frozen 2 release

Both films are due for release on 3 July

Disney+ has ended its seven-day free trial period ahead of the upcoming release of Hamilton and Frozen 2 on 3 July.

Previously, new users could sign up for a week’s free access to the streaming service, which has a library of more than 500 classic Disney films and original programmes.

But before the release of Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical and the hugely popular Frozen sequel in July, Disney has scrapped the free promotional period, meaning that UK viewers will have to pay £5.99 per month or £59.99 for a year if they want to tune in.

A spokesperson told Variety: “We continue to test and evaluate different marketing, offers and promotions to grow Disney Plus. The service was set at an attractive price-to-value proposition that we believe delivers a compelling entertainment offering on its own.”

The filmed version of the hip hop-inspired Broadway musical Hamilton was originally scheduled for cinema release in 2021, but has been brought forward and will be going straight to streaming during coronavirus lockdown.

Disney+ launched in the UK in March, having initially made its debut in the US back in November.

Hamilton and Frozen 2 are the latest big names to appear on the platform, with the Star Wars films and spin-off series The Mandalorian, as well as the entire back-catalogue of The Simpsons episodes all appearing on the website.

Disney saw its streaming audience almost double during lockdown, with its global subscriber number skyrocketing from 26.5 million in March to more than 50 million in April.