The Walt Disney Company has confirmed the launch date of the ‘Star’ platform within Disney+ and the price increase for subscribers. 

Star will launch on February 23rd in Australia and will be the sixth brand channel within Disney+ alongside Marvel, Star Wars, Disney, Pixar and National Geographic. The Star channel will host series like 24, Desperate Housewives, Prison Break and The X-Files. 

Hulu original programs such as Big Sky and Love, Victor shall also be exclusive to Disney+ and the Star channel when it launches in February. More programming will include the upcoming Reservation Dogs from Taika Waititi and Sterlin Harjo, Y: The Last Man. 

An original Alien series from Noah Hawley and Ridley Scott was announced in December to premiere on Disney+ and the Star channel in the future. 

How Much Will It Cost?

From February 23rd, Disney+ will see a price increase for new or returning subscribers. It is not possible to opt-out of the price increase, or pick a version of Disney+ without the new Star channel. 

• Australia: $11.99 per month or $119.99 annually 

• New Zealand: $12.99 per month or $129.99 annually

If you have a current monthly subscription to Diseny+, the current price of $8.99AUD will be honoured for the first six months. 

If you just paid your annual fee, you won’t have to pay the new price until your next renewal in 2022. However, if your annual renewal is due after August 23rd, you’ll be spending the new, higher price. 

Ultimately it seems like it would be a good idea to change to an annual subscription NOW, before February 23rd so you can get another year at the lower price.