Back in May, we learned that Disney was planning to merge Hulu and Disney+ into one, humungous app. The plan was to allow customers to choose each service individually if they wanted to, but for those who subscribed to both, their experience would be more convenient. I guess there are perks to monopolies.
Just over half a year later, it seems the process is kicking off. Starting today, Dec. 6, the "vast majority" of Hulu's library will be available to stream in the Disney+ app, so long as you subscribe to both platforms, of course. It's not overly clear at this point how much of the Hulu library will be available during this initial transition, but we do know certain titles won't be available due to licensing agreements, including Modern Family and Love Island.
You also miss out on live TV access if you subscribe to that: You'll still need the standalone Hulu app if you want to tune into those channels. In addition, watching Hulu content won't track across apps. If you want Hulu shows in the Hulu app, for example, it won't show those episodes as being watched in Disney+. The same goes the other way around.
Of course, many of these limitations are simply the result of this beta test. Hopefully, Disney irons out the larger issues before its larger rollout in March, which aims to make watching Hulu in Disney+ feel more natural.
What's interesting is this beta test is happening in the standard Disney+ app. When the merger was first announced, it was sold as a brand new app that users could try in beta in December. Now, it appears that "beta" is simply watching Hulu content in the same Disney+ app you already have.
How to watch Hulu content on Disney+
In order to access Hulu content in the Disney+ app, you need to be subscribed to both platforms. That can be either through a Disney+/Hulu bundle, or by subscribing to both services individually, but you need to be using the same email on both so Disney knows you're subscribed.
How much does it cost to subscribe to both Disney+ and Hulu?
If you want to go in on a Disney+/Hulu bundle, called "Duo," you can choose from either a $9.99 per month ad-supported plan, or $19.99 per month ad-free plan.
You can also subscribe separately: Disney+ runs $7.99 per month with ads, and $13.99 per month without. Hulu charges $7.99 with ads, with an option to add Disney+ with ads for $1.99 per month. You can also subscribe without ads for $17.99 per month.
If you're a student, you can get Hulu with ads for $1.99 per month. This is the way to go if you're eligible, since you can add a $1.99 per month Disney+ ad-plan to the mix, netting you a "bundle" for $3.98 per month.