You’ve been hummed that one catchy hook from the soundtrack for weeks. Your kids are literally vibrating with excitement. You just want to sit on your own couch, eat popcorn that doesn't cost $15, and finally see what Moana and Maui have been up to. But then you open your favorite app and... nothing. Or maybe it's there, but the price looks like a typo.
Knowing where can you rent Moana 2 shouldn't feel like navigating a storm without a wayfinder.
Honestly, the way Disney handles these releases is kinda confusing. They have this massive box office hit—we're talking over a billion dollars here—and they want to milk every single cent before it just sits on a subscription service forever. Because of that, the "rental" phase for a movie this big usually happens in waves. If you looked a year ago, you would have seen a massive $24.99 price tag just to own it.
Now? Things have chilled out. But there are still some quirks you need to know so you don't overpay or end up on some sketchy site that’s going to give your laptop a virus.
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The Best Places to Rent Moana 2 Right Now
If you want to watch it tonight, you have options. Most major digital storefronts have settled into a standard pricing rhythm. Since we are well past the initial theatrical and "Premium Access" windows, you aren't stuck paying those eye-watering early-access fees anymore.
Basically, you’re looking at these usual suspects:
- Amazon Prime Video: Still the easiest for most people. If you have a Fire Stick or the app on your TV, it’s a two-click process.
- Apple TV (iTunes): This is usually the best bet if you want the highest bitrate for 4K. If you have a nice OLED TV, the colors in the ocean scenes look noticeably crisper here.
- Google TV / YouTube: These are the same library. If you rent it on YouTube, it shows up in your Google "My Movies" section. Super convenient if you’re an Android user.
- Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu): They often have "bundles" where you can rent the sequel and the original together for a discount, which is great if you’re doing a marathon.
Standard rental prices have dropped significantly since the early 2025 "Premium" window. While it launched at a steep $24.99 for a 48-hour rental, it now typically sits between $3.99 and $5.99 for a standard rental, depending on whether you want 4K UHD or just standard definition.
What You Get When You Rent
Once you hit that "Rent" button, the clock starts ticking. You usually have 30 days to start watching the movie. But the moment you press play? You’ve got 48 hours to finish it.
I’ve made the mistake of starting a movie at 9:00 PM on a Tuesday, falling asleep, and then realizing on Thursday night that my rental expired. Don't be like me.
Why Isn't It Just Free on Disney+?
This is the big question everyone asks. "I pay for the subscription, why isn't it there?"
Well, it is there now. Moana 2 arrived on Disney+ on March 12, 2025. If you are a subscriber, you don't need to rent it at all. Just search for it. However, some people still prefer renting for a few reasons. Maybe you canceled your Disney+ sub because you're tired of the price hikes—it's up to $15.99 a month for the ad-free version now—and you just want to see this one specific movie.
In that case, a $3.99 rental is way smarter than a $16 monthly commitment.
It’s also worth noting that some international regions have different licensing deals. If you're traveling or living outside the US, the Disney+ "Star" or "Hotstar" versions might have different release schedules. But for the vast majority of us, the rental stores are the fallback when we don't want another recurring bill.
The "Premium" Trap to Avoid
When you search for where can you rent Moana 2, you might still see some old articles or listings suggesting prices near $30.
Ignore them.
Those were from the "PVOD" (Premium Video on Demand) window. Back in January 2025, Disney kept the price high to target the "I can't wait" crowd. If a site is asking you for more than six or seven bucks for a rental today, you’re looking at the "Buy" price by mistake.
Ownership usually costs around $19.99. Unless your kids are going to watch this 50 times (which, let’s be real, they might), the rental is the better value.
Troubleshooting Your Rental
Nothing ruins a movie night faster than a spinning loading circle. If you rent the movie and it’s stuttering, check your "Quality" settings.
- 4K vs HD: If your internet is spotty, don't rent the 4K version. Stick to HD. It’s cheaper and way less likely to buffer.
- Offline Viewing: If you’re renting this for a plane ride or a car trip, you must download it while you have Wi-Fi. Most apps like Prime Video and Apple TV let you download rentals, but the 48-hour timer still applies once you start the file.
- The "Wait" Period: Occasionally, if a movie is being "updated" on a server, it might temporarily disappear from rental and only be available to buy. If that happens, wait 24 hours. It usually pops back up.
Actionable Next Steps
Ready to set sail? Here is exactly what you should do:
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First, check your Disney+ account. If you’re already paying for it, the movie is included in your library at no extra cost as of March 2025.
Second, if you aren't a subscriber, compare prices between Amazon and Apple TV. They are usually neck-and-neck, but sometimes one will have a "Deal of the Week" where you can snag the rental for $0.99 or $1.99.
Third, check your rewards points. If you use a credit card with "Entertainment" categories or have Google Play points saved up, you can often "rent" the movie for free by redeeming those credits. It’s a nice way to have a family night without spending a dime.
Finally, make sure you have the latest version of your streaming app. Disney movies use specific DRM (digital rights management) that sometimes glitches out on older versions of the YouTube or Prime app. A quick update ensures you won't be staring at a black screen when the opening chant starts.