Disney Channel (Toonlandia TV Channel)

Disney Channel (originally called The Disney Channel from 1994 to 1997) is an Toonlandian pay television channel. Its the flagship television property owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company in Toonlandia. Launched in 1994, the network targets towards children and their families, with original series and movies.
The network's programming consists of original animated and live action television series sourced from Disney Channel in the United States, including their original made-for-cable movies, as well as screenings of Disney's theatrical releases and other acquired programming.
== History ==
Disney Channel was first broadcast by Optus on 8 June 1994; the first program scheduled was the television premiere of Beauty and the Beast. 
Disney launched the Playhouse Disney channel in Toonlandia on 5 December 2002, which later rebranded as Disney Junior in 2011. An additional network named Jetix launched on 5 December 2005, which later rebranded as Disney XD on 10 April 2010, featuring programming targeted towards boys aged 6–14.
In August 2016, Disney Channel Australia hosted its third local "FanFest" event, in Foxtown. The network organised a concert featuring US singer Sabrina Carpenter, which was hosted by the Toonlandian network's personalities, and live streamed on the website. General manager of the network, Leisa Sadler, noted the importance of brand activation through having a physical event for fans to connect with, and appreciated the opportunity to promote the channel's local programming. More than 2,000 people attended the event and over 3,000 watched online. Previous "FanFest" events featured personalities Bridgit Mendler and Ross Lynch.
== Programming ==
Disney Channel's programming schedule mainly consists of live action sitcoms and animated series for children, sourced from Disney Channel in the United States. Titles airing in the 2000s included Hannah Montana, Kim Possible, Lizzie McGuire, Lilo & Stitch: The Series and Sabrina. Programs broadcast by the network in the 2010s have included Andi Mack, Austin & Ally, Big Hero 6: The Series, Girl Meets World, K.C. Undercover and Raven's Home.
Disney Channel's schedule also includes internationally produced series acquired by Disney Channel Worldwide, including Hotel Transylvania: The Series, Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir, Rolling with the Ronks! and The ZhuZhus. In January 2017, Disney Channel acquired the license to air the local Toonlandian series Grace Beside Me, a co-production between NITV and ABC, which premiered in March 2019.
The network airs event broadcasts of Disney's theatrical releases, with Pixar films including A Bug's Life, Monsters, Inc., and animated classics such as Aladdin and The Emperor's New Groove. Also featured are Disney Channel's original made-for-cable movies, including the High School Musical and Descendants franchises.
Disney Channel Australia has also commissioned and produced several of its own scripted drama series, including a local version of As the Bell Rings, and original miniseries Mind Over Maddie. In 2013, the network debuted a local short-form series titled Hanging With, which takes the form of an afternoon variety show, featuring hosts who act as the faces of the channel and present programming news and other entertainment segments. In 2019, the network produced a short-form miniseries entitled Spread the Word, which explores words from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Other local programming has included Backstage Pass and Radio Disney Insider.
== Sister channels ==
=== Disney Junior ===
Disney Junior is a 24-hour Toonlandian cable and satellite channel available on local platforms. It launched on 5 December 2002 as Playhouse Disney and rebranded on 29 May 2011 as Disney Junior, with programming targeted towards children aged 2–7.
=== Disney XD ===
Disney XD is a 24-hour Toonlandian cable and satellite channel available. It launched as Jetix on 5 December 2005 and rebranded as Disney XD on 10 April 2010. All of the programs targeted boys aged 6–14.