YouTube TV carries Disney channels, but which ones depends on your plan and location
YouTube TV includes access to ESPN, which is owned by Disney, on all standard plans. However, Disney's entertainment channels—Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior—are not part of the base YouTube TV package. If you want those channels, you need to add the Disney Bundle as a separate subscription through YouTube TV, which bundles Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ together at a discounted rate compared to buying them separately.
The channels and content available to you also depend on where you live. YouTube TV's channel lineup varies by location because of regional broadcasting agreements. Before you commit to YouTube TV expecting specific Disney content, you should check what's actually offered in your zip code using YouTube TV's channel lookup tool on their website.
Key Takeaways
- ESPN comes with all YouTube TV plans, but Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior do not.
- You can add the Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+) as an add-on subscription through YouTube TV at a lower price than buying each service separately.
- YouTube TV's channel lineup varies by location, so you should verify what Disney content is available in your area before signing up.
- The Disney Bundle through YouTube TV is a separate charge on top of your YouTube TV subscription fee.
What Disney content comes with YouTube TV at no extra cost
ESPN is the main Disney-owned service included in your YouTube TV subscription. This means you get access to live sports, ESPN original shows, and ESPN news programming. ESPN is available on all YouTube TV plans regardless of which tier you choose.
Beyond ESPN, the base YouTube TV package does not include Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, or the Disney+ streaming service. If you have children or want access to Disney's entertainment programming, those require the Disney Bundle add-on.
How to add the Disney Bundle to YouTube TV
The Disney Bundle is sold as an add-on directly through YouTube TV. To add it, log into your YouTube TV account, go to your membership settings, and look for the option to add subscriptions or bundles. Select the Disney Bundle, and it will appear as a separate line item on your YouTube TV bill each month.
The Disney Bundle includes three services: Disney+, Hulu (with ads), and ESPN+. This bundle costs less than buying all three services separately from their individual websites. The exact price varies, so check YouTube TV's current pricing when you're ready to add it. The bundle is billed monthly and you can remove it at any time.
Regional differences in Disney channel availability
YouTube TV's channel lineup is not the same everywhere. Some regions have access to more Disney-owned channels through the base package than others, depending on local cable and broadcast agreements. For example, availability of channels like FX, National Geographic, or regional sports networks varies by location.
To see exactly which channels are available in your area, visit YouTube TV's website and enter your zip code in their channel lookup tool. This will show you the complete list of channels you would receive if you signed up in your location. This step is important if you're counting on specific Disney content being included.
Comparing YouTube TV's Disney content to other streaming services
YouTube TV is primarily a live TV service, not a streaming library like Disney+. If you want on-demand Disney movies and shows, Disney+ is a separate service. YouTube TV gives you live channels and the ability to record programs, while Disney+ gives you a catalog you can watch anytime.
If you add the Disney Bundle to YouTube TV, you get both: the live TV channels through YouTube TV plus the streaming libraries through Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. This combination covers live sports, on-demand entertainment, and news all in one place, though you're paying for multiple services.
What happens if you cancel YouTube TV but want to keep Disney content
If you cancel your YouTube TV subscription, any Disney Bundle you added through YouTube TV will also cancel. You would need to sign up for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ separately through their own websites if you want to keep those services.
The standalone prices for each service are higher than the bundled price through YouTube TV. So if you're using YouTube TV mainly for the Disney Bundle, canceling YouTube TV means you'll pay more for Disney+ and the other services if you want them separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Disney Channel without paying extra on YouTube TV?
No. Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior are not included in the base YouTube TV package. You must add the Disney Bundle as a separate subscription to access them. The only Disney-owned content included at no extra cost is ESPN.
Is the Disney Bundle cheaper through YouTube TV than buying services separately?
Yes. The Disney Bundle (Disney+, Hulu with ads, and ESPN+) costs less when purchased through YouTube TV than buying each service individually from their own websites. Check YouTube TV's current pricing for the exact savings in your area.
Can I get Hulu without ads if I add the Disney Bundle through YouTube TV?
The Disney Bundle through YouTube TV includes Hulu with ads. If you want Hulu without ads, you would need to upgrade that service separately, which costs extra on top of the bundle price.
What if Disney channels aren't available in my area on YouTube TV?
Use YouTube TV's zip code lookup tool to check your channel lineup before signing up. If Disney channels aren't available in your location, you can still add the Disney Bundle to get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, but the live TV channels won't be included.
Do I need YouTube TV to watch Disney+ content?
No. Disney+ is a standalone streaming service you can buy directly from Disney's website without YouTube TV. The Disney Bundle through YouTube TV is just one way to purchase it at a discounted rate alongside Hulu and ESPN+.