Disney Channel (Southeast Asia)

{{Short description|Defunct Asian children's television channel}}

{{about|Disney Channel in Southeast Asia|original U.S. version|Disney Channel|other international channels|Disney Branded Television}}

{{Infobox television channel

| name = Disney Channel Asia

| logo = 2019 Disney Channel logo.svg

| former_names = The Disney Channel (1995-1997)

| launch_date = {{plainlist|

{{start date and age|1995|03|29|df=y}} (Taiwan feed)
{{start date and age|1996|10|01|df=y}} (Malaysia feed)
{{start date and age|2000|01|15|df=y}} (pan-Asian feed)
{{start date and age|2004|04|02|df=y}} (Hong Kong feed)

}}

| closed_date = {{plainlist|

{{End date and age|2020|06|01|df=y}} (Singapore)
{{End date and age|2021|01|01|df=y}} (Malaysia and Brunei)
{{End date and age|2021|10|01|df=y}} (pan-Asian feed and Hong Kong)
{{End date and age|2022|01|01|df=y}} (Taiwan)

}}

| replaced_by = {{plainlist|

Disney+ (Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan; de facto)
Disney+ Hotstar (Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand; de facto)

}}

| owner = {{ubl|

The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte. Ltd.
Disney Networks Group Asia Pacific

}}

| headquarters = 1 Fusionopolis View, #06-01 Sandcrawler Building, Singapore 138577

| language = {{plainlist|

English
Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese; dubbing/subtitles)
Indonesian (dubbing/subtitles)
Thai (dubbing)
Malay (dubbing)
Vietnamese (subtitles)

}}

| area = * Singapore
(until 31 May 2020)

Malaysia and Brunei
(until 31 December 2020)
Rest of Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and parts of Oceania (until 30 September 2021)
Taiwan
(until 31 December 2021)

| sister_channels = {{plainlist|

}}

Disney Channel was a pan-Asian pay television children's channel owned and operated by The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia.

It began broadcasting in Taiwan on 29 March 1995, until its main launch in January 2000, when it first broadcast in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines. It later expanded to most Southeast Asian countries in the months following. The channel was closed on 1 October 2021, while Taiwan's version closed on 1 January 2022, as part of a wider switch to streaming services Disney+ and Disney+ Hotstar.

Disney Channel Asia's programming consised of original first-run television series, theatrically released and original made-for-television films, selected other third-party programming, and Malaysian-based originals. Some programming were not aired due to government restrictions.

History

= Pre-launch =

The Walt Disney Company opened an office in Hong Kong in December 1994 to manage its television interests in the Asia-Pacific region, with the aim of starting a television channel in Taiwan with a 20-hour schedule. The channel's distributor was Po-Hsin Entertainment,{{Cite web |date=1994-12-14 |title=Walt Disney's regional office will go for more TV business |url=https://www.scmp.com/article/99711/walt-disneys-regional-office-will-go-more-tv-business |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729215128/https://www.scmp.com/article/99711/walt-disneys-regional-office-will-go-more-tv-business |archive-date=Jul 29, 2024 |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=South China Morning Post}} a company partly-owned by the then-ruling Kuomintang and was frustrated during the legalization of cable television in Taiwan.{{Cite web |date=1993-11-01 |title=Cable TV goes legit |url=https://taiwanreview.nat.gov.tw/print.php?unit=8&post=13063&unitname=Economics-Taiwan-Review&postname=Cable-TV-Goes-Legit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729215001/https://taiwanreview.nat.gov.tw/print.php?unit=8&post=13063&unitname=Economics-Taiwan-Review&postname=Cable-TV-Goes-Legit |archive-date=Jul 29, 2024 |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=Taiwan Today}}

The company announced plans in January 1995 to launch a satellite television station in Singapore, with its Singaporean television subsidiary running the facility. The facility was "not designed for a Singapore Disney Channel", pursuing the goal of launching the network in Singapore in order to explore business opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region.{{cite news |title=Walt Disney to set up satellite earth station in Singapore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19950110-1.2.58.5 |work=The Straits Times |date=10 January 1995}} The license was awarded by the Telecommunications Authority of Singapore on 1 March 1995, the first to be used entirely for and by a single company.{{cite news |title=Walt Disney to set up satellite earth station in Singapore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19950302-1.2.13.2 |work=The Straits Times |date=2 March 1995}}

The facilities were formally open on 26 March 1995, three days before the launch of the Taiwanese channel, with a speech by Minister of the Arts Brigadier-General George Yeo, who delivered a speech mainly centered on the American cultural industry and the contrasts between the wholesomeness of Mickey Mouse and the cynicism of Beavis and Butt-Head, and how the rest of the world felt unsure about American culture as a whole. About 150 people attended the ceremony. Yeo affirmed that the resurgence of interest in Disney and similar products reflected a "deeper renewal of human society" and that even in a conservative country like Singapore, a country still dominated by "old-fashioned" values, products and programs from Disney were seen as "very comfortable" with consumers. Moreover, Singapore was the world's largest consumer of Disney products per capita at the time.{{cite news |title=BG Yeo cheers on Disney's Mickey Mouse and friends |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19950327-1.2.5 |work=The Straits Times |date=27 March 1995}} The satellite station alone cost S$14 million with the possibility of Singapore being the second country in Asia to receive Disney Channel, pending negotiations with Singapore Cable Vision, which was set to start its regular cable service in June. In addition, the facility was also used for dubbing content in other languages, as well as moving more of the facilities done in Hong Kong to the new ones in Singapore.{{cite news |title=Disney launches $14m satellite broadcast centre at Loyang |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19950327-1.2.53.38.4 |work=The Straits Times |date=27 March 1995}}

Disney Channel began broadcasting in Taiwan on 29 March 1995 at 2:00 pm (Taipei), marking its first Disney Channel overseas, with Po-Hsin Entertainment as its distributor.{{Cite web |title=FIRST DISNEY CHANNEL OUTSIDE THE U.S. LAUNCHES IN TAIWAN |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FIRST+DISNEY+CHANNEL+OUTSIDE+THE+U.S.+LAUNCHES+IN+TAIWAN-a016731656 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027175944/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FIRST+DISNEY+CHANNEL+OUTSIDE+THE+U.S.+LAUNCHES+IN+TAIWAN-a016731656 |archive-date=Oct 27, 2014 |access-date=2022-06-11 |website=TheFreeLibrary}}{{Cite web |title=A Salute to Disney Channel: Disney Channel time line |url=https://kidscreen.com/1998/04/01/21442-19980401/ |access-date=2022-05-11}}{{Cite web |date=1995-03-30 |title=Walt Disney launches Taiwan channel |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Page/biztimes19950330-1.1.25?ST=1 |url-access=registration |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=The Business Times (Singapore) |page=25 |language=en-SG}} The ceremony took place at Grand Hyatt Taipei in Taiwan. The channel operated from Walt Disney Television's facilities in Loyang, Singapore using the Apstar-1 satellite; negotiations with Singapore Cable Vision to include the channel on its package were underway.{{cite news |title=Walt Disney's satellite broadcast centre opens |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19950327-1.2.13.3 |work=The Straits Times |date=27 March 1995}} On 1 October 1996, another feed was launched in Malaysia, where it was available on the satellite TV platform Astro.{{Cite web |date=1998-04-01 |title=A Salute to Disney Channel: Disney Channel time line |url=https://kidscreen.com/1998/04/01/21442-19980401/ |access-date=2025-07-06 |website=Kidscreen}}{{Citation needed|date=July 2025}}

Between January and February 2000, Disney Television International Asia-Pacific launched Disney Channel in more countries and was made available for Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines;{{cite news |date=January 4, 2000 |title=Disney Channel comes to Manila |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=20000104&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |access-date=November 19, 2020 |work=Manila Standard |publisher=Kamahalan Publishing Corp. |page=24}}{{Cite web |date=11 Jan 2000 |title=Disney Channel Goes Home |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VGcVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SwsEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4365,1335882 |access-date=2022-07-03 |website=Manila Standard |page=47}}{{Cite web |date=2001-06-10 |title=Disney Channel Asia (Archived) |url=http://www.disneychannel-asia.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010610164715/http://www.disneychannel-asia.com/ |archive-date=2001-06-10 |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=Wayback Machine}}{{Cite web |date=2000-06-05 |title=World Briefs |url=https://variety.com/2000/more/news/world-briefs-187-1117782207/ |access-date=2022-07-12 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2002-07-15 |title=Disney Channel launches in Indonesia |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k2/july/july82.htm |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=Indian Television Dot Com |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2000-01-15 |title=Disney Channel starts airing today. |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=-Ic1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=jyUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=983,25952580 |access-date=2022-12-18 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}{{Cite news |date=2000-01-14 |title=There's a mouse in the house |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=94c1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=jyUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3000,25447746 |access-date=2022-12-18 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}} broadcasting with an English audio track with Mandarin subtitles.

= Expansion =

On 1 June 2002, the channel was launched in the South Korean market,{{cite news|last=Godfrey|first=Leigh |title=Disney Channel Asia Launches In Korea|url=http://www.awn.com/news/disney-channel-asia-launches-korea|access-date=8 March 2014|newspaper=Animation World Network|date=30 May 2002}}{{Cite web |last=Ling |first=Connie |date=2002-05-20 |title=Mouse enters Korea |url=https://variety.com/2002/tv/news/mouse-enters-korea-1117867266/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} with additional Korean subtitles under English language, in July 2002, Disney Channel expanded to Indonesia,{{Cite web |last=Kan |first=Wendy |date=2002-07-21 |title=Mickey Mouse setting up new house |url=https://variety.com/2002/tv/news/mickey-mouse-setting-up-new-house-1117869954/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=15 July 2002 |title=Disney launches into Indonesia |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/disney-launches-into-indonesia/?ss=Disney+Malaysia |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=C21media |language=en-us}} which later aired programs in Indonesian.

In December 2002, Disney Channel Asia moved its headquarters from Hong Kong to Singapore,{{Cite web |date=2002-12-14 |title=Disney may shift TV production base to S'pore |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/Digitised/Article/biztimes20021214-1.2.3?ST=1 |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=National Library Board (Singapore) |publisher=The Business Times |page=1 |language=en-SG}} seven years after launching its satellite broadcasting center back in 1995.{{Cite web |title=LAUNCHING OF WALT DISNEY TELEVISION (SINGAPORE)'S SATELLITE … |url=https://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/photographs/record-details/51636312-1162-11e3-83d5-0050568939ad |access-date=2023-03-04 |website=www.nas.gov.sg}}

On 2 April 2004, Disney Channel along with Playhouse Disney launched in Hong Kong.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2004-03-03 |title=Disney, Playhouse Hit Hong Kong |url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/disney-playhouse-hit-hong-kong-139429 |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=Multichannel News |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=HK broadband launch for Disney |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/hk-broadband-launch-for-disney |url-access=subscription |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=C21Media |language=en-uk}} The standalone Playhouse Disney channel launched in Indonesia as well.{{Cite web |last=Osborne |first=Magz |date=2004-04-05 |title=Mouse net gets Asia bows |url=https://variety.com/2004/tv/news/mouse-net-gets-asia-bows-1117902823/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Ed |first=Waller |date=15 July 2022 |title=Disney beams into Indonesia, HK |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/disney-beams-into-indonesia-hk/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=C21media |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |date=2004-03-08 |title=Disney readies bow |url=https://variety.com/2004/tv/news/disney-readies-bow-1117901396/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Variety |publisher=Variety staff |language=en-US}}

Over the first six months of 2005, Disney Channel Asia, along with sister channel Playhouse Disney (later Disney Junior) were launched in Vietnam, at a time where the country's under-14 population stood at 24 million,{{Cite web |last=Whiteman |first=Bobbie |date=2005-05-17 |title=Vietnam tunes in Disney TV |url=https://variety.com/2005/tv/news/vietnam-tunes-in-disney-tv-1117923029/ |access-date=2022-06-29 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=2007-06-28 |title=Disney pacts with Vietnam Cable TV |url=https://variety.com/2007/tv/asia/disney-pacts-with-vietnam-cable-tv-1117967812/ |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} Palau and Thailand.{{Cite web |last=Whiteman |first=Bobbie |date=2005-01-26 |title=Disney, Playhouse bow in Thailand |url=https://variety.com/2005/tv/news/disney-playhouse-bow-in-thailand-1117916937/ |access-date=2022-06-19 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2005-06-20 |title=Disney Channels Launch In Four Asian Markets Within Six Months |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-channels-launch-in-four-asian-markets-within-six-months/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=The Walt Disney Company |language=en-US}} It also launched both channels in Cambodia, its 11th market on 20 June 2005, with Cambodia Entertainment Production Co. Ltd. as distributor.{{cite news |date=20 June 2005 |title=Disney launches two channels in Cambodia |newspaper=Indiantelevision.com |location=Mumbai |url=http://www.indiantelevision.org.in/headlines/y2k5/june/june234.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=26 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301223607/https://www.indiantelevision.org.in/headlines/y2k5/june/june234.htm |archive-date=March 1, 2014}} It later launched Playhouse Disney in some markets from 2004 in the Philippines,{{Cite web |title=Playhouse Disney Launches in the Philippines |url=http://www.worldscreen.com/newscurrent.php?filename=play1212.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051213105252/http://www.worldscreen.com/newscurrent.php?filename=play1212.htm |archive-date=13 Dec 2005}}{{Cite web |date=2005-12-12 |title=Playhouse gets dedicated Philippines feed |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/playhouse-gets-dedicated-philippines-feed/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=C21media |language=en-us}} Singapore,{{Cite web |title=Disney launches Playhouse in Singapore |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/disney-launches-playhouse-in-singapore/ |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=C21media |language=en-us}} Malaysia,{{Cite web |last=Davidson |first=Jenny |date=2004-07-02 |title=Disney adds Malaysia to Playhouse mix |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/disney-adds-malaysia-to-playhouse-mix/?ss=Disney+Malaysia |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=C21media |language=en-us}} Brunei,{{Cite web |last=Baisley |first=Sarah |date=30 August 2004 |title=Playhouse Disney Channel Launches in Brunei |url=https://www.awn.com/news/playhouse-disney-channel-launches-brunei |access-date=2022-07-06 |website=Animation World Network |language=en}} and South Korea.{{Cite web |title=Playhouse Disney launches on Korean cable diginet |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/playhouse-disney-launches-on-korean-cable-diginet/?ss=Disney+Playhouse |access-date=2022-06-21 |website=C21media |language=en-us}}

In December 2006, Disney Channel expanded to Papua New Guinea on the HiTron cable service.{{Cite web |last= |date=2006-12-14 |title=Disney Channel launches in Papua New Guinea |url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k6/dec/dec159.htm |access-date=2022-11-25 |website=Indian Television Dot Com |language=en}}

On 1 July 2011, Disney Channel launched its Korean feed separating the pan-Asian feed, which was the first Disney channel to be broadcasting with Korean dubbing.{{Cite web |title=TMK unveils Disney-branded channels in Korean. |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/TMK+unveils+Disney-branded+channels+in+Korean.-a0319230443 |access-date=2022-06-11 |website=Free Online Library}}{{Cite web |last=Arrant |first=Chris |date=2011-06-28 |title=Disney Channel Comes to South Korea |url=https://www.cartoonbrew.com/biz/disney-channel-comes-to-south-korea-45298.html |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=Cartoon Brew |language=en-US}} Later on 11 July 2011, its sister channel Playhouse Disney relaunched as Disney Junior.{{Cite web |date=2011-06-30 |title=Magical, musical stories on all-new Disney Junior |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2011/06/30/700862/magical-musical-stories-all-new-disney-junior |access-date=2022-07-02 |website=Philstar.com |publisher=The Philippine Star}}

On 15 September 2012, Disney Channel's third sister channel Disney XD launched in Malaysia.{{Cite web |title=Malaysia to premiere Disney XD |url=https://kidscreen.com/2012/07/19/malaysia-to-premiere-disney-xd/ |access-date=2022-06-19}}{{Cite web |date=2012-09-14 |title=Disney XD Makes Its Malaysian Debut |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-xd-makes-its-malaysian-debut/ |access-date=2022-07-30 |website=The Walt Disney Company |language=en-US}} It was later launched in Singapore on 16 March 2013,{{Cite web |date=2013-03-22 |title=Marvel Mania, and More! |url=https://tva.onscreenasia.com/2013/03/marvel-mania-and-more/ |access-date=2022-06-19 |website=Television Asia Plus |language=en-GB}} Indonesia and Thailand on 19 October 2013,{{Cite web |date=2013-10-21 |title=Disney XD launches in Indonesia and Thailand |url=https://tva.onscreenasia.com/2013/10/disney-xd-launches-in-indonesia-and-thailand/ |access-date=2022-06-19 |website=Television Asia Plus |language=en-GB}} and concluding in the Philippines on 31 May 2014.{{Cite web |title=Disney XD Launches in the Philippines beginning May 31 |url=https://www.smartparenting.com.ph/life/news/disney-xd-launches-in-the-philippines-beginning-may-31 |access-date=2022-06-19 |website=Smart Parenting |language=en-ph}}

After the ban of Disney Channel India and Disney XD India in Bangladesh as the networks were constantly broadcasting content in the Hindi language and its heavy localization back in 2013,{{Cite web |date=2013-02-15 |title=Bangladesh bans cartoons to halt Hindi invasion |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world/bangladesh-bans-cartoons-to-halt-hindi-invasion/story-KeiygaixMoM1nrsVEPdlNK.html |access-date=2022-06-22 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}} Disney Channel Asia was made available on several digital cable platforms, such as Bengal Digital, in the country in approximately 2016.{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etCTsA36OFo|title=Bengal Digital Set Top Box & Channel Review|date=11 November 2016|type=YouTube|publisher=Flamboy Gaming|access-date=3 September 2022}} Due to the closure of the channel, India-based Disney International HD started broadcasting in Bangladesh as a replacement.

Most of its programming was available on DisneyLife when it was launched in the Philippines on 25 May 2018.{{Cite web |date=2018-05-25 |title=Disney launches own streaming app in PH, costs P149 monthly on Globe |url=https://www.rappler.com/technology/203377-disney-streaming-app-disneylife-monthly-rate/ |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=Rappler |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=DisneyLife: Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content in one app |url=https://www.loopme.ph/looptalk/disneylife-disney-pixar-marvel-and-star-wars-content-in-one-app |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=LoopMe Philippines |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404195910/https://www.loopme.ph/looptalk/disneylife-disney-pixar-marvel-and-star-wars-content-in-one-app |url-status=dead }} It was later discontinued on 1 April 2020.{{Cite web |last=Arellano |first=Ira |date=2019-12-30 |title=DisneyLife to terminate PH service on April 1 |url=https://www.yugatech.com/news/disneylife-to-terminate-ph-service-starting-april-1/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=YugaTech |language=en-US}}

On 1 September 2020, Disney Channel in Indonesia was separated from the main feed, following of the launch of Disney+ Hotstar on 5 September 2020. It also has a live stream on the website, and airs some idents as well.{{Cite AV media |title=Disney Channel Indonesia Disney+hotstar Bumper | date=25 January 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsLR95GiJQ0 |language=en |access-date=2022-06-19 |via=YouTube }}

= Closure =

Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior closed in Singapore on 1 June 2020 after failing to renew their contracts, on both Singtel and StarHub.{{Cite web|title=Disney+ Singapore Incoming: Disney Channels Dropped From Starhub & Singtel|url=https://geekculture.co/disney-plus-singapore-incoming-disney-channels-dropped-from-starhub-and-singtel/|last=Baroness|first=The|date=2020-06-01|website=Geek Culture|language=en-US|access-date=2020-06-01}} Its content was moved to and replaced with Disney+, since it was launched in the country on 23 February 2021.

On 1 January 2021, Disney Channel and Disney Junior closed in Malaysia on Astro due to its children's offerings being refurbished,{{Cite web |date=2020-12-10 |title=Astro's kids offering gets a makeover! |url=https://corporate.astro.com.my/mediaroom-releases/astros-kids-offering-gets-a-makeover |access-date=2022-07-18 |website=Astro}} and the preparation of the launch of Disney+ Hotstar in the country. It closed down while airing Bolt at midnight.{{Cite AV media |title=All Disney Channels Closedown (Malaysia & Brunei Feed) - 1 January 2021 | date=31 December 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=591wyOJ_YvE |language=en |access-date=2022-06-19 |via=YouTube }} Disney Channel's content was moved to the streaming service, since its launch on 1 June 2021. Also on 1 January 2021, due to the review of Disney's business in the region, (particularly Singapore), its sister channel Disney XD was closed in the said region.

After 21 years on the air, Disney Channel, including Disney Junior and most of its Fox channels officially closed in the rest of Asia; and Hong Kong on 1 October 2021.Multiple sources:

{{Cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=27 April 2021 |title=Disney Slashes Linear TV in Asia With 18-Channel Closure, Shifts Focus to Disney Plus |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/asia/disney-closing-tv-channels-in-asia-1234961166/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921002441/https://variety.com/2021/tv/asia/disney-closing-tv-channels-in-asia-1234961166/ |archive-date=21 September 2021 |access-date=21 September 2021 |website=Variety}}
{{Cite web |last=Kanter |first=Jake |date=27 April 2021 |title=Disney Closes 18 Asia TV Channels As It Shifts Focus To Disney+ |url=https://deadline.com/2021/04/disney-closes-asia-tv-channels-1234744754 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921002426/https://deadline.com/2021/04/disney-closes-asia-tv-channels-1234744754/ |archive-date=21 September 2021 |access-date=21 September 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}
{{Cite web |last=Lai |first=Adrian |date=29 April 2021 |title=Disney To Shut Down 18 Channels In Southeast Asia |url=https://sea.ign.com/walt-disney/171433/news/disney-to-shut-down-18-channels-in-southeast-asia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921002411/https://sea.ign.com/walt-disney/171433/news/disney-to-shut-down-18-channels-in-southeast-asia |archive-date=21 September 2021 |access-date=21 September 2021 |website=IGN}}{{Cite web|title=Disney to shut down most of its TV channels in Southeast Asia, eyes growth in streaming services|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/disney-shut-down-tv-channels-southeast-asia-hong-kong-14704918|access-date=2021-05-05|website=CNA|language=en|archive-date=21 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421163026/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/disney-shut-down-tv-channels-southeast-asia-hong-kong-14704918|url-status=dead}} It closed at midnight (JKT/THAI), concluding with Star vs. the Forces of Evil on the pan-Asian feed{{Cite web |date=1 October 2021 |title=DISNEY CHANNEL ASIA FINAL SIGN OFF [01-OCTOBER 2021] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXE-5wNdfKg |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026124940/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=EXE-5wNdfKg |archive-date=26 October 2021 |access-date=23 October 2021 |website=YouTube |publisher=Jan Lawrence San Pedro |language=en-ph }} and Bao on the Hong Kong feed.{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2022 |title=DISNEY CHANNEL HONG KONG SHUTDOWN FOOTAGE (10/01/2021)香港迪士尼頻道關台頻道錄像（2021年10月1日） |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1FW7CaupVU |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101133556/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1FW7CaupVU |archive-date=1 January 2022 |access-date=January 3, 2022 |website=YouTube |publisher=H CZ |location=Asia}}

After the closure, Disney Channel in Taiwan continued operations,{{Cite web |date=2021-04-29 |title=Disney Group set to close five cable channels in Taiwan - Taipei Times |url=https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2021/04/29/2003756539 |access-date=2021-05-05 |website=Taipei Times}} until its closure on 1 January 2022,{{cite news|last=Strong|first=Matthew|title=Disney Channel ends after 26 years in Taiwan to make way for Disney+|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4277788|work=Taiwan News|date=27 August 2021|access-date=4 September 2021}}{{cite news|title=Disney Channel To Close In Taiwan Following Disney+ Launch|url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/disney-channel-to-close-in-taiwan-following-disney-launch/|work=What's On Disney Plus|date=27 August 2021|access-date=4 September 2021|language=en-us|archive-date=29 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029180231/https://whatsondisneyplus.com/disney-channel-to-close-in-taiwan-following-disney-launch/|url-status=dead}} after a Big Hero 6: The Series short also at midnight (In Taipei's Time), with Nickelodeon serving as its replacement in some cable providers,{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2022 |title=20220101 台灣迪士尼頻道收播 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO2Bikmdgco |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220101030957/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO2Bikmdgco |archive-date=January 1, 2022 |access-date=January 1, 2022 |website=YouTube |location=Taiwan |language=zh-tw}}{{Cite web |date=January 1, 2022 |title=「Nickelodeon 」與「Nick Jr. 」兒童頻道取代迪士尼電視頻道 |url=https://www.contentplatform.info/2022/economics/50905/ |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=Content Platform |location=Taiwan |language=zh-tw}} while most of its content (including third-party programs) were moved to Disney+ and Disney+ Hotstar depends on their countries' versions.{{Cite web|last=|date=2021-02-24|title=Disney+Hotstar expected to end 2021 with over 50 million subscribers|url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/over-the-top-services/disneyhotstar-expected-to-end-2021-with-over-50-million-subscribers-210224|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-14|website=Indian Television Dot Com|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225185824/https://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/over-the-top-services/disneyhotstar-expected-to-end-2021-with-over-50-million-subscribers-210224 |archive-date=25 February 2021 }}

Presentation and logos

With the launch of the channel in 2000, Disney Channel Asia began to use the "Circles" presentation package,{{Cite AV media |title=Disney Channel Bumpers | date=29 August 2008 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZDShjG9FNo |access-date=2022-07-12 |language=en |via=YouTube }}{{Cite AV media |title=Disney Channel Asia Ramadan ident (2000-2002) | date=17 April 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6sE-N_vurs |language=en |access-date=2022-07-12 |via=YouTube }} until the end of April 2003, when the US logo (and design package by CA Square) as the "Bounce" graphics,{{Cite AV media |title=Disney Channel (Asia) Idents (2002 - 2013) | date=20 December 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7h5BXwH7_A |language=en |access-date=2022-07-12 |via=YouTube }} it became the channel's on-air presentation format, then later rebranded using the "Ribbon" graphics from 2007 until 2011. Two more redesigns were made in 2012, then on 1 August 2014, with the current wordmark logo.

Disney Channel Asia started using parts of the US "Social Media" rebrand from 1 December 2017 and rebranded fully on 1 January 2018 at 6 am. As of 2020, it has also used elements of the US "Item Age" graphics, while Hong Kong and Taiwan keep its old branding before the closure.

File:1986 Disney Channel logo.svg|1995-1997 (Taiwan)

File:1997 Disney Channel logo.jpg|1997-2003

File:2002 Disney Channel logo.svg|2003-2011 (Asia and Taiwan), 2004-2011 (Hong Kong)

File:2010 Disney Channel logo.svg|2011-2014

File:2014 Disney Channel logo.svg|2014-2018

File:2017 Disney Channel logo.svg|2018-2020 (Asia), 2018-2021 (Hong Kong), 2018-2022 (Taiwan)

File:2019 Disney Channel logo.svg|2020-2021 (Asia)

Final feeds

=Southeast Asia=

The pan-Asian feed was available in Thailand, Fiji, Palau, Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.{{cite news |date=2 October 2021 |title=The Disney Channel Has Its Final Broadcast In Southeast Asia |work=Pirates & Princesses |url=https://www.piratesandprincesses.net/the-disney-channel-has-its-final-broadcast-in-southeast-asia/ |access-date=11 July 2022}} This feed ceased airing movies and started sharing the same schedule with the Indonesian feed on 1 February 2021. This feed officially closed on 1 October 2021.

==Singapore==

The schedule was similar to the main feed, along with local advertisements. Some programming was replaced by sitcoms. This feed was closed on 1 June 2020, after failing to renew their contracts on both StarHub and Singtel; due to the launch of Disney+ on 23 February 2021.

==Malaysia and Brunei==

Same schedule as the Asia feed, with local advertisements; began early on 15 January 2000. It was available in four languages: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. This channel was only available on Astro in Malaysia and Kristal-Astro in Brunei. Because of Astro's children's package being refreshed on 14 December 2020 and the launch of Disney+ Hotstar, Disney Channel, along with Disney Junior, were removed on Astro and Astro-owned TV providers (including NJOI and Kristal-Astro) on 1 January 2021.

Therefore, there was the only impact that The Walt Disney Company would be shutting down Disney XD in Southeast Asia on the same date and time by following the review of Disney's business in this region, just before Astro has already confirmed with this statement before Astro shutting down both Disney Channel and Disney Junior on the same date and time. However, The Walt Disney Company did not announce that Astro would be shutting down Disney Channel and Disney Junior on 1 January 2021 at midnight. This feed closed on that date,{{cite web |title=Astro Will Discontinue Disney Channel In December 2021 So Watch Your Favourite, Nostalgic Shows Quick!|url=https://juiceonline.com/astro-will-discontinue-disney-channel-in-december-2021-so-watch-your-favourite-nostalgic-shows-quick/|website=Astro |access-date=11 December 2020}} along with Disney Junior and Disney XD, on Astro due to their refreshed children's package and the launch of Disney+ Hotstar on 1 June 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/showbiz/2021/05/04/disney-hotstar-comes-to-malaysia-on-june-1-rm54.90-for-three-months/1971485|title=Disney+ Hotstar comes to Malaysia on June 1, RM54.90 for three months|website=The Malay Mail|language=en|date=4 May 2021|access-date=4 May 2021}}

==Indonesia==

Began in July 2002; the schedule was very similar to the main feed, with the exclusions of movies at launch. It was separated from the main feed from 1 September 2020, during the launch of Disney+ Hotstar on 5 September 2020.

This feed later started sharing the same schedule with the main feed on 1 February 2021. There are also Disney+ Hotstar idents on this feed. The channel completely closed on 1 October 2021, with its programming moving to the Disney+ Hotstar.

==Philippines==

Began on January 15, 2000. It had the same schedule as the Asia feed with local advertisements. The channel closed on 1 October 2021, with its programming moved to Disney+.{{Cite web |last=Lacson |first=Michelle Catap |date=2022-11-19 |title=Lacson: The Disney+ Hype |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1946411/pampanga/opinion/lacson-the-disney-hype |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119050900/https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1946411/pampanga/opinion/lacson-the-disney-hype |archive-date=2022-11-19 |access-date=2022-11-19 |website=SUNSTAR |language=en}}

==Vietnam==

Launched in May 2005. A one-hour time-shifted version of the main Asia feed with local advertisements, Vietnamese translations in promos, and subtitles. The channel closed on 1 October 2021.

== HD channel ==

On 2 May 2015, The Walt Disney Company Southeast Asia launched a high-definition simulcast feed of Disney Channel in the Philippines, available on Sky Cable and Destiny Cable distributed by ACCION in that country.{{Cite web |date=May 2, 2015 |title=Disney HD first available on SKYcable |url=https://www.mysky.com.ph/metromanila/updates/110/2015/05/02/disney-hd-first-available-on-skycable |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150507035308/http://www.mysky.com.ph/metromanila/updates/110/2015/05/02/disney-hd-first-available-on-skycable |archive-date=May 7, 2015 |access-date=2022-07-18}} Just like its SD counterpart, the HD simulcast of the channel airs the same shows shown in the SD feed. The HD feed was also launched on TrueVisions in Thailand on 7 July 2016 as an exclusive for cable subscribers,{{Citation needed|date=July 2022|reason=details for the High Definition channels}} and on Astro in Malaysia on 15 November 2019 for satellite subscribers.{{Cite web |date=27 November 2019 |title=On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your excitement to WATCH BIG HERO 6 IN HD? Turn to Channel 200 to upgrade now! |url=https://www.facebook.com/DisneyChannelAsia/videos/683456145523926 |url-access=registration |access-date=2022-08-05 |website=Facebook |publisher=Disney Channel Asia |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=20 November 2019 |title=Get ready to dive into your screen! Your favourite Disney Channel shows just got clearer and sharper on Channel 635. Switch to Channel 200 to upgrade now. |url=https://www.facebook.com/DisneyChannelAsia/videos/486073038664993 |url-access=registration |access-date=2022-08-05 |website=Facebook |publisher=Disney Channel Asia |language=en-my}} The HD channels closed on 1 October 2021.

=Hong Kong=

Launched on 2 April 2004, along with Playhouse Disney. The schedule of this feed was shared with the Taiwan feed and was separated from the main feed on 2 April 2004. It was broadcast in English and Cantonese languages. The channel closed on 1 October 2021.

=Taiwan=

It was the first overseas feed launched by Disney Channels Worldwide. It began operations on 29 March 1995. It had its own schedule with local advertisements and broadcasts in English and Taiwanese Mandarin. The feed closed on 1 January 2022,{{Cite web |date=2021-08-27 |title=台灣迪士尼官方網站 |trans-title=Official website of Disney Taiwan (on 27 August 2021) |url=https://disney.com.tw/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827150847/https://disney.com.tw/ |archive-date=27 August 2021 |access-date=2021-08-27 |language=zh}} after 26 years of broadcasting.

Sister channels

= Disney Junior =

Disney Junior was a 24-hour television preschool channel, and the sister channel of Disney Channel, aimed at children and preschoolers from 2–7 years old. Originally launched as a morning block on Disney Channel as Playhouse Disney in 2000; and officially launched as a television channel on 2 April 2004 in Hong Kong and Indonesia. It was later expanded in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines; between 2004 and 2005 respectively.

On 11 July 2011, Playhouse Disney was rebranded as Disney Junior, on both the morning block and the television channel itself. The block was discontinued on 31 July 2018, while the channel was entirely closed in the region on 1 October 2021 along with Disney Channel; excluding Singapore and Malaysia, since it previously closed in those countries on 1 June 2020 and 1 January 2021 respectively.

= Disney XD =

Disney XD was a Southeast Asian television channel, aimed for older children and teenagers from 6–15 years old, the channels launch on 15 September 2012 in Malaysia, 16 March 2013 in Singapore, 19 October 2013, in Indonesia and Thailand; and 31 May 2014 in the Philippines, concluding its launch. The channel was closed on 1 January 2021,{{Cite web |title=Disney XD To Cease Broadcasting On Southeast Asia On January 1st 2021 |url=https://twitter.com/disneytvanews/status/1339373827206340616 |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=Twitter |language=en}} excluding Singapore, since it was discontinued on 1 June 2020.

Programming

{{Main|List of programmes broadcast by Disney Channel (Southeast Asia)}}During the launch, the channel featured premiere movies, The Lion King II: Simba's Pride, Sleeping Beauty, Mary Poppins, Hercules, George of the Jungle, The Parent Trap and the live action version of 101 Dalmatians, including the series The Wonderful World of Disney. It was also featured American television series Hercules The Series, Timon and Pumbaa, Bear in the Big Blue House, and The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, as well as children's drama series Crash Zone and Flash Forward. It also had local content, with Disney Buzz (Studio Disney),{{Cite web |date=2000-02-27 |title=Go get the buzz! |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=20000227&id=5lRIAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iRQEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5392,3176102 |access-date=2022-07-04 |website=New Straits Times}} and its morning block Playhouse Disney (Disney Junior).

= Programming Blocks =

== Final ==

=== ''Movies Unlimited'' ===

Movies Unlimited was the film programming block on Disney Channel. It aired at 3:00 pm (UTC+08:00); it ended on 30 September 2021, prior to the closure.

== Former ==

=== ''Monstober'' ===

Monstober was a halloween programming block with special marathons every October. It ended in 2020.

=== ''Disney Junior'' ===

Disney Junior was the preschool morning block of Disney Channel, began during the 2000 launch as Playhouse Disney. Rebranded as Disney Junior on Disney Channel on 11 July 2011 and was halted on 31 July 2018.

=== ''Disney Channel Movie'' ===

Disney Channel Movie was a film-oriented programming block on Disney Channel from 2005 to 2021, replacing The Wonderful World of Disney.

=== ''The Wonderful World of Disney'' ===

The Wonderful World of Disney was a film-oriented programming block on Disney Channel from 2000 to 2005 before it was replaced by Disney Channel Movie.

= Original series and adaptations =

== Studio Disney ==

== As the Bell Rings Singapore ==

== Waktu Rehat ==

== Harry & Bunnie (distribution) ==

== Club Mickey Mouse ==

Club Mickey Mouse was the Malaysian adaptation of Mickey Mouse Club, originally premiered on 15 September 2017.

== Wizards of Warna Walk ==

References

{{reflist}}{{Commons category|Disney Channel (Asian TV channel)}}{{Portal bar|Disney|Television|Asia|Singapore|Malaysia}}{{Disney Channel}}{{Television in Hong Kong}}{{TV in Thailand}}{{Television in Malaysia}}{{Philippine subscription channels}}

Southeast Asia

Category:Children's television channels in the Asia Pacific

Category:English-language television stations in Singapore

Category:Mandarin-language television stations

Category:Defunct television channels in Singapore

Category:Television channels and stations disestablished in 2021

Category:Mass media in Southeast Asia

Category:Television stations in Papua New Guinea

Category:Television stations in Fiji

Category:Television stations in Palau

Category:Television stations in Vietnam

Category:Television stations in Thailand

Category:Television channels and stations established in 2000

Category:Defunct television channels