The channel has become well known in recent years for its Disney Channel Original Series. Today's Disney Channel runs original programming such as That's So Raven which became the network's highest rated original series, beating former ratings champion Lizzie McGuire. That's So Raven made history as the first Disney Channel series to beat the 65 episode mark and get 100 episodes. The Suite Life of Zack & Cody has just been recently announced that the third season is going to have 31 episodes and season 4 is going to have 32 episodes which will make the final total 120 which makes Disney Channel history. Other hit shows on Disney are Phil of the Future, and Kim Possible (which have been shown on ABC after debuting on Disney Channel), along with former ABC sitcoms such as Boy Meets World and Sister, Sister. Other shows aired by Disney Channel include: The Emperor's New School, The Proud Family, Brandy & Mr. Whiskers, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command Timon & Pumbaa, American Dragon: Jake Long (the lone banner animation program for the network), The Buzz on Maggie, Lilo & Stitch: The Series, Naturally, Sadie, Life With Derek, and Hannah Montana. Hannah Montana is, as of 2006, the Disney Channel's most successful premiere, bringing in 5.4 million viewers on premiere night alone. A new Disney show, Haversham Hall supposed to be released this summer, but got pushed to this fall. It stars Phil of the Future's Alyson Michalka and her younger sister, Amanda Michalka

Disney Channel also produces movies, Disney Channel Original Movies, or DCOMs. They used to produce one a month, but production has since slowed down.

Most of Disney Channel's programming today, surprisingly, does not heavily feature the "classic" Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Pluto, and Goofy. The characters appear on occasion, especially during the holidays on movies such as Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas, and were also featured on the show House of Mouse, which used to air every weekday afternoon on the channel.

The network is based in Burbank, Californa, a short distance from Disney headquarters.