Honestly, trying to map out what Disney owns in 2026 is like trying to count the stars while standing on a moving carousel. It’s a lot. Most of us grew up thinking of Disney as just Mickey Mouse and some princesses in big dresses, but that version of the company is basically ancient history.
Today, it's a massive, multi-tentacled titan. You can’t really go a day without touching something they own, whether you’re scrolling through a streaming app, watching a game on a Saturday afternoon, or even just walking through a grocery store aisle.
The Great Streaming Merge of 2026
The biggest news right now—and the thing most people are actually searching for—is the fate of Hulu. As of early 2026, the standalone Hulu app is officially on its way out. Disney finally bought out Comcast's remaining stake last year, and they aren't wasting any time. They are folding the whole library into a unified Disney+ experience.
If you're on a Nintendo Switch, you’ve probably already seen the notification: the Hulu app is dead as of February 2026. This isn't just a tech tweak; it's a massive shift in how they use their assets. Basically, they want one "super app" where The Bear and Andor live right next to Bluey. It’s a bit of a weird vibe, sure, but from a business perspective, it saves them a fortune in server costs and app maintenance.
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What Does Disney Own? The Heavy Hitters
To understand the scale, you have to look at the "Big Four" acquisitions that changed the DNA of the company. These weren't just "partnerships"—they were total takeovers.
- Pixar (2006): Remember when Steve Jobs basically saved Disney Animation? By buying Pixar for $7.4 billion, Disney didn't just get Toy Story; they got the tech and the leadership that redefined their entire movie slate.
- Marvel Entertainment (2009): This is the $4 billion deal that won the decade. They own the Avengers, the X-Men (finally!), and even the obscure stuff like Howard the Duck. If it’s got a Cape, Disney probably gets a cut.
- Lucasfilm (2012): They didn't just buy Star Wars. They bought Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), which does the special effects for half the movies in Hollywood, and Skywalker Sound. Oh, and Indiana Jones belongs to them too.
- 21st Century Fox (2019): This was the monster $71.3 billion deal. It gave them The Simpsons, Avatar, National Geographic, and the rights to The Fantastic Four.
The Sports Side: ESPN is Changing
People often forget that Disney owns 80% of ESPN. The other 20% belongs to Hearst, but Disney calls the shots. Right now, in 2026, we’re seeing the launch of a new, fully standalone ESPN streaming service. It’s no longer just a "cable channel." It’s a massive digital platform that’s being bundled into the Disney+/Hulu ecosystem.
They own the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida, and through the Fox deal, they ended up with a massive stake in international sports broadcasting, though they had to sell off some regional networks to keep the government happy.
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The Studios and TV Networks
It’s not just the big names. The list of "smaller" studios is actually where a lot of the prestige stuff comes from. If you’ve seen a movie lately that felt like "Oscar bait," there’s a good chance it came from a Disney-owned shop.
- Searchlight Pictures: Think The Shape of Water or Nomadland. This is their "indie" arm.
- 20th Century Studios: Formerly 20th Century Fox. They kept the name but dropped the "Fox" to distance themselves from the news network (which Disney does not own—more on that in a second).
- ABC News and Networks: This includes the main ABC channel, Freeform, and the Disney Channel.
- FX and FXX: This is where the "edgier" TV lives. Always Sunny, American Horror Story, all of it.
- National Geographic: They own 73% of this. It’s why you see so many nature docs on Disney+.
What They DON'T Own (The Common Mistakes)
There is a massive misconception that Disney owns everything with a logo. That’s not true. One of the most common mistakes is thinking Disney owns Fox News. They don't. When Disney bought 21st Century Fox, they specifically did not buy the news or the main Fox sports channel. Those were spun off into a separate company called Fox Corporation, owned by the Murdochs.
Also, they don't own Universal Studios (that's Comcast/NBCUniversal) or Warner Bros. (that's Warner Bros. Discovery). While they have a huge presence in Florida, they are fierce rivals with the folks over at the Harry Potter parks.
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The "Experiences" Empire
You can't talk about what Disney owns without the physical stuff. It’s not just parks; it’s a global footprint of real estate and logistics.
- Disney Cruise Line: They currently have a fleet of seven ships (the Wish, Treasure, and Destiny are the newest), with the massive Disney Adventure launching in 2026 out of Singapore.
- The Parks: Disneyland (California), Walt Disney World (Florida), Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Shanghai Disney Resort.
- Adventures by Disney: A luxury travel company that takes people on guided tours of places like Egypt or the Galapagos.
- The Muppets Studio: Yes, Kermit is a Disney employee. They bought the Muppets from the Jim Henson Company back in 2004.
Why This Matters for Your Wallet
In 2026, the strategy is clear: Consolidation. Because they own so much, they are pushing everyone toward the "Disney Bundle." They’ve raised prices on standalone apps to make the bundle look like a steal.
If you’re a fan of The Simpsons, Marvel, and Sunday Night Football, Disney has basically built a walled garden around you. You aren't just buying a movie ticket; you're buying into a lifestyle where they own the content, the platform you watch it on, and the cruise ship you vacation on.
Summary of Assets (A Scannable Look)
- Streaming: Disney+, Hulu (fully integrated), ESPN+ (new standalone version).
- Film: Walt Disney Pictures, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures.
- TV: ABC, FX, Disney Channel, Freeform, National Geographic.
- Parks/Resorts: 6 global resorts, 7+ cruise ships, Disney Vacation Club.
- Publishing: Marvel Comics, Disney Hyperion, National Geographic Magazine.
Your Next Steps
If you're trying to manage your subscriptions in this new landscape, here’s the move: check your current Hulu and Disney+ billing. With the 2026 merger, many "legacy" plans are being phased out. If you're paying for them separately, you're likely overpaying. Look for the unified "Disney Super App" login to ensure your watchlists from Hulu have migrated over correctly, especially if you use devices like the Nintendo Switch or older Smart TVs where the standalone apps are being deactivated this year.
Check your email for "Account Migration" notices. Disney is currently automating the transfer of viewing histories, but if you have separate emails for Hulu and Disney+, you might need to manually link them to keep your "Continue Watching" list intact.