TL;DR
If you haven't touched your Disney+ settings since 2020, your kids are likely one click away from watching Deadpool or The Bear. With the Hulu integration, Disney+ is no longer just a "safe" vault of animated classics.
Quick Wins:
- Set Content Ratings: Move your kid's profile from the default "all titles" to a specific age rating (TV-G, PG, etc.).
- Create a Profile PIN: Lock your adult profile so they can't "accidentally" switch over to watch R-rated Marvel movies.
- Turn on "Kid-Proof Exit": Makes it harder for toddlers to leave their designated safe space.
Top Safe Recommendations:
- Bluey (Ages 2-102, honestly)
- Spidey and His Amazing Friends (Ages 3-6)
- The Imagineering Story (Ages 8+ for the tech-curious)
- Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures (Ages 4-7)
Remember when Disney+ launched and the "edgiest" thing on there was maybe the original Star Wars trilogy? Those days are gone. Now that Hulu content is baked directly into the app for bundle subscribers, Disney+ has become a full-service streaming giant.
This is great for us when the kids are in bed and we want to watch The Bear or Shōgun, but it's a nightmare if your seven-year-old is browsing the "Action" category and finds Deadpool & Wolverine.
The reality is that Disney+ is now "General Entertainment." According to recent Screenwise community data, about 85% of households with kids under 12 have a Disney+ subscription, but less than 40% have actually updated their parental controls since the Hulu merger. We’re essentially leaving the liquor cabinet unlocked in a house full of toddlers.
Ask our chatbot for a custom list of Disney+ shows for your child's specific age
You don't need a degree in IT to fix this, but you do need five minutes and your password.
1. Content Ratings (The Primary Filter)
By default, new profiles might be set to a higher rating than you want.
- Go to Edit Profiles.
- Select your child’s profile.
- Under Parental Controls, select Content Rating.
- Enter your password.
- Choose the rating: TV-Y, TV-Y7, TV-G, G, PG, TV-PG, PG-13, TV-14, R, or TV-MA.
Pro-tip: If your kid is 8, don't just set it to PG. Disney’s PG can vary wildly. If you want to keep things strictly "Disney-fied," stick to TV-G or G. If they are ready for Marvel or Star Wars, you’ll likely need to bump them to PG or TV-PG.
2. Profile PINs (The Guard Dog)
This is the most important step. If your profile allows TV-MA (for your late-night Hulu binges) and it isn't locked, your kid will eventually figure out that clicking "Dad’s Profile" gives them the "good stuff."
- In Edit Profiles, select your adult profile.
- Set a 4-digit Profile PIN.
- Now, every time someone tries to enter your profile, they need that code. Don't make it 1-2-3-4. Your kids are smarter than that.
3. Junior Mode (The Sandbox)
If you have a preschooler, just turn on Junior Mode. This is a simplified interface that only shows the most kid-friendly content. It also includes a "Kid-Proof Exit" feature, which requires a simple task (like entering numbers written out in words) to switch profiles. It’s not foolproof for a 10-year-old, but it’ll stop a 4-year-old from wandering into the weeds.
Not everything on Disney+ is "brain rot," but there's plenty of filler. Here’s how to curate the experience.
For the Littles (Ages 2-6)
- It’s the gold standard for a reason. It’s funny, it’s emotional, and it actually teaches parents how to play with their kids. There is zero "brain rot" here.
- If you need something "low-stimulation" (aka it won't turn your kid into a vibrating ball of cortisol), this is it. It’s calm, educational, and narrated by Chris O'Dowd.
- A great entry point to superheroes without the world-ending stakes or violence of the movies.
For the Big Kids (Ages 7-12)
- This is a fantastic documentary series about how the theme parks were built. It’s great for kids interested in engineering, art, or history.
- It starts a bit "kiddy," but it grows into some of the best storytelling in the Star Wars universe. Note: the later seasons get much darker and hit TV-14 territory.
- A solid adaptation of the book. It deals with themes of identity and belonging in a way that resonates with middle schoolers.
The "Wait Until They're Older" List
- Marvel’s Netflix Era: Shows like Daredevil or The Punisher (now on Disney+) are incredibly violent. This is not the "Avengers" vibe. These are TV-MA for a reason.
- The Hulu Collection: The Bear is brilliant, but it's basically 30 minutes of people screaming stressfully at each other. Not exactly "family movie night" material.
- Deadpool: Just because he's a "superhero" doesn't mean it's for kids. Deadpool & Wolverine is packed with gore and language that will have you explaining things you aren't ready to explain.
Check out our guide on the best age-appropriate Marvel movies
The biggest risk on any streaming platform isn't always what they search for—it's what the algorithm serves up next. Disney+ is pretty good about keeping recommendations within the profile's age rating, but the "Continue Watching" and "Recommended for You" rails can sometimes feature trailers for things that are a bit "on the line."
If you’re co-parenting with someone who has a different "tech comfort level," sit down and agree on the content rating for each kid. It avoids the "But Dad let me watch Stranger Things!" argument (wrong platform, but you get the point).
Unlike Roblox or Fortnite, Disney+ is a passive experience. There’s no chat, no strangers sliding into DMs, and no "predator" risk in the traditional sense.
The primary "safety" concern here is Commercialism and Data. Disney is a master at the "flywheel"—they want your kid to watch the show, then want the toy, then want to go to the park.
- Data Collection: Disney tracks everything your kid watches to build a profile of their interests. While this is standard for 2026, it’s worth being aware that your child is being "marketed to" based on their viewing habits.
- In-App Purchases: While Disney+ itself doesn't have "micro-transactions" like a mobile game, they are increasingly testing "shippable" content where you can scan a QR code on screen to buy merch. Keep an eye on that.
Learn more about how streaming apps track your child's data
When your 10-year-old asks why they can't see the "Hulu" tab or why your profile has a PIN, be honest. "Disney+ added a bunch of shows that are made for adults—like R-rated movies. I’ve locked those away because they have stuff that’s too intense for you right now. When you’re older, we’ll move the needle on your settings together."
It’s not about "banning" content; it’s about "curating" it. We wouldn't let a 4th grader wander into an R-rated theater alone; we shouldn't let them do it in our living room just because the icon has a Mickey Mouse silhouette.
Disney+ is still one of the best values for families, but the "set it and forget it" era is over. Taking five minutes tonight to set those Profile PINs and check the Content Ratings will save you from a very awkward conversation (or a very traumatized toddler) tomorrow.
Next Steps:
- Audit your profiles: Check the age rating on every kid’s profile.
- PIN your profile: Do it right now.
- Explore the "Nature" category: National Geographic content on Disney+ is top-tier and often overlooked.
Ask our chatbot about alternatives to Disney Plus for educational content