17 Disney Channel Facts That Will Shock You

Do you know how many of the High School Musical movies have actually been released in theaters? What about the other actor who was in the running to play Miley Cyrus’ iconic Hannah Montana role? What part did Joe Jonas ultimately miss out on getting? If you want to know the answer to any of these questions or if you’re just looking to expand your knowledge on some beloved Disney Channel franchises, you’ve come to the right place. We compiled 17 shocking facts about the Disney Channel that’ll likely surprise even the most die-hard devotee. Read on to check ‘em out!

1. High School Musical 3: Senior Year 

Photo: Disney

The third and final movie in the High School Musical franchise was the only movie of the three to be released in theatres. 

2. The Lizzie McGuire Movie

Photo: Disney

Following the finale of Lizzie McGuire the show ended up releasing their grand finale of in theaters as well. 

3. Hannah Montana

Photo: Getty Images

The role of Hannah Montana/Miley Stewart almost went to The Pretty Reckless’ Taylor Momsen, but as well all know, Miley Cyrus ended up as the lead. 

4. The Proud Family

Photo: Getty Images

Destiny’s Child and Solange Knowles performed the theme song for this animated series. 

5. High School Musical 2

Photo: Disney

The second film of the High School Musical franchise was the most watched movie in Disney Channel history having reached 17.2 million viewers.

6. Wizards of Waverly Place 

Photo: Getty Images

Joe Jonas also auditioned for the role of Justin, but was beat out by David Henrie.

7. Wizards of Waverly Place

Photo: Splash News

Demi Lovato’s sister, Dallas, had a role on the show, but her character didn’t make the final cut in the pilot.

8. Teen Beach Movie

Photo: Disney

This was the only Disney Channel Original Movie to premier in 2013. 

9. Even Stevens

Photo: Disney via Getty Images

Shia LaBeouf won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series for his role as Louis Stevens. 

10. Hannah Montana

Photo: Disney Channel via Getty Images

This extremely popular show almost had an extremely different ending. The alternative ending would have revealed that her being Hannah Montana was all just a dream for Miley Stewart compared to Miley going off to college with Lilly. They even filmed this ending and included it in the Hannah Montana Forever: Final Season DVD. 

11. The Cheetah Girls

Photo: Getty Images

They almost turned the Cheetah Girls movies into a TV series. Production kept getting delayed due to That’s So Raven’s popularity and was eventually just dropped. 

12. High School Musical 3: Senior Year

Photo: Getty Images

The third High School Musical movie was almost Halloween Themed. It would’ve been called Haunted High School Musical. Crazy.

13. Kim Possible 

Photo: Getty Images

Anneliese van der Pol from Raven’s Home was almost the voice of Kim Possible, but turned down the role to play Chelsea in That’s So Raven. Christy Carlson Romano from Even Stevens ended up voicing the character. 

14. That’s So Raven 

Photo: Getty Images

That’s So Raven was the first show in Disney Channel history to get 100 episodes approved. Disney Channel had a strict 65 episodes only rule before. Even popular shows like Lizzie McGuire and Even Stevens were canceled after 65 episodes. 

15. Jonas

Photo: Disney

The Jonas Brothers' show was originally supposed to stand for Junior Operatives Networking as Spies where the Jonas Brothers were spies undercover as pop stars.

16. Kim Possible

Photo: Disney

Kim Possible had to follow the 65 episode rule as well, ending after only three seasons. Fans petitioned hard online and actually brought the show back for another season. 

17. Phineas and Ferb

Photo: Disney

Like many great ideas, this show was created years before it was actually aired, 16 years before to be exact. Phineas and Ferb started production in 1991 with the creators finally catching a break with Disney.