Comparing Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ for Families with Young Children

When choosing a streaming service for your family, especially if you have young children, it can be challenging to decide which platform best suits your needs. Two popular options are Amazon Prime Video and Disney+. Both offer plenty of kid-friendly content, but they differ in terms of variety, interface, and features that cater to young audiences. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.

Content Library

Disney+ is a natural winner in terms of family content, especially for young children. It features the entire Disney catalog, which means classics like The Lion King, Cinderella, and Beauty and the Beast are always available. Plus, Disney+ has Pixar films, Star Wars shows, Marvel movies, and educational National Geographic documentaries. For families with young children, beloved TV series like Bluey, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and Frozen shorts provide endless entertainment that is safe and enjoyable for little ones.

Amazon Prime Video, on the other hand, offers a broader selection of content, which means there’s something for everyone in the family, including young kids, teens, and adults. Shows like Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood are accessible on Prime Video, but the content is not as consistent or concentrated in the family-friendly niche as Disney+. The mix of programming ranges from child-friendly to mature, so parents may need to be more attentive when selecting shows for their kids.

User Interface and Parental Controls

Disney+ has a very intuitive and child-friendly interface. The service is designed with families in mind, making it easy for children to navigate and find their favorite characters. Disney+ also allows you to create Kids Profiles, which limit the accessible content to only age-appropriate titles, giving parents peace of mind. The themed collections, such as Disney Princesses or Pixar movies, make browsing enjoyable for little ones.

Amazon Prime Video also has parental controls, but the setup is a bit less straightforward. Parents can set up PIN protection and filter content by ratings, but the platform's general interface isn’t as tailored for young kids. The breadth of available content means that children could stumble across shows or movies that aren’t suitable without proper supervision. However, Prime Video does offer a dedicated “Amazon Kids” subscription, which further focuses on child-appropriate programming, but it comes at an additional cost.

Original Content and Exclusives

Disney+ shines with its exclusive originals for kids, such as Bluey, Monsters at Work, and new series based on popular Disney and Pixar franchises. Frozen fans, for example, can enjoy exclusive shorts and spin-offs that keep beloved characters alive long after the movies end. This exclusivity and consistent addition of new, quality content geared toward young children make Disney+ an easy choice for families looking for fresh, family-friendly entertainment.

Amazon Prime Video has some original children’s programming, but it doesn't have the same level of recognizable franchises. However, it does offer exclusive shows like Pete the Cat and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, which provide engaging storytelling for young audiences. The variety can be beneficial if you’re looking for something different than Disney classics, but these shows often lack the familiarity that Disney+ offers.

Price and Value

Price is always an important factor. Disney+ is affordable, with a monthly subscription that provides access to the entire library without any hidden fees. The content is consistently family-friendly, which means you get great value if you’re mainly interested in programming for young children.

Amazon Prime Video is included with an Amazon Prime subscription, which makes it appealing for those already benefiting from Amazon's services like fast shipping. However, certain family-friendly shows or movies may not be included in the subscription and require additional rental or purchase fees. While the value of Prime Video can be good for families who want diverse content, it’s worth noting that you may end up paying more to access specific titles.

Final Verdict

For families with young children, Disney+ is the clear winner if your focus is on an easy-to-use, kid-friendly platform with a wide range of beloved and exclusive content. Disney’s strong lineup of classic and new-age programming is designed to captivate young audiences, and its intuitive interface makes it simple for little ones to navigate.

Amazon Prime Video, however, is more versatile in terms of overall content, which might make it a better choice if your family includes older children or adults who also want access to a wide range of movies and shows. For parents who are already Prime members, it can be a convenient option, but keep in mind that the platform requires more parental supervision to ensure young kids are watching suitable content.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a curated experience tailored specifically to young children, Disney+ has a clear edge. If you’re after a mix of content for all ages with the convenience of other Prime benefits, Amazon Prime Video could be a better fit.