Disney Friends is a social simulation game aimed at younger DS owners. Players are encouraged to befriend and care for popular characters from well-known Disney films, through intuitive, touch screen interactions and regular, daily visits. Relying on the DS' internal clock, the game encourages players to check in on their virtual friends at different times to the day, and real-life holidays are celebrated in-game as well.

In addition to developing one-on-one relationships with the favorite, fictional characters, the game also encourages players to explore settings based on locations featured in their movies. Four main characters are available as virtual companions in Disney Friends: Dory the fish (from Finding Nemo), Simba the lion (from The Lion King), Stitch the alien (from Lilo and Stitch), and Winnie the Pooh (from Disney's many interpretations of the A.A. Milne stories).