He played for twenty-three Colts of England against the MCC in 1881 and in that year made his debut for Derbyshire in a victory against Sussex setting his place as wicket keeper for the club.
Derbyshire played host to the touring Australians, and Disney found himself out to the bowling of Eugene Palmer on two occasions.
He played a full season in 1883 but in 1884 Disney took a year out of the side, when Thomas Mycroft filled the wicket-keeping slot.
Disney remained a force as a wicket-keeper and continued playing for Derbyshire until 1890, although the club lost first-class status in 1887.
Disney kept wicket in 57 first-class matches taking 87 catches and stumping twelve times.