Disney: Global Entertainment and Media Company
Disney is a beloved entertainment powerhouse that truly has “something for everyone.” For over 90 years, Disney has grown to become much more than a beloved children’s cartoon empire—it’s a global media and entertainment giant, spanning both the entertainment and consumer products industries. Disney is a massive global enterprise that brings joy to more than a billion people all around the world.
History and Facts about Disney
The Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923 by Walt and Roy Disney. The Disney Brothers Studio, as it was called then, was established as a motion picture studio in Hollywood. Walt started out with small animations, but his ambition and focus on creativity enabled him to create full-length animated features for the first time. In 1928, Disney created the world’s first cartoon superstar, Mickey Mouse. Soon after this initial success, Walt began creating a series of iconic favorites— from Donald Duck, Goofy, Pluto, and ultimately, the world’s most loved characters of plucky heroism: The Seven Dwarfs.
Today, The Walt Disney Company is celebrating 95 years of sharing “the magic of storytelling and imagination” in amazing and unique ways. The Disney Empire consists of 15 global business divisions, including theme parks, concerts, television shows, radio, stage plays, magazines, streaming services, and beloved franchise characters. It is now one of the largest media conglomerates in the world, and it reaches almost every corner of the globe with its products.
Disney Delivery Channels
Disney has a variety of streaming services, including its two newly-launched streaming platforms in 2019: Disney+ and Hulu. Disney+ is an exclusive platform dedicated to Disney-owned content, including iconic Disney classics, Marvel movies, Star Wars Saga titles, and original productions. Hulu can be accessed with a bundle package that includes Disney+, ESPN+, and ad-supported Hulu.
Disney also owns networks of live TV channels, including ABC and Disney Channel. Additionally, Disney owns cable networks including FX and A&E, as well as 10 television stations located throughout the world.
Disney’s theme parks and resorts, such as Walt Disney World and Disneyland, also play a significant role in the Disney empire. Disney owns, operates, and licenses a variety of theme park resorts around the world, including Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney Resort, and Tokyo Disney Resort. The company also owns Cruiseline operations, featuring the Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney excursion trips.
Disney in the Box Office
Disney’s ability to produce widely popular, critically acclaimed, and record-breaking box-office hits has seen the company become a movie and entertainment powerhouse. Over the past few decades, Disney’s theatrical successes have included animated and live-action films—from classics such as “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Toy Story” (1995-2019), “Alice in Wonderland” (2010), and “Frozen” (2013) to the various Marvel and Star Wars spin-offs.
Disney’s Ticket to Global Expansion
Looking outside the box office, Disney has experienced tremendous success in franchise businesses and consumer products. The company’s most successful brands include: Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Disney Princesses, Frozen, Marvel, and Star Wars—all of which have generated considerable profits for Disney.
The company also has a thriving web presence. Disney’s online stores, digital distribution platforms, and music streaming services are growing rapidly in popularity. Likewise, Disney’s mobile games and apps appeal to individuals of all ages.
Disney also owns several interactive media and entertainment properties, such as Club Penguin, Disney Interactive, Maker Studios, and JAM. Furthermore, the company has a number of international operations, including retail franchises and theme parks.
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Company has maintained its impeccable reputation as one of the world’s most beloved entertainment and media conglomerates. Disney owns some of the most iconic and beloved franchises, from beloved characters of screen and stage, to its revolutionary streaming services. It serves billions of loyal customers, from fans of Mickey Mouse to Star Wars Saga die-hards. Disney’s global reach cannot be denied—it is a creative powerhouse delighting children, adults, and families all around the world.
