The Walt Disney Company, founded in 1923 by brothers Walt and Roy O. Disney, is a leading diversified mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered in Burbank, California. Traded on the NYSE under the symbol DIS, Disney has grown from an animation studio known for pioneering characters such as Mickey Mouse into a global entertainment powerhouse. The company’s foundational mission of creating high-quality storytelling remains central to its operations nearly a century later.
Disney’s Studio Entertainment segment encompasses motion picture production and theatrical distribution under iconic banners including Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm and 20th Century Studios. This segment is responsible for producing blockbuster films, animated features, live-action remakes and Broadway-style theatrical productions that reach audiences worldwide.
In its Media Networks division, Disney operates a wide array of broadcast, cable and digital television properties, including ABC, ESPN, Disney Channel, National Geographic and FX. The Parks, Experiences and Products segment manages global theme parks and resorts—such as Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida—along with international destinations in Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Shanghai, as well as cruise lines, consumer products, and licensing partnerships.
Disney’s Direct-to-Consumer & International segment includes streaming services Disney+, ESPN+ and Hulu, reflecting the company’s strategic emphasis on digital distribution. With operations spanning North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America, Disney serves a diverse global audience. As of 2023, the company is led by Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger and is chaired by Susan E. Arnold, guiding Disney’s continued expansion into new markets and technologies.