The Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923 as an animation studio and short film producer. It expanded into live-action films and television beginning in 1950 and further into parks and recreation beginning in 1965. The company soon became an American multinational media and entertainment conglomerate with operations spanning across North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Japan. Furthermore, with expansive subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as a diverse line of products and services, the conglomerate has structured itself into four business segments: Media Networks, Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment, and Consumer Products and Interactive Media.
An Overview of the Different Business Segments Within the Conglomerate Structure of The Walt Disney Company
1. Media Networks
This business segment is involved in television production and content distribution, radio production, broadcast and cable, publishing, as well as digital media. The Disney Channel, ABC Television Group, and ESPN are under this segment. The Walt Disney Company is undeniably a media conglomerate with a strong foothold in the American media scene based on the numerous media brands and subsidiaries it owns and operates.
2. Parks and Resorts
This business segment includes all businesses concerned with family travel and leisure. The idea behind this segment is to build and operate travel destinations and landmarks that feature immersive storytelling. This segment currently operates five high-end vacation destinations, 11 theme parks, and three resorts located in various parts of the world. This segment also includes the Disney Cruise Line which currently operates a fleet of five cruise line ships, the Disney Vacation Club, Aulani Resort and Spa, and Walt Disney Imagineering.
3. Studio Entertainment
This business segment includes businesses involved in music, movie, and stage play productions. Specific companies or subsidiaries under this segment include Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Touchstone Pictures, Lucasfilm, and Disney Nature. The Disney on Ice, Disney on Broadway, and Disney Live theatrical presentations also fall under this segment, especially under the core business Disney Theatrical Group.
4. Consumer Products and Interactive Media
This business segment is involved in the production and distribution of merchandise like toys and apparel and the publication of books. This segment also includes the retail chain Disney Store which operates several stores in North America, Europe, and Japan. The conglomerate also launched the video game and internet company Disney Interactive in 2008 to capitalize on the digital age and handle all businesses or products and services concerning various digital platforms. These include interactive media and interactive games.
