What Disney does

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) is a publicly traded, Delaware-incorporated global entertainment conglomerate headquartered in Burbank, California, founded in 1923 and led by CEO Josh D'Amaro (since March 2026). Disney operates four interlocking business segments: Entertainment (film production through Pixar, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios; broadcast via ABC; streaming via Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ — 196M combined Disney+/Hulu subscribers), Sports (ESPN linear and streaming, anchored by a $76B NBA media rights deal), Experiences (six theme park resorts globally — Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai — plus Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, Vacation Club, and Adventures by Disney, with a $7B Abu Dhabi resort in development), and Consumer Products/merchandise (Disney Store, licensing partnerships with Mattel, LEGO, Porsche, and others). Underlying technology spans streaming infrastructure, animation production pipelines, and emerging AI applications including a beta AI-generated TV advertising tool (July 2026), Adobe Firefly Foundry trained on Disney characters for Imagineering, Apple Vision Pro for attraction design, and an internal AI Adoption Dashboard for engineering.

Disney's revenue model is highly diversified across subscription streaming ($11.99/month Disney Bundle), theatrical box office (Toy Story 5: $312M global opening on $250M budget), theme park admissions and resort stays, broadcast/cable advertising ($1.4M per 30-second unit for NBA Finals Game 5), licensing and royalties ($16B cumulative Toy Story franchise revenue), and live entertainment (Disney on Ice, Broadway, D23 fan club). Q2 FY2026 quarterly revenue reached $25.98B; the Experiences segment alone generated $9.487B in that quarter. Customer segments span families with children, the 196M streaming subscriber base, theme park visitors, advertisers, and a global network of licensing partners. The company is currently executing a 'One Disney' strategic restructure under new CEO D'Amaro that integrates gaming into Disney Entertainment and consolidates Hulu into Disney+ via Project Gemini.

Name

Disney

Legal name

The Walt Disney Company

Website

https://disney.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1923

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

The Walt Disney Company is a publicly traded global entertainment conglomerate that produces films and series (Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios), operates 196M-subscriber streaming platforms (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+), runs six international theme park resorts, and broadcasts sports via ABC/ESPN — serving families, streaming subscribers, theme park guests, and advertisers worldwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Diversified Entertainment & Media

NAICS

Amusement and Theme Parks (71311), Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131), Hobby, Toy, and Game Retailers (45912), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212), Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries (713)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Retail-Hobby, Toy & Game Shops (5945), Retail-Catalog & Mail-Order Houses (5961)

akta.pro primary industry

Amusement Parks & Theme Parks (THAAAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Animated Series Production (TV/Streaming) (MPADACAG), Gaming & Interactive Entertainment (Digital Goods, Subscriptions) (CRAFAIAC), Toy Stores & Games Retail (CRALAIAF), Museum, Zoo & Attraction Gift Shops (CRALAJAG), Circus, Magic & Variety Shows (THAJAFAH)

Keywords

• Streaming entertainment
• Theme park resorts
• Film production
• Broadcast media
• Consumer merchandise licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

Burbank

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Streaming Subscriptions (Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+): Disney+ and Hulu combined have 196 million subscribers. The streaming services have turned profitable with streaming reaching 10.6% operating margin and $450 million in operating income. The Disney Bundle offers Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ starting at $11.99/month.
2. Theatrical Box Office: Film releases including Toy Story 5 ($312M global opening, $250M budget), Avatar sequels, Marvel films, and other Disney/Pixar properties generate theatrical revenue through ticket sales across global markets.
3. Theme Parks and Resorts: Disney's Experiences segment generates record revenue exceeding $10 billion quarterly and $9.487 billion in Q2 fiscal 2026. Parks generate $67 billion in annual economic impact across all 50 states. High demand exceeds supply with strong operating leverage potential.
4. Broadcast and Cable Advertising (ABC/ESPN): ABC broadcasts NBA Finals averaging 20.6 million viewers per night. ESPN produces NBA Finals and NHL Stanley Cup Final. Sports rights under $76 billion NBA media deal drive significant advertising revenue with Game 5 scatter rates reaching $1.4 million per 30-second unit.
5. Merchandise and Licensing: Toy Story franchise has generated approximately $3 billion in total box-office revenue with toys and merchandise raising total franchise revenue to approximately $16 billion. Merchandise includes collaborations with Mattel, LeapFrog, Belkin, Porsche, and various brand partners.
6. Live Entertainment: Disney on Ice, Disney on Broadway, and other live touring shows generate revenue through ticket sales. Disney on Ice returns to Argentina (July 17-26, 2026) with characters from Frozen and Encanto, with tickets starting at $28,000.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Disney is a global entertainment conglomerate that produces and distributes films, television, and streaming content through Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+; operates theme parks and resorts in multiple countries; licenses merchandise; runs broadcast networks (ABC, ESPN); and produces live entertainment shows. Its revenue is generated across streaming subscriptions, theme park admissions and resort bookings, theatrical box office, advertising, merchandise sales, and brand licensing.

Product overview

The Walt Disney Company operates a diversified entertainment conglomerate offering both streaming/entertainment products and theme park/experiential services. The streaming portfolio centers on Disney+, which is undergoing integration with Hulu (Project Gemini) as part of the 'One Disney' strategy, combined with ESPN+ in The Disney Bundle. Disney also owns Marvel Studios, Pixar, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios for film production, along with ABC broadcast network. The experiential segment includes Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani Resort, Adventures by Disney, and Disney Vacation Club. Additional offerings include live shows (Disney on Ice, Disney on Broadway), the Disney Store ecommerce platform, D23 fan club, and Disney Dreamlight Valley gaming product. Recent launches include Toy Story 5 (June 2026), Moana live-action (July 2026), Hexed (November 2026), and Gatto (March 2027), while AI advertising tools and Adobe Firefly integration represent new technology initiatives for parks and advertising.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Disney+: Flagship streaming platform featuring Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content
• ESPN
• Hulu
• Pixar
• Marvel Studios
• Lucasfilm
• 20th Century Studios
• ABC
• Disney Parks
• Disney Cruise Line
• Disney on Ice
• D23

Products and services

• Disney+
• Hulu
• ESPN+
• The Disney Bundle
• Walt Disney World Resort
• Disneyland Resort
• Disney Cruise Line
• Aulani - A Disney Resort and Spa
• Disney Vacation Club
• Adventures by Disney
• Disney on Ice
• Disney Store
• Toy Story 5
• Moana (Live-Action)

Quantifiable outcome

• $312 million global opening weekend for Toy Story 5
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered brand, core, regional, strategic, major, industry and failed.

• Dr. SquatchbrandGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 June 2026Dr. Squatch leveraged collaboration with Disney's 'Toy Story 5' to reach multi-generational consumers. Toy Story 5 partnerships strategically target the film's broad audience appeal across age groups for brand marketing.
• SmartyPantsbrandGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 June 2026SmartyPants Vitamins partnered with Disney's 'Toy Story 5' franchise to reach multi-generational consumers through brand collaborations. Toy Story 5's broad audience appeal across age groups provides marketing value for vitamin and supplement brands.
• MattelcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 24 June 2026Mattel serves as primary Toy Story 5 merchandise partner with toys and products tied to the franchise. The Toy Story franchise generated approximately $16 billion total revenue including merchandise sales. Mattel partnership extends across multiple Disney properties.
• LeapFrogbrandOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 24 June 2026Disney and Pixar partnered with LeapFrog to sell Lilypad tablet toy for ages 3-5, representing direct commercial tie-in with Toy Story 5's cautionary message about Big Tech targeting children. Marketed alongside the film exploring children's screen time themes.
• Virgin AustraliabrandGTM or Marketing Partner · 20 June 2026Virgin Australia launched Toy Tickets program for children's toys and teddy bears as part of collaboration with Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5. Features themed aircraft and characters on boarding passes. Inspired by 2023 incident reuniting a boy with his lost teddy bear.
• SanLucarregionalGTM or Marketing Partner · 19 June 2026SanLucar and Disney launched summer promotion in Germany tied to theatrical release of live-action Moana. Campaign themed 'Entdecke den Geschmack des Sommers' (Discover the Taste of Summer) combines fruit products with Vaiana-themed packaging and designs.
• Horizon MediastrategicTechnology or Integration · 18 June 2026Horizon Media, the world's largest independent media agency, added agentic ad buying capabilities to its HorizonOS Blu platform with integration partners including Disney, Fox, NBCUniversal, and TikTok. Disney participates in the open ecosystem designed to eliminate fragmentation in traditional agency workflows.
• Epic Games (Fortnite)majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2026Disney transferred The Simpsons franchise licensing from Electronic Arts to Epic Games for Fortnite's IP Partner Program, enabling third-party developers to create Simpsons-themed games using officially licensed characters and settings. The partnership builds on previous Star Wars UEFN collaboration that generated nearly 8 million players within 72 hours. Part of Disney's $1.5 billion investment in Epic announced in February 2024. Simpsons toolkit launching later in 2026.
• AT&TbrandGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2026AT&T partnered with Disney and Pixar for Toy Story 5 marketing. AT&T also ended its DEI programs in December 2025 to gain FCC approval for purchasing wireless spectrum, while Disney faces regulatory pressure over its own DEI initiatives.
• AdobestrategicTechnology or Integration · 16 June 2026Disney partnered with Adobe to deploy the Adobe Firefly Foundry AI system—trained on Disney characters—to help its Imagineers accelerate concept design and prototyping for parks and hotels. This raises questions about Disney's AI stance given its previous advocacy for IP protection while now leveraging AI for its own creative pipeline.
• Alliance for Responsible Innovation in the Arts & Media (ARIAM)industryStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026Former Netflix and Warner Bros. executive Victoria Furniss launched ARIAM, an AI-focused content coalition dedicated to responsible AI innovation. Initial members include Disney, New York Times, Adobe, Condé Nast, Financial Times, ITV, BBC, and other publishers. Coalition advocates for legal and policy guardrails around AI usage.
• Citizen WatchbrandGTM or Marketing Partner · 15 June 2026Citizen launched its first-ever Disney Moana-inspired timepiece, a limited-edition watch featuring Eco-Drive technology, mother-of-pearl dial with wave motifs, and gold-tone stainless steel case with teal leather strap. Celebrates Citizen's 50th anniversary of Eco-Drive technology and the upcoming Moana live-action film release.
• Hawaiian AirlinesbrandGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 June 2026Hawaiian Airlines unveiled first of three commemorative aircraft liveries celebrating Disney's live-action Moana film, debuting on Airbus A321neo. Two additional designs on A330 and Boeing 717 to be revealed in July. Film theatrical release July 10.
• PorschebrandGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 June 2026Porsche and Pixar, in collaboration with Disney, created three one-off 911 sports cars themed after Toy Story characters Woody, Buzz, and Jessie to celebrate the franchise's 30th anniversary. Vehicles built by Porsche's Sonderwunsch custom division with proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, American Red Cross, and Starlight Children's Foundation.
• Tropical Smoothie CafebrandGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 June 2026Tropical Smoothie Cafe launched limited-time 'How Far You'll Mango Smoothie' on June 10, 2026, in partnership with Disney to promote the live-action Moana film. Mango, pineapple, and guava smoothie available through July 28 with collectible Moana-inspired sticker packs. Second year of collaboration following 2025 'Ohana Breeze Smoothie.'
• BelkinbrandOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing Partner · 10 June 2026Belkin launched special edition iPad case featuring Lilypad character from Toy Story 5, priced at Rs 4,499 in India. Case features kid-proof EVA foam construction, built-in carry handle, foldable kickstand, and exclusive digital wallpapers via QR code.
• OpenAI (Sora)failedTechnology or Integration · 1 March 2024Disney's $1 billion partnership with OpenAI—which would have licensed Disney characters to OpenAI's Sora platform—was cancelled in March 2026 after OpenAI shut down Sora. Disney is now actively seeking new AI partners to replace this failed collaboration.
• Formula 1brandGTM or Marketing PartnerDisney x Formula 1 global collaboration celebrating speed, storytelling, and fans. Mickey & Friends meet the world of Formula 1 in partnership showcased at f1store.formula1.com.
• LEGOcoreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLEGO Star Wars SMART Play building sets bring official character integration to LEGO building experiences. Long-standing partnership providing licensed products across Star Wars franchise.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Netflix: Netflix is Disney's most direct streaming competitor, offering comparable global subscription video with original content investment. Both compete for streaming subscribers, content talent, and ad-supported tiers, though Netflix lacks Disney's theme park and broadcast assets.
• Comcast (NBCUniversal): Comcast owns NBC/Universal Pictures and operates Universal Studios theme parks, directly competing with Disney across film, broadcast, and theme park experiences. Both companies operate integrated entertainment conglomerates with streaming (Peacock vs Disney+), parks, and major studio assets.
• Warner Bros. Discovery: Warner Bros. Discovery competes with Disney across film production, broadcast networks, and streaming (Max). Both are legacy entertainment conglomerates managing studio libraries, theatrical releases, and DTC streaming businesses with overlapping content categories.
• Paramount Global: Paramount operates a comparable entertainment portfolio including film studios (Paramount Pictures), broadcast (CBS), and streaming (Paramount+). As a smaller legacy conglomerate, it competes for the same content talent, distribution deals, and streaming subscribers as Disney.
• Sony Pictures Entertainment: Sony competes with Disney in theatrical film (Columbia Pictures, Spider-Man franchise), TV production, and animation. The companies also overlap in merchandise licensing (Spider-Man vs Marvel) and gaming (PlayStation vs Disney gaming initiatives).
• Universal Destinations & Experiences: Universal's theme park division directly competes with Disney Parks in Orlando and Hollywood, with comparable attractions (Wizarding World of Harry Potter vs Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge) and similar family demographics. Most direct comparison for Disney's Experiences segment economics.

Broad incumbents

• Amazon (Prime Video): Amazon's Prime Video competes with Disney+ in streaming while leveraging Amazon's broader retail, advertising, and cloud infrastructure. As a much larger incumbent, Amazon offers bundling advantages and AI ad-tech capabilities that Disney is now trying to match.
• Apple (Apple TV+): Apple competes with Disney in streaming (Apple TV+) and premium content investment while also being a Disney technology partner (Apple Vision Pro for Soarin' attraction redesign). Apple's services revenue model and Disney's entertainment focus intersect in family-oriented premium content.

Emerging players

• Six Flags Entertainment: Six Flags operates theme parks across North America competing for regional family entertainment spend with Disney. While serving a different price-point and demographic, it represents competitive pressure for mid-tier family leisure dollars adjacent to Disney's premium positioning.
• Epic Games: Epic Games is Disney's gaming partner ($1.5B investment) and IP licensing collaborator (Simpsons, Star Wars in Fortnite). Epic represents the leading frontier in interactive entertainment and metaverse distribution where Disney is seeking growth beyond traditional media.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WaltDisneyCo
• YouTubeyoutube.com/disney
• Facebookfacebook.com/thewaltdisneycompany
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-walt-disney-company
• Instagraminstagram.com/disney

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A32 records

Investments57 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Disney