Disney Corporation Company Facts

The Disney corporation is most closely associated with classic Disney cartoons and the theme parks, which have become some of the most popular vacation spots in the world. But the company actually encompasses a huge number of media and entertainment outlets.

History

The Disney Company began in 1923 as an animation studio founded by Walt Disney and his brother, Roy. The success of their cartoons allowed them to expand in the intervening years.

Movies

Disney is best known for animation, and indeed Walt Disney created the first feature-length animated film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." Beginning in the 1940s, Disney movies have also embraced live-action films, including a number under their "grown-up" movie label, Touchstone.

Theme Parks

The Disney company opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, in 1955. More theme parks followed--including Disney World in Florida and several international theme parks--which today constitute a significant portion of their revenue.

Other Branches

Other branches of the Disney company include Disney Interactive, Disney Consumer Products (which handles licensing), Radio Disney, and the ESPN and ABC television stations. In 2009, Disney purchased Marvel Comics, obtaining the rights to its popular line of superheroes.

Assets

The Disney corporation's revenue averages about $35 billion a year, including revenue streams from all of its divisions.

References

• Disney's Official Website
• Funding Universe: Disney corporate history