Transnational Media Corporation Profile: The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company was "started in 1923 in the rear of a small office occupied by Holly-Vermont Realty in Los Angeles" ("The Walt Disney Studios-History") by Walt Disney and his brother Roy. In this small office, the two brothers "produced a series of short live-action/animated films collectively called the ALICE COMEDIES" ("The Walt Disney Studios-History").  In 1928, Disney's trademark character, Mickey Mouse, was born.

Famous Disney cartoon "Steamboat Willie" featuring Mickey Mouse

In 1937, Disney's first full length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, "was released to critical acclaim and worldwide success" ("The Walt Disney Studios-History").  The success and demand encouraged Walt to expand the company and he purchased 51 acres of land in Burbank, California to build a new animation studio.  In the new Burbank studio, Disney went on to create many of its most famous animated features including Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Bambi, and Peter Pan during the 1940's to 1950's. 

Movie poster from 1937.

From the animated feature Alice in Wonderland (1951)

The Walt Disney Company has five subsidiaries.  The Disney Media networks "comprise a vast array of broadcast, cable, radio, publishing and digital businesses across two divisions – the Disney/ABC Television Group and ESPN Inc" ("Company Overview").  

The Walt Disney Parks and Resorts subsidiary covers Disney's many theme parks and vacation destinations.  Walt Disney wanted to create "a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment" ("Company Overview").  This lead to the creation of first Disney theme park, Disneyland, which was opened on July 17, 1955 in Anaheim, California.  Now, the Disney company is the leading provider family travel and leisure destinations with "11 theme parks and 44 resorts in North America, Europe and Asia, with a sixth destination currently under construction in Shanghai", a cruise line (four ships total), and the Disney Vacation Club," which provides guided family vacation experiences to destinations around the globe" ("Company Overview").

Disney's California Adventure Park in Anaheim, California. 

The Walt Disney Studios subsidiary is the foundation of the company and "brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world" ("Company Overview").  This subsidiary contains many parts since Disney is involved in a number of mediums.  The company's "feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed" ("Company Overview").  The Disney Music Group contains the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels "as well as Disney Music Publishing" ("Company Overview").  Lastly, the Disney Theatrical Group "produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!" ("Company Overview").  

Snow Queen Elsa from Disney's latest animated feature Frozen

Disney consumer products "is the business segment of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) and its affiliates that delivers innovative and engaging product experiences across thousands of categories from toys and apparel to books and fine art" ("Company Overview").

The mecca for all Disney consumer products, the Disney Store.

Disney plush items: I want them all.

Lastly, Disney Interactive provides "high-quality interactive entertainment across all current and emerging digital media platforms" ("Company Overview").  This includes mobile, online, and console games and online virtual worlds. 

Works Cited

"Company Overview." The Walt Disney Company. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Mar. 2014. <http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/about-disney/company-overview>.

"The Walt Disney Studios - History." The Walt Disney Studios. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar. 2014. <http://studioservices.go.com/disneystudios/history.html>.