:The Walt Disney Company

{{For timeline|Timeline of the Walt Disney Company}}

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| image1 = Walt Disney 1946.JPG

| alt1 = Publicity photo of Walt Disney from the Boy Scouts of America. Disney was given an award by them in 1946.

| image2 = Roy O. Disney with Company at Press Conference.jpg

| alt2 = Roy O. Disney (1893–1971), the American businessman; partner and co-founder of The Walt Disney Company with his brother Walt Disney. This 1965 photograph shows Roy Disney and his brother with Florida's Governor W. Haydon Burns (1912–87), announcing plans to create a Disney theme park in the state. Walt Disney World opened in 1971. Located just southwest of Orlando, Florida, the attraction grew to become the largest resort in the world, covering 47 square miles (122 square kilometers) and encompassing four theme parks, two water parks, a wilderness preserve, and numerous hotels.

| footer = Walt Disney (left) and his brother Roy O. Disney (right) co-founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in 1923, which later became the Walt Disney Company.

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In 1921, American animators Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks founded Laugh-O-Gram Studio in Kansas City, Missouri.{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Mackenzie |date=May 22, 2021 |title=Walt Disney Didn't Actually Draw Mickey Mouse. Meet the Kansas City Artist Who Did |work=NPR |url=https://www.kcur.org/history/2021-05-22/walt-disney-didnt-actually-draw-mickey-mouse-meet-the-kansas-city-artist-who-did |url-status=live |access-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220426061339/https://www.kcur.org/history/2021-05-22/walt-disney-didnt-actually-draw-mickey-mouse-meet-the-kansas-city-artist-who-did |archive-date=April 26, 2022}} Iwerks and Disney went on to create short films at the studio. The final one, in 1923, was entitled Alice's Wonderland and depicted child actress Virginia Davis interacting with animated characters. While Laugh-O-Gram's shorts were popular in Kansas City, the studio went bankrupt in 1923 and Disney moved to Los Angeles, to join his brother Roy O. Disney, who was recovering from tuberculosis.{{Cite news |last=Pitcher |first=Ken |date=October 1, 2021 |title=50 years ago: Roy Disney made Walt's dream come true |work=ClickOrlando |url=https://www.clickorlando.com/theme-parks/2021/10/01/50-years-ago-roy-disney-made-walts-dream-come-true/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015054002/https://www.clickorlando.com/theme-parks/2021/10/01/50-years-ago-roy-disney-made-walts-dream-come-true/ |archive-date=October 15, 2021}} Shortly after Walt's move, New York film distributor Margaret J. Winkler purchased Alice's Wonderland, which began to gain popularity. Disney signed a contract with Winkler for $1,500, to create six series of Alice Comedies, with an option for two more six-episode series.{{Cite news |last=Hayes |first=Carol |date=April 28, 1985 |title=Cartoon Producer Recalls Early Days |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/28/nyregion/cartoon-producer-recalls-early-days.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427000830/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/04/28/nyregion/cartoon-producer-recalls-early-days.html |archive-date=April 27, 2022}}{{sfn|Rockefeller|2016|p=3}} Walt and Roy Disney founded Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio on October 16, 1923, to produce the films.{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=42}} In January 1926, the Disneys moved into a new studio on Hyperion Street and the studio's name was changed to Walt Disney Studio.{{sfn|Gabler|2007|p=98}}

File:Oswald jump.svg

After producing Alice films over the next 4 years, Winkler handed the role of distributing the studio's shorts to her husband, Charles Mintz. In 1927, Mintz asked for a new series, and Disney created his first series of fully animated shorts, starring a character named Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.{{sfn|Rockefeller|2016|p=4}} The series was produced by Winkler Pictures and distributed by Universal Pictures. The Walt Disney Studios completed 26 Oswald shorts.{{Cite news |date=December 3, 2022 |title=Could Oswald the Lucky Rabbit have been bigger than Mickey? |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-19910825 |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320053849/https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-19910825 |archive-date=March 20, 2022}}

In 1928, Disney and Mintz entered into a contract dispute, with Disney asking for a larger fee, while Mintz sought to reduce the price. Disney discovered Universal Pictures owned the intellectual property rights to Oswald, and Mintz threatened to produce the shorts without him if he did not accept the reduction in payment.{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Drew |date=September 5, 2020 |title=The Incredible True Story of Disney's Oswald the Lucky Rabbit |work=Collider |url=https://collider.com/disney-oswald-the-lucky-rabbit-history-explained/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120215735/https://collider.com/disney-oswald-the-lucky-rabbit-history-explained/ |archive-date=November 20, 2021}} Disney declined and Mintz signed 4 of Walt Disney Studio's primary animators to start his own studio; Iwerks was the only top animator to remain with the Disney brothers.{{sfnm|1a1=Susanin|1y=2011|1p=182|2a1=Rockefeller|2y=2016|2p=4}} Disney and Iwerks replaced Oswald with a mouse character originally named Mortimer Mouse, before Disney's wife urged him to change the name to Mickey Mouse.{{Cite magazine |last=Suddath |first=Claire |date=November 18, 2008 |title=A Brief History of Mickey Mouse |url=http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1859935,00.html |url-status=live |magazine=Time |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220410182052/http://content.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1859935,00.html |archive-date=April 10, 2022 |access-date=April 26, 2022 |url-access=limited}}{{Cite news |last=Parkel |first=Inga |date=July 4, 2022 |title=Disney could lose Mickey Mouse as 95-year copyright expiry nears |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/disney-mickey-mouse-copyright-expiry-b2115373.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=July 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706170645/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/disney-mickey-mouse-copyright-expiry-b2115373.html |archive-date=July 6, 2022}} In May 1928, Mickey Mouse debuted in test screenings of the shorts Plane Crazy and The Gallopin' Gaucho. Later that year, the studio produced Steamboat Willie, its first sound film and third short in the Mickey Mouse series, which was made using synchronized sound, becoming the first post-produced sound cartoon. The sound was created using Powers' Cinephone system, which used Lee de Forest's Phonofilm system.{{sfn|Feilding|1967|p=187}} Pat Powers' company distributed Steamboat Willie, which was an immediate hit.{{sfn|Davis, Amy|2019|p=9}} In 1929, the company successfully re-released the two earlier films with synchronized sound.{{Cite web |last=Lauren |first=Baltimore |date=June 24, 2017 |title=Rare First Appearance Mickey Mouse Animation Art Up For Auction |url=https://bleedingcool.com/comics/recent-updates/first-appearance-mickey-mouse-auction/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430183150/https://bleedingcool.com/comics/recent-updates/first-appearance-mickey-mouse-auction/ |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |access-date=April 27, 2022 |website=Bleeding Cool}}{{sfn|Barrier|2003|p=54}}

After the release of Steamboat Willie at the Colony Theater in New York, Mickey Mouse became an immensely popular character.{{sfn|Barrier|2003|p=54}} Disney Brothers Studio made several cartoons featuring Mickey and other characters.{{sfn|Susanin|2011|p=261}} In August 1929, the company began making the Silly Symphony series with Columbia Pictures as the distributor, because the Disney brothers felt they were not receiving their share of profits from Powers.{{Cite news |last=Gabler |first=Neal |date=September 12, 2015 |title=Walt Disney, a Visionary Who Was Crazy Like a Mouse |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/13/business/media/walt-disney-a-visionary-who-was-crazy-like-a-mouse.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427125843/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/13/business/media/walt-disney-a-visionary-who-was-crazy-like-a-mouse.html |archive-date=April 27, 2022}} Powers ended his contract with Iwerks, who later started his own studio.{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=75-78}} Carl W. Stalling played an important role in starting the series, and composed the music for early films but left the company after Iwerks' departure.{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=J.B. |author-link=J.B. Kaufman |date=April 1997 |title=Who's Afraid of ASCAP? Popular Songs in the Silly Symphonies |url=https://www.awn.com/mag/issue2.1/articles/kaufman2.1.html#anchor186879 |url-status=live |magazine=Animation World Magazine |volume=2 |issue=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518230103/https://www.awn.com/mag/issue2.1/articles/kaufman2.1.html#anchor186879 |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |access-date=April 27, 2022}}{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=77}} In September, theater manager Harry Woodin requested permission to start a Mickey Mouse Club at his theater the Fox Dome to boost attendance. Disney agreed, but David E. Dow started the first-such club at Elsinore Theatre before Woodin could start his. On December 21, the first meeting at Elsinore Theatre was attended by around 1,200 children.{{Cite news |last=Lynn |first=Capi |date=December 23, 2019 |title=Here's how Salem kids formed the first ever Mickey Mouse Club in the nation in 1929 |work=Statesman Journal |url=https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2019/12/23/disney-first-mickey-mouse-club-elsinore-theatre-salem-oregon/2664130001/ |url-access=limited |access-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430183139/https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2019/12/23/disney-first-mickey-mouse-club-elsinore-theatre-salem-oregon/2664130001/ |url-status=live }}{{sfn|Krasniewicz|2010|p=51}} On July 24, 1930, Joseph Conley, president of King Features Syndicate, wrote to the Disney studio and asked the company to produce a Mickey Mouse comic strip; production started in November and samples were sent to King Features.{{sfn|Kaufman|Gerstein|2018|pp=84–85}} On December 16, 1930, the Walt Disney Studios partnership was reorganized as a corporation with the name Walt Disney Productions, Limited, which had a merchandising division named Walt Disney Enterprises, and subsidiaries called Disney Film Recording Company, Limited and Liled Realty and Investment Company; the latter of which managed real estate holdings. Walt Disney and his wife held 60% (6,000 shares) of the company, and Roy Disney owned 40%.{{sfn|Barrier|2007|p=342}}

File:Excerpt from Steamboat Willie (1928), used as part of Walt Disney Animation Studios Logo.gif (1928), the first Mickey Mouse sound cartoon.]]

The comic strip Mickey Mouse debuted on January 13, 1930, in New York Daily Mirror and by 1931, the strip was published in 60 newspapers in the US, and in 20 other countries.{{Cite news |last=Iyer |first=Aishwarya |date=January 18, 2020 |title=A look back at Mickey Mouse, as the comic strip turns 90 |work=Hindustan Times |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/hollywood/a-look-back-at-mickey-mouse-as-the-comic-strip-turns-90/story-EaDCtAbJwfOE7EDcuJ3AqJ.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427211554/https://www.hindustantimes.com/hollywood/a-look-back-at-mickey-mouse-as-the-comic-strip-turns-90/story-EaDCtAbJwfOE7EDcuJ3AqJ.html |archive-date=April 27, 2022}} After realizing releasing merchandise based on the characters would generate more revenue, a man in New York offered Disney $300 for license to put Mickey Mouse on writing tablets he was manufacturing. Disney accepted and Mickey Mouse became the first licensed character.{{Cite news |last=Rivkin |first=Mike |date=April 3, 2021 |title=Antiques: The Life and Times of Mickey Mouse |work=The Desert Sun |url=https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2021/04/03/antiques-life-and-times-mickey-mouse/4825003001/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507010745/https://www.desertsun.com/story/life/2021/04/03/antiques-life-and-times-mickey-mouse/4825003001/ |archive-date=May 7, 2021}}{{sfn|Krasniewicz|2010|p=52}} In 1933, Disney asked Kay Kamen, the owner of a Kansas City advertising firm, to run Disney's merchandising; Kamen agreed and transformed Disney's merchandising. Within a year, Kamen had 40 licenses for Mickey Mouse and within two years, had made $35 million worth of sales. In 1934, Disney said he made more money from the merchandising of Mickey Mouse than from the character's films.{{Cite news |date=April 23, 2020 |title=How Mickey got Disney through the Great Depression |work=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |url=https://www.cbc.ca/radio/undertheinfluence/how-mickey-got-disney-through-the-great-depression-1.3462981 |url-status=live |access-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220428014231/https://www.cbc.ca/radio/undertheinfluence/how-mickey-got-disney-through-the-great-depression-1.3462981 |archive-date=April 28, 2022}}{{sfn|Krasniewicz|2010|p=55}}

The Waterbury Clock Company created a Mickey Mouse watch, which became so popular it saved the company from bankruptcy during the Great Depression. During a promotional event at Macy's, 11,000 Mickey Mouse watches sold in one day; and within two years, two-and-a-half million watches were sold.{{Cite web |last=Zavaleta |first=Jonathan |date=March 20, 2022 |title=A Brief History of the Mickey Mouse Watch (Plus, the Best Mickey Mouse Watches to Buy) |url=https://spy.com/articles/gear/accessories/mickey-mouse-watch-1202839254/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418011839/https://spy.com/articles/gear/accessories/mickey-mouse-watch-1202839254/ |archive-date=April 18, 2022 |access-date=April 27, 2022 |website=Spy.com}}{{sfn|Krasniewicz|2010|p=55}} As Mickey Mouse become a heroic character rather than a mischievous one, Disney needed another character that could produce gags.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|pp=199–201}} Disney invited radio presenter Clarence Nash to the animation studio; Disney wanted to use Nash to play Donald Duck, a talking duck that would be the studio's new gag character. Donald Duck made his first appearance in 1934 in The Wise Little Hen. Though he did not become popular as quickly as Mickey had, Donald Duck had a featured role in Donald and Pluto (1936), and was given his own series.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|pp=201, 203}}

After a disagreement with Columbia Pictures about the Silly Symphony cartoons, Disney signed a distribution contract with United Artists from 1932 to 1937 to distribute them.{{sfn|Barrier|2007|pp=89, 136}} In 1932, Disney signed an exclusive contract with Technicolor to produce cartoons in color until the end of 1935, beginning with the Silly Symphony short Flowers and Trees (1932).{{Cite news |last=Nye |first=Doug |date=December 28, 1993 |title=In Glorious Color |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1993/12/28/in-glorious-color/63c151c4-6a38-4f66-ae56-7b0db23f55ee/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202200217/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/1993/12/28/in-glorious-color/63c151c4-6a38-4f66-ae56-7b0db23f55ee/ |archive-date=February 2, 2021}} The film was the first full-color cartoon and won the Academy Award for Best Cartoon. In 1933, The Three Little Pigs, another popular Silly Symphony short, was released and also won the Academy Award for Best Cartoon.{{sfn|Susanin|2011|p=261}}{{Cite news |last=Noonan |first=Kevin |date=November 4, 2015 |title=Technicolor's Major Milestones After 100 Years of Innovation |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/technicolors-major-milestones-after-100-years-of-innovation-1201346644/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215180425/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/technicolors-major-milestones-after-100-years-of-innovation-1201346644/ |archive-date=December 15, 2021}} The song from the film "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?", which was composed by Frank Churchill—who wrote other Silly Symphonies songs—became popular and remained so throughout the 1930s, and became one of the best-known Disney songs. Other Silly Symphonies films won the Best Cartoon award from 1931 to 1939, except for 1938, when another Disney film, Ferdinand the Bull, won it.{{sfn|Susanin|2011|p=261}}

File:Oldanimationbuilding.JPG

In 1934, Walt Disney announced a feature-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It would be the first cel animated feature and the first animated feature produced in the US. Its novelty made it a risky venture; Roy tried to persuade Walt not to produce it, arguing it would bankrupt the studio, and while widely anticipated by the public, it was referred to by some critics as "Disney's Folly".{{Cite news |last=Ryan |first=Desmond |date=July 24, 1987 |title=Disney Animator Recalls Gamble That Was Snow White |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-07-24-8702240137-story.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506212507/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-07-24-8702240137-story.html |archive-date=May 6, 2022}}{{Sfn|Susanin|2011|p=215}} Walt directed the animators to take a realistic approach, creating scenes as though they were live action.{{Cite web |last=Lambie |first=Ryan |date=February 8, 2019 |title=Disney's Snow White: The Risk That Changed Filmmaking Forever |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/disneys-snow-white-the-risk-that-changed-filmmaking-forever/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215180427/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/disneys-snow-white-the-risk-that-changed-filmmaking-forever/ |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |access-date=May 6, 2022 |website=Den of Geek}}{{Sfn|Gabler|2007}} While making the film, the company created the multiplane camera, consisting of pieces of glass upon which drawings were placed at different distances to create an illusion of depth in the backgrounds.{{sfn|Williams|Denney|Denney|2004|p=116}} After United Artists attempted to attain future television rights to the Disney shorts, Walt signed a distribution contract with RKO Radio Pictures on March 2, 1936.{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=136}} Walt Disney Productions exceeded its original budget of $150,000 for Snow White by ten times; its production eventually cost the company $1.5 million.

Snow White took 3 years to make, premiering on December 12, 1937. It was an immediate critical and commercial success, becoming the highest-grossing film up to that point, grossing $8 million ({{Inflation|index=US|value=8,000,000|start_year=1937|fmt=eq}} dollars); after re-releases, it grossed a total of $998,440,000 in the US adjusted for inflation.{{Cite news |date=May 1, 2018 |title=Top of the box office: The highest-grossing movies of all time |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/top-box-office-highest-grossing-movies-time/snow-white-seven-dwarfs-1937/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506210937/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/top-box-office-highest-grossing-movies-time/snow-white-seven-dwarfs-1937/ |archive-date=May 6, 2022}}{{sfnm|1a1=Gabler|1y=2007|1p=271|2a1=Barrier|2y=2007|2p=131}} Using the profits from Snow White, Disney financed the construction of a new 51-acre studio complex in Burbank, which the company fully moved into in 1940 and where the company is still headquartered.{{sfn|Barrier|2007|pp=158–60}}{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|p=287}} In April 1940, Disney Productions had its initial public offering, with the common stock remaining with Disney and his family. Disney did not want to go public but the company needed the money.{{sfn|Barrier|2007|p=152}}

Shortly before Snow White's release, work began on the company's next features, Pinocchio and Bambi. Pinocchio was released in February 1940 while Bambi was postponed.{{sfn|Barrier|2007|p=136}} Despite Pinocchio{{'}}s critical acclaim (it won the Academy Awards for Best Song and Best Score and was lauded for groundbreaking achievements in animation),{{Cite news |last=Martens |first=Todd |date=March 31, 2019 |title=The original Dumbo arguably was Disney's most important blockbuster |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-dumbo-animation-20190329-story.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402071557/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-dumbo-animation-20190329-story.html |archive-date=April 2, 2019}} the film performed poorly at the box office, due to World War II affecting the international box office.{{Cite web |date=February 23, 2020 |title=Pinocchio: THR's 1940 Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/pinocchio-review-movie-1940-1278957/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220223214208/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/pinocchio-review-movie-1940-1278957/ |archive-date=February 23, 2022 |access-date=May 6, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{sfn|Barrier|2007|pp=151–152}}

The company's third feature Fantasia (1940) introduced groundbreaking advancements in cinema technology, chiefly Fantasound, an early surround sound system making it the first commercial film to be shown in stereo. However, Fantasia similarly performed poorly at the box office.{{sfn|Gabler|2007|pp=309–10}}{{Cite news |last=Violante |first=Anthony |date=November 1, 1991 |title=Late Bloomer Disney's Fantasia, a Commercial Flop in 1940, Come to Full Flower on Home Video |work=The Buffalo News |url=https://buffalonews.com/news/late-bloomer-disneys-fantasia-a-commercial-flop-in-1940-comes-to-full-flower-on-home/article_a0edbd36-2e71-57fd-9d1e-963400bbd9b1.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508233304/https://subscribe.buffalonews.com/e/limit-reached-bn?returnURL=https://buffalonews.com/news/late-bloomer-disneys-fantasia-a-commercial-flop-in-1940-comes-to-full-flower-on-home/article_a0edbd36-2e71-57fd-9d1e-963400bbd9b1.html |archive-date=May 8, 2022}}{{sfn|Bergan|2011|p=82}} In 1941, the company experienced a major setback when 300 of its 800 animators, led by one of the top animators Art Babbitt, went on strike for 5 weeks for unionization and higher pay. Walt Disney publicly accused the strikers of being party to a communist conspiracy, and fired many of them, including some of the studio's best.{{sfn|Gabler|2007|pp=366, 370}}{{Cite web |last=Sito |first=Tom |author-link=Tom Sito |date=July 19, 2005 |title=The Disney Strike of 1941: How It Changed Animation & Comics |url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/disney-strike-1941-how-it-changed-animation-comics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124135642/https://www.awn.com/animationworld/disney-strike-1941-how-it-changed-animation-comics |archive-date=January 24, 2022 |access-date=May 7, 2022 |website=Animation World Magazine}} Roy unsuccessfully attempted to persuade the company's main distributors to invest in the studio, which could no longer afford to offset production costs with employee layoffs.{{sfn|Barrier|2007|p=171}} The anthology film The Reluctant Dragon (1941), ran $100,000 short of its production cost, contributing to the studio's financial woes.{{clarify|date=May 2023}}{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=161, 180}}

File:Disney argentina 1941.jpg while on the company's South American goodwill trip in 1941.]]

While negotiations to end the strike were underway, Walt and studio animators embarked on a 12-week goodwill visit to South America, funded by the Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|pp=370–71}} During the trip, the animators began plotting films, taking inspiration from the local environments and music.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|p=372}} As a result of the strike, federal mediators compelled the studio to recognize the Screen Cartoonist's Guild and several animators left, leaving it with 694 employees.{{sfn|Gabler|2007|p=374}} To recover from their financial losses, Disney rushed into production the studio's 4th animated feature Dumbo (1941) on a cheaper budget, which performed well at the box office, infusing the studio with much needed cash.{{sfn|Gabler|2007|p=380}} After US entry into World War II, many of the company's animators were drafted into the army. 500 United States Army soldiers occupied the studio for 8 months to protect a nearby Lockheed aircraft plant. While they were there, the soldiers fixed equipment in large soundstages and converted storage sheds into ammunition depots.{{sfnm|1a1=Gabler|1y=2007|1pp=381–82|2a1=Barrier|2y=2007|2p=182}} The United States Navy asked Disney to produce propaganda films to gain support for the war, and with the studio badly in need of profits, Disney agreed, signing a contract for 20 war-related shorts for $90,000.{{sfn|Gabler|2007|p=383}} Most of the company's employees worked on the project, which spawned films such as Victory Through Air Power, and others which included some of the company's characters.{{sfn|Barrier|2007|p=184}}{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=Austin |date=October 14, 2021 |title=How Disney Animation's Most Forgotten Era Saved the Studio During WWII |url=https://collider.com/disney-animation-package-films-explained/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021062653/https://collider.com/disney-animation-package-films-explained/ |archive-date=October 21, 2021 |access-date=May 7, 2022 |website=Collider}}

In August 1942, Disney released its fifth feature film, Bambi, after five years in development, and performed poorly at the box office.{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=180}} Later, as products of the South American trip, Disney released the features Saludos Amigos (1942) and The Three Caballeros (1944).{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=187-88}} This was a new strategy of releasing package films, collections of short cartoons grouped to make feature films. Both performed poorly. Disney released more package films through the rest of the decade, including Make Mine Music (1946), Fun and Fancy Free (1947), Melody Time (1948), and The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949), to try to recover from its financial losses. Disney began producing less-expensive live-action films mixed with animation, beginning with Song of the South (1946) which would become one of Disney's most controversial films.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|pp=432–33}}{{Cite web |last=Lattanzio |first=Ryan |date=March 29, 2022 |title=Song of the South: 12 Things to Know About Disney's Most Controversial Movie |url=https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/song-of-the-south-disney-you-must-remember-this/disney-world-stock/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407031130/https://www.indiewire.com/gallery/song-of-the-south-disney-you-must-remember-this/disney-world-stock/ |archive-date=April 7, 2022 |access-date=May 8, 2022 |website=IndieWire}} As a result of its financial problems, Disney began re-releasing its feature films in 1944.{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Drew |date=February 3, 2017 |title=A Rare Trip Inside Disney's Secret Animation Vault |work=Vulture |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/02/the-disney-vault-is-real-heres-what-its-like-inside.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405214906/https://www.vulture.com/2017/02/the-disney-vault-is-real-heres-what-its-like-inside.html |archive-date=April 5, 2022}} In 1948, it began premiering the nature documentary series, True-Life Adventures, which ran until 1960, winning 8 Academy Awards.{{Cite news |last=Larsen |first=Peter |date=December 5, 2006 |title=New life for Disney's True-Life Adventures |work=The Orange County Register |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2006/12/05/new-life-for-disneys-true-life-adventures/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508233257/https://www.ocregister.com/2006/12/05/new-life-for-disneys-true-life-adventures/ |archive-date=May 8, 2022}}{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=208}} In 1949, the Walt Disney Music Company was founded to help with profits for merchandising.{{Sfn|Hollis|Ehrbar|2006|p=7-8}}

In the 1950s, Disney returned to producing full-length animated feature films, beginning with Cinderella (1950), its first feature in eight years. A critical and commercial success, Cinderella saved Disney after the financial pitfalls of the wartime era; it was its most financially successful film since Snow White, making $8 million in its first year. Walt began to reduce his involvement with animation, focusing his attention on the studio's increasingly diverse portfolio of projects, including live-action films (of which Treasure Island was the studio's first), television and amusement parks.{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=221}}{{Sfn|Canemaker|2001|p=110}} In 1950 the company made its first foray into television when NBC aired "One Hour in Wonderland", a promotional program for Disney's next animated film, Alice in Wonderland (1951), and sponsored by Coca-Cola.{{Sfnm|1a1=Barrier|1y=2007|1p=228|2a1=Gabler|2y=2007|2p=503}} Alice was financially unsuccessful, falling $1 million short of the production budget.{{Sfnm|1a1=Barrier|1y=2007|1p=230|2a1=Gabler|2y=2007|2p=487}} In February 1953, Disney's next animated film Peter Pan was released to financial success;{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|p=491}} it was the last Disney film distributed by RKO after Disney ended its contract and created its own distribution company Buena Vista Distribution.{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|pp=262–63}}

File:WaltDisneyplansDisneylandDec1954.jpg

According to Walt, he first had the idea of building an amusement park during a visit to Griffith Park with his daughters. He said he watched them ride a carousel and thought there "should be ... some kind of amusement enterprise built where the parents and the children could have fun together".{{Cite news |last=Tremaine |first=Julie |date=October 13, 2020 |title=The story behind the California attraction that inspired Disneyland |work=San Francisco Gate |url=https://www.sfgate.com/disneyland/article/This-is-the-exact-spot-in-LA-that-inspired-15644142.php#taboola-1 |url-status=live |access-date=May 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512170648/https://www.sfgate.com/disneyland/article/This-is-the-exact-spot-in-LA-that-inspired-15644142.php#taboola-1 |archive-date=May 12, 2022}}{{sfnm|1a1=Barrier|1y=2007|1p=191|2a1=Gabler|2y=2007|p=283}} Initially planning the construction of an eight-acre (3.2 ha) Mickey Mouse Park near the Burbank studio, Walt changed the planned amusement park's name to Disneylandia, then to Disneyland.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|pp=488–89}} A new company, WED Enterprises (now Walt Disney Imagineering), was formed in 1952 to design and construct the park.{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=236}} Drawing inspiration from amusement parks in the US and Europe, Walt approached the design of Disneyland with an emphasis on thematic storytelling and cleanliness, innovative approaches for amusement parks of the time.{{sfnm |1a1=Barrier|1y=2007 |1p=235|2a1=Gabler|2y=2007|2p=495}}{{Sfnm|1a1=Barrier|1y=2007|1p=240|2a1=Gabler|2y=2007|2pp=498–99, 524}} The plan to build the park in Burbank was abandoned when Walt realized 8 acres would not be enough to accomplish his vision. Disney acquired 160 acres (65 ha) of orange groves in Anaheim, southeast of LA in neighboring Orange County, at $6,200 per acre to build the park.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|pp=500–01}} Construction began in July 1954.

To finance the construction of Disneyland, Disney sold his home at Smoke Tree Ranch in Palm Springs and the company promoted it with a television series of the same name aired on ABC.{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|pp=242–45; 248}} The Disneyland television series, which would be the first in a long-running series of successful anthology television programs for the company, was a success and garnered over 50% of viewers in its time slot, along with praise from critics.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|p=511}} In August, Walt formed another company Disneyland, Inc. to finance the park, whose construction costs totaled $17 million.{{Cite news |title=Happy birthday, Disneyland! Iconic park celebrates 66th anniversary today |work=ABC7 |url=https://abc7.com/disneyland-birthday-opening-day-66-when-did-open/1429121/#:~:text=%2D%2D%20Disneyland%2C%20the%20only%20theme,day%20in%20the%20video%20above. |url-status=live |access-date=May 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111010845/https://abc7.com/disneyland-birthday-opening-day-66-when-did-open/1429121/#:~:text=%2D%2D%20Disneyland%2C%20the%20only%20theme,day%20in%20the%20video%20above. |archive-date=November 11, 2021}}

{{Multiple image

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| image1 = Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeers 1957.jpg

| alt1 = Children wearing white shirts with their names on them and Mickey Mouse ears

| image2 = Fess parker crockett disney television.JPG

| alt2 = Man dressed as Davy Crockett with a rifle in his hand, alongside two men in the background

| footer = (left to right) Cast for The Mickey Mouse Club, which over 10 million children would watch every day, and Fess Parker as Davy Crockett in the show of the same name, which sold 10 million Crockett coonskin caps and over 10 million records of its theme song

}}

In October, with the success of Disneyland, ABC allowed Disney to produce The Mickey Mouse Club, a variety show for children; the show included a daily Disney cartoon, a children's newsreel, and a talent show. It was presented by a host, and talented children and adults called "Mousketeers" and "Mooseketeers", respectively.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|pp=520–21}} After the first season, over ten million children and five million adults watched it daily; and two million Mickey Mouse ears, which the cast wore, were sold.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|p=522}} In December 1954, the five-part miniseries Davy Crockett, premiered as part of Disneyland, starring Fess Parker. According to writer Neal Gabler, "[It] became an overnight national sensation", selling 10 million Crockett coonskin caps.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|p=514}} The show's theme song "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" became part of American pop culture, selling 10 million records. Los Angeles Times called it "the greatest merchandising fad the world had ever seen".{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|pp=514–15}}{{Cite news |last=King |first=Jonathan |date=February 27, 1995 |title=The Crockett Craze : It's been 40 years since Fess Parker had us running around in coonskin caps. But the values his show inspired live on. |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-02-27-ls-36630-story.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220513165107/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-02-27-ls-36630-story.html |archive-date=May 13, 2022}} In June 1955, Disney's 15th animated film Lady and the Tramp was released and performed better at the box office than any other Disney films since Snow White.{{Sfn|Newcomb|2000|p=24}}

Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955; it was a major media event, broadcast live on ABC with actors Art Linkletter, Bob Cummings, and Ronald Reagan hosting. It garnered over 90 million viewers, becoming the most-watched live broadcast to that date.{{Cite news |last=MacDonald |first=Brady |date=July 10, 2015 |title=Disneyland got off to a nightmare start in 1955, but 'Walt's Folly' quickly won over fans |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-d-disneyland-opening-day-20150712-story.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220512030743/https://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-d-disneyland-opening-day-20150712-story.html |archive-date=May 12, 2022}} While the park's opening day was disastrous (restaurants ran out of food, the Mark Twain Riverboat began to sink, other rides malfunctioned, and the drinking fountains were not working in the 100 °F. (38 °C) heat),{{Cite news |last=Dowd |first=Katie |date=July 15, 2020 |title='Black Sunday': Remembering Disneyland's disastrous opening day on its 66th anniversary |work=San Francisco Gate |url=https://www.sfgate.com/disneyland/article/Black-Sunday-Disneyland-opening-day-1955-15410291.php |url-status=live |access-date=May 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502025310/https://www.sfgate.com/disneyland/article/Black-Sunday-Disneyland-opening-day-1955-15410291.php |archive-date=May 2, 2022}} the park became a success with 161,657 visitors in its first week and 20,000 visitors a day in its first month. After its first year, 3.6 million people had visited, and after its second year, four million more guests came, making it more popular than the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park. That year, the company earned a gross total of $24.5 million compared to the $11 million the previous year.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|p=537}}

File:The Sherman Brothers, 2002.jpg

Disney continued to delegate much of the animation work to the studio's top animators, known as the Nine Old Men. The company produced an average of five films per year throughout the 1950s and 60s.{{Sfn|Brown|2022|p=573}} Animated features of this period included Sleeping Beauty (1959), One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961), and The Sword in the Stone (1963).{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|p=585}} Sleeping Beauty was a financial loss for the company, and at $6 million, had the highest production costs up to that point.{{Sfn|Barrier|2003|p=559}} One Hundred and One Dalmatians introduced an animation technique using the xerography process to electromagnetically transfer the drawings to animation cels, resulting in a transformed art style for the studio's animated films.{{Cite news |last=Zad |first=Martle |date=April 12, 1992 |title=101 Dalmatians, 6,469,952 Spots on Home Video |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1992/04/12/101-dalmatians-6469952-spots-on-home-video/b3d92c4f-54ea-4792-9913-1c7708ba436d/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108140020/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/1992/04/12/101-dalmatians-6469952-spots-on-home-video/b3d92c4f-54ea-4792-9913-1c7708ba436d/ |archive-date=November 8, 2021}} In 1956, the Sherman Brothers, Robert and Richard, were asked to produce a theme song for the television series Zorro.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|p=563}} The company hired them as exclusive staff songwriters, an arrangement that lasted 10 years. They wrote many songs for Disney's films and theme parks, and several were commercial hits.{{Cite web |last=Lyons |first=Mike |date=April 1, 2000 |title=Sibling Songs: Richard & Robert Sherman and Their Disney Tunes |url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/sibling-songs-richard-robert-sherman-and-their-disney-tunes#:~:text=The%20Big%20Breaks,says%20Robert%20fondly%20of%20Funicello. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517040100/https://www.awn.com/animationworld/sibling-songs-richard-robert-sherman-and-their-disney-tunes#:~:text=The%20Big%20Breaks,says%20Robert%20fondly%20of%20Funicello. |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |access-date=May 16, 2022 |website=Animation World Magazine}}{{Cite news |last=Posner |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Posner (journalist) |date=August 19, 2009 |title=Disney songwriters' family feud |work=The Globe and Mail |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/disney-songwriters-family-feud/article1201504/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517035237/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/disney-songwriters-family-feud/article1201504/ |archive-date=May 17, 2022}} In the late 1950s, Disney ventured into comedy with the live-action films The Shaggy Dog (1959), which became the highest-grossing film in the US and Canada for Disney at over $9 million,{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=268}} and The Absent Minded Professor (1961), both starring Fred MacMurray.{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|p=585}}{{Cite news |last=Folkart |first=Burt |date=November 6, 1991 |title=Movie and TV actor Fred MacMurray dies: Entertainer: He played comedic and dramatic roles during a career that began when he was 5. |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-11-06-me-1064-story.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517032948/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-11-06-me-1064-story.html |archive-date=May 17, 2022}}

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| footer = (left to right) Hayley Mills and Kurt Russell were two of Disney's most prominent child actors in the 1960s.

}}

Disney also made live-action films based on children's books including Pollyanna (1960) and Swiss Family Robinson (1960). Child actor Hayley Mills starred in Pollyanna, for which she won an Academy Juvenile Award. Mills starred in 5 other Disney films, including a dual role as the twins in The Parent Trap (1961).{{Cite news |last=Beauchamp |first=Cari |author-link=Cari Beauchamp |date=March 18, 2022 |title=Hayley Mills Finally Gets Her Oscar! |work=Vanity Fair |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/03/awards-insider-hayley-mills-finally-gets-her-oscar |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424154512/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/03/awards-insider-hayley-mills-finally-gets-her-oscar |archive-date=April 24, 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Perez |first=Lexy |date=September 7, 2021 |title=Hayley Mills Reflects on Early Career, Walt Disney, Turning Down Lolita Role and More in Memoir |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/hayley-mills-memoir-forever-young-walt-disney-1235009012/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517141152/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/arts/hayley-mills-memoir-forever-young-walt-disney-1235009012/ |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |access-date=May 17, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} Another child actor, Kevin Corcoran, was prominent in many Disney live-action films, first appearing in a serial for The Mickey Mouse Club, where he would play a boy named Moochie. He worked alongside Mills in Pollyanna, and starred in features such as Old Yeller (1957), Toby Tyler (1960), and Swiss Family Robinson.{{Cite news |last=Bergan |first=Ronald |author-link=Ronald Bergan |date=October 12, 2015 |title=Kevin Corcoran obituary |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/12/kevin-corcoran |url-status=live |access-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517155459/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/oct/12/kevin-corcoran |archive-date=May 17, 2022}} In 1964, the live action/animation musical film Mary Poppins was released to major commercial success and rapturous critical acclaim, becoming the year's highest-grossing film and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews as Poppins and Best Song for the Sherman Brothers, who also won Best Score for the film's "Chim Chim Cher-ee".{{Cite web |last=Higgens |first=Bill |date=December 10, 2018 |title=Hollywood Flashback: Mary Poppins Success Helped Walt Create Disney World in 1964 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mary-poppins-success-helped-walt-create-disney-world-1964-1164840/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517141158/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mary-poppins-success-helped-walt-create-disney-world-1964-1164840/ |archive-date=May 17, 2022 |access-date=May 17, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{Cite news |last=Patton |first=Charlie |date=January 20, 2013 |title=Oscar-winning composer talks the making of Mary Poppins |work=The Florida Times-Union |url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/entertainment/local/2013/01/20/oscar-winning-composer-talks-making-mary/15840788007/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518154948/https://www.jacksonville.com/story/entertainment/local/2013/01/20/oscar-winning-composer-talks-making-mary/15840788007/ |archive-date=May 18, 2022}}

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| image1 = Dean Jones 1966.JPG

| alt1 = Black and white photo of a man posing and looking into the camera

| image2 = Fred MacMurray - publicity.JPG

| alt2 = Black and white photo of a man looking into the camera

| footer = (left to right) Dean Jones, "the figure who most represented Walt Disney Productions in the 1960s", and Fred MacMurray, who starred in Disney comedies in the 1960s

}}

Throughout the 1960s, Dean Jones, whom The Guardian called "the figure who most represented Walt Disney Productions in the 1960s", starred in 10 Disney films, including That Darn Cat! (1965), The Ugly Dachshund (1966), and The Love Bug (1968).{{Cite news |last=Bergan |first=Ronald |date=September 4, 2015 |title=Dean Jones obituary |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/04/dean-jones |url-status=live |access-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415232704/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/sep/04/dean-jones |archive-date=April 15, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Puente |first=Maria |date=September 2, 2015 |title=Disney star Dean Jones dies |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2015/09/02/disney-love-bug-and-darn-cat-star-dean-jones-has-died/71603554/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319163539/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2015/09/02/disney-love-bug-and-darn-cat-star-dean-jones-has-died/71603554/ |archive-date=March 19, 2016}} Disney's last child actor of the 1960s was Kurt Russell, who had signed a ten-year contract.{{Cite news |last=Russian |first=Ale |date=July 10, 2017 |title=Kurt Russell Reflects on Mentor Walt Disney: I Learned 'How to Make Movies' from Him |work=People |url=https://people.com/movies/kurt-russell-reflects-on-mentor-walt-disney/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517162147/https://people.com/movies/kurt-russell-reflects-on-mentor-walt-disney/ |archive-date=May 17, 2022}} He featured in films such as The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (1969), The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit (1968) alongside Dean Jones, The Barefoot Executive (1971), and The Strongest Man in the World (1975).{{Cite news |last=Zad |first=Martie |date=August 6, 2000 |title=Young Kurt Russell's Family Flicks |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/2000/08/06/young-kurt-russells-family-flicks/f53ed4c5-44bd-4d59-a739-c64be51c8bf4/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828194242/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/tv/2000/08/06/young-kurt-russells-family-flicks/f53ed4c5-44bd-4d59-a739-c64be51c8bf4/ |archive-date=August 28, 2017}}

In late 1959, Walt had an idea to build another park in Palm Beach, Florida, called the City of Tomorrow, a city that would be full of technological improvements.{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=301}} In 1964, the company chose land southwest of Orlando, Florida to build the park and acquired 27,000 acres (10,927 ha). On November 15, 1965, Walt, along with Roy and Florida's governor Haydon Burns, announced plans for a park called Disney World, which included Magic Kingdom—‌a larger version of Disneyland‍—‌and the City of Tomorrow, at the park's center.{{Sfnm|1a1=Barrier|1y=2007|1pp=302-03|2a1=Gabler|2y=2007|2pp=606-08}} By 1967, the company had made expansions to Disneyland, and more rides were added in 1966 and 1967, at a cost of $20 million.{{Cite news |last=Harrison |first=Scott |author-link=Scott Harrison (writer) |date=April 30, 2017 |title=From the Archives: Walt and the pirates |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/visuals/photography/la-me-fw-archives-walt-and-the-pirates-20170329-story.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520135428/https://www.latimes.com/visuals/photography/la-me-fw-archives-walt-and-the-pirates-20170329-story.html |archive-date=May 20, 2022}} The new rides included Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, which was the first attraction to use Audio-Animatronics; Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress, which debuted at the 1964 New York World's Fair before moving to Disneyland in 1967; and Dumbo the Flying Elephant.{{Cite news |last=Martin |first=Garrett |date=October 13, 2021 |title=A Guide to Disney World's Opening Day Attractions |work=Paste Magazine |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/travel/disney-world/-cinderella-castle-walt-disney/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409155659/https://www.pastemagazine.com/travel/disney-world/-cinderella-castle-walt-disney/ |archive-date=April 9, 2022}}

File:Walt Disney with Company at Press Conference.jpg W. Haydon Burns, and Roy announcing the plans for Disney World in November 1965]]

On November 20, 1964, Walt sold most of WED Enterprise to Walt Disney Productions for $3.8 million after being persuaded by Roy, who thought Walt having his own company would cause legal problems. Walt formed a new company called Retlaw to handle his personal business, primarily Disneyland Railroad and Disneyland Monorail.{{Sfnm|1a1=Barrier|1y=2007|1pp=306-07|2a1=Gabler|2y=2007|2p=629}} When the company started looking for a sponsor for the project, Walt renamed the City of Tomorrow, Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow (Epcot).{{Sfn|Barrier|2007|p=307}} Walt, who had been a heavy smoker since World War I, fell very sick and he died on December 15, 1966, aged 65, of lung cancer, at St. Joseph Hospital across the street from the studio.{{Cite news |last=Mikkelson |first=David |date=October 19, 1995 |title=Was Walt Disney Frozen? |work=Snopes |url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/suspended-animation/ |url-status=live |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102233547/https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/suspended-animation/ |archive-date=November 2, 2021}}{{Sfn|Gabler|2007|pp=626–31}}

In 1967, the last two films Walt had worked on were released; the animated film The Jungle Book, which was Disney's most successful film for the next two decades, and the live-action musical The Happiest Millionaire.{{Sfnm|1a1=Canemaker|1y=2001|1p=51|2a1=Griffin|2y=2000|2p=101}}{{Cite news |last=Spiegel |first=Josh |date=January 11, 2021 |title=A Crash Course in the History of Disney Animation Through Disney+ |work=Vulture |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/disney-animation-history-crash-course.html#:~:text=The%20Jungle%20Book%20(1967),for%20the%20ensuing%20two%20decades. |url-status=live |access-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520020543/https://www.vulture.com/article/disney-animation-history-crash-course.html#:~:text=The%20Jungle%20Book%20(1967),for%20the%20ensuing%20two%20decades. |archive-date=May 20, 2022}} After Walt's death, the company largely abandoned animation, but made several live-action films.{{Cite news |last=Puig |first=Claudia |date=March 26, 2016 |title=Waking Sleeping Beauty documentary takes animated look at Disney renaissance |work=USA Today |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2010-03-26-beauty26_ST_N.htm |access-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401082520/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2010-03-26-beauty26_ST_N.htm |archive-date=April 1, 2016}}{{Cite web |last=Lambie |first=Ryan |date=June 26, 2019 |title=Exploring Disney's Fascinating Dark Phase of the 70s and 80s |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/exploring-disneys-fascinating-dark-phase-of-the-70s-and-80s/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520010520/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/exploring-disneys-fascinating-dark-phase-of-the-70s-and-80s/ |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=Den of Geek}} Its animation staff declined from 500 to 125 employees, with the company only hiring 21 people from 1970 to 1977.{{Cite news |last=Sito |first=Tom |date=November 1, 1998 |title=Disney's The Fox and the Hound: The Coming of the Next Generation |work=Animation World Magazine |url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/disneys-fox-and-hound-coming-next-generation |url-status=live |access-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523050750/https://www.awn.com/animationworld/disneys-fox-and-hound-coming-next-generation |archive-date=May 23, 2022}}

Disney's first post-Walt animated film The Aristocats was released in 1970; according to Dave Kehr of Chicago Tribune, "the absence of his [Walt's] hand is evident".{{Cite news |last=Dave |first=Kehr |author-link=Dave Kehr |date=April 13, 1987 |title=Aristocats Lacks Subtle Disney Hand |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-04-13-8701280130-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520130242/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1987-04-13-8701280130-story.html |url-status=live }} The following year, the anti-fascist musical Bedknobs and Broomsticks was released and won the Oscar for Best Special Visual Effects.{{Cite news |last=Long |first=Rebecca |date=August 8, 2021 |title=The Anti-Fascist Bedknobs and Broomsticks Deserves Its Golden Jubilee |work=The New York Observer |url=https://observer.com/2021/08/bedknobs-and-broomsticks-angela-lansbury-anniversary/ |url-access=limited |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520175135/https://observer.com/2021/08/bedknobs-and-broomsticks-angela-lansbury-anniversary/ |url-status=live }} At the time of Walt's death, Roy was ready to retire but wanted to keep Walt's legacy alive; he became the first CEO and chairman of the company.{{Cite web |last=Radulovic |first=Petrana |date=February 27, 2020 |title=Your complete guide to what the heck the Disney CEO change is and why you should care |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/27/21156667/bob-chapek-iger-disney-ceo-guide-marvel-star-wars-pixar |access-date=May 18, 2022 |website=Polygon |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519022818/https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/27/21156667/bob-chapek-iger-disney-ceo-guide-marvel-star-wars-pixar |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=December 22, 1971 |title=Roy O. Disney, Aide of Cartoonist Brother, Dies at 78 |pages=39 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/12/22/archives/roy-o-disney-aide-of-cartoonist-brother-dies-at-78.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519162410/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/12/22/archives/roy-o-disney-aide-of-cartoonist-brother-dies-at-78.html |url-status=live }} In May 1967, Roy had legislation passed by Florida's legislatures to grant Disney World its own quasi-government agency in an area called Reedy Creek Improvement District. Roy changed Disney World's name to Walt Disney World to remind people it was Walt's dream.{{Cite news |last=Eades |first=Mark |date=December 22, 2016 |title=Remembering Roy O. Disney, Walt Disney's brother, 45 years after his death |work=The Orange County Register |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2016/12/22/remembering-roy-o-disney-walt-disneys-brother-45-years-after-his-death/ |url-access=limited |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519022818/https://www.ocregister.com/2016/12/22/remembering-roy-o-disney-walt-disneys-brother-45-years-after-his-death/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Levenson |first1=Eric |last2=Gallagher |first2=Dianna |date=April 21, 2022 |title=Why Disney has its own government in Florida and what happens if that goes away |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/21/us/reedy-creek-walt-disney-florida/index.html |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220522021840/https://www.cnn.com/2022/04/21/us/reedy-creek-walt-disney-florida/index.html |url-status=live }} EPCOT became less the City of Tomorrow, and more another amusement park.{{Cite news |last=Patches |first=Matt |date=May 20, 2015 |title=Inside Walt Disney's Ambitious, Failed Plan to Build the City of Tomorrow |work=Esquire |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/news/a35104/walt-disney-epcot-history-city-of-tomorrow/ |url-access=limited |access-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-date=March 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305233026/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/news/a35104/walt-disney-epcot-history-city-of-tomorrow/ |url-status=live }}

After 18 months of construction at a cost of around $400 million, Walt Disney World's first park the Magic Kingdom, along with Disney's Contemporary Resort and Disney's Polynesian Resort,{{Cite news |date=October 1, 2021 |title=49 years ago, Walt Disney World opened its doors in Florida |work=Fox 13 Tampa Bay |url=https://www.fox13news.com/news/49-years-ago-walt-disney-world-opened-its-doors-in-florida |access-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612024031/https://www.fox13news.com/news/49-years-ago-walt-disney-world-opened-its-doors-in-florida |url-status=live }} opened on October 1, 1971, with 10,400 visitors. A parade with over 1,000 band members, 4,000 Disney entertainers, and a choir from the US Army marched down Main Street. The icon of the park was the Cinderella Castle. On Thanksgiving Day, cars traveling to the Magic Kingdom caused traffic jams along interstate roads.{{Cite news |last=Schneider |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Schneider (news anchor) |date=September 29, 2021 |title=Disney World Opened 50 Years Ago; These Workers Never Left |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/business-lifestyle-entertainment-travel-arts-and-entertainment-071c80ae6c0dabe6e1afbc3b59240131 |access-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519142058/https://apnews.com/article/business-lifestyle-entertainment-travel-arts-and-entertainment-071c80ae6c0dabe6e1afbc3b59240131 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Greg |first=Allen |date=October 1, 2021 |title=50 years ago, Disney World opened its doors and welcomed guests to its Magic Kingdom |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/2021/10/01/1041469785/disney-world-magic-kingdom-50-years#:~:text=Walt%20Disney%20World.-,The%20park%20celebrates%20its%2050th%20anniversary%20on,1%2C%202021.&text=Disney%20World%2C%20the%20largest%20theme,1%2C%201971. |access-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519142058/https://www.npr.org/2021/10/01/1041469785/disney-world-magic-kingdom-50-years#:~:text=Walt%20Disney%20World.-,The%20park%20celebrates%20its%2050th%20anniversary%20on,1%2C%202021.&text=Disney%20World%2C%20the%20largest%20theme,1%2C%201971. |url-status=live }}

On December 21, 1971, Roy died of cerebral hemorrhage at St. Joseph Hospital. Donn Tatum, a senior executive and former president of Disney, became the first non-Disney-family-member to become CEO and chairman. Card Walker, who had been with the company since 1938, became its president.{{Cite web |date=June 3, 1993 |title=Donn B. Tatum |url=https://variety.com/1993/scene/people-news/donn-b-tatum-107455/ |access-date=May 19, 2022 |website=Variety |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519162411/https://variety.com/1993/scene/people-news/donn-b-tatum-107455/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=November 30, 2005 |title=E. Cardon 'Card' Walker |url=https://variety.com/2005/scene/markets-festivals/e-cardon-card-walker-1117933774/ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |website=Variety |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520151605/https://variety.com/2005/scene/markets-festivals/e-cardon-card-walker-1117933774/ |url-status=live }} By June 30, 1973, Disney had over 23,000 employees and a gross revenue of $257,751,000 over a nine-month period, compared to the year before when it made $220,026,000.{{Cite news |date=July 18, 1973 |title=Disney Empire Is Hardly Mickey Mouse |page=30 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/07/18/archives/disney-empire-is-hardly-mickey-mouse-classic-advancement-song.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125200053/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/07/18/archives/disney-empire-is-hardly-mickey-mouse-classic-advancement-song.html |url-status=live }} In November, Disney released the animated film Robin Hood (1973), which became Disney's biggest international-grossing movie at $18 million.{{cite magazine |date=January 15, 1975 |title=Disney's Dandy Detailed Data; Robin Hood Takes $27,500,000; Films Corporate Gravy-Maker |magazine=Variety |page=3 |access-date=}} Throughout the 1970s, Disney released live-action films such as The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes{{'}} sequel Now You See Him, Now You Don't;{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Howard |author-link=Howard Thompson (film critic) |date=August 24, 1972 |title=Spirited Romp for Invisible Caper Crew |pages=0 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/08/24/archives/spirited-romp-for-invisible-caper-crew.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520175135/https://www.nytimes.com/1972/08/24/archives/spirited-romp-for-invisible-caper-crew.html |url-status=live }} The Love Bug sequels Herbie Rides Again (1974) and Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo (1977);{{Cite web |date=December 31, 1973 |title=Herbie Rides Again |url=https://variety.com/1973/film/reviews/herbie-rides-again-1200423226/ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |website=Variety |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520175135/https://variety.com/1973/film/reviews/herbie-rides-again-1200423226/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=December 31, 1977 |title=Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo |url=https://variety.com/1976/film/reviews/herbie-goes-to-monte-carlo-1200423994/ |access-date=May 20, 2022 |website=Variety |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520175134/https://variety.com/1976/film/reviews/herbie-goes-to-monte-carlo-1200423994/ |url-status=live }} Escape to Witch Mountain (1975);{{Cite news |last=Canby |first=Vincent |author-link=Vincent Canby |date=July 3, 1975 |title=Screen: Witch Mountain: Disney Fantasy Shares Bill with Cinderella |pages=0 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/07/03/archives/screenwitch-mountaindisney-fantasy-shares-bill-with-cinderella.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520175134/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/07/03/archives/screenwitch-mountaindisney-fantasy-shares-bill-with-cinderella.html |url-status=live }} and Freaky Friday (1976).{{Cite news |last=Eder |first=Richard |author-link=Richard Eder |date=January 29, 1977 |title=Disney Film Forces Fun Harmlessly |pages=11 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/29/archives/disney-film-forces-fun-harmlessly.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-date=May 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520180640/https://www.nytimes.com/1977/01/29/archives/disney-film-forces-fun-harmlessly.html |url-status=live }} In 1976, Card Walker became CEO of the company, with Tatum remaining chairman until 1980, when Walker replaced him. In 1977, Roy E. Disney, Roy O. Disney's son and the only Disney working for the company, resigned as an executive because of disagreements with company decisions.{{Cite news |last=Schneider |first=Mike |date=November 3, 1999 |title=Nephew Is Disney's Last Disney |work=The Seattle Times |others=Associated Press |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19991104&slug=2993263 |url-access=limited |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221132732/https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/?date=19991104&slug=2993263 |url-status=live }}

In 1977, Disney released the successful animated film The Rescuers, which grossed $48 million.{{Cite news |last=King |first=Susan |date=June 22, 2015 |title=Disney's animated classic The Rescuers marks 35th anniversary |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2012-jun-22-la-et-mn-disney-animated-film-the-rescuers-is-35-20120621-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-date=December 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231020039/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2012-jun-22-la-et-mn-disney-animated-film-the-rescuers-is-35-20120621-story.html |url-status=live }} The live-acton/animated musical Pete's Dragon was released in 1977, grossing $16 million in the US and Canada, but was a disappointment to the company.{{sfn|Lucas|2019|p=89}}{{cite news|title=Big Rental Films of 1978|work=Variety|date=January 3, 1979|page=17}} In 1979, Disney's first PG-rated film and most expensive film to that point at $26 million The Black Hole was released, showing Disney could use special effects. It grossed $35 million, a disappointment to the company, which thought it would be a hit like Star Wars (1977). The Black Hole was a response to other Science fiction films of the era.{{Cite news |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=December 1, 2009 |title=Tron: Legacy team mount a Black Hole remake |work=Reuters |others=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hole/tron-legacy-team-mount-a-black-hole-remake-idUSTRE5B01LG20091201 |url-access=limited |access-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523151928/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hole/tron-legacy-team-mount-a-black-hole-remake-idUSTRE5B01LG20091201 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Weiner |first=David |date=December 13, 2019 |title="We Never Had an Ending:" How Disney's Black Hole Tried to Match Star Wars |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/we-never-had-an-ending-why-disneys-black-hole-lost-star-wars-1262526/ |access-date=May 23, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526142136/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/we-never-had-an-ending-why-disneys-black-hole-lost-star-wars-1262526/ |url-status=live }}

In September, 12 animators, which was over 15% of the department, resigned. Led by Don Bluth, they left because of a conflict with the training program and the atmosphere, and started their own company Don Bluth Productions.{{Cite news |last=Harmetz |first=Aljean |author-link=Aljean Harmetz |date=September 20, 1979 |title=11 Animators Quit Disney, Form Studio |pages=14 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/09/20/archives/11-animators-quit-disney-form-studio-loyalty-is-cited.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413021904/https://www.nytimes.com/1979/09/20/archives/11-animators-quit-disney-form-studio-loyalty-is-cited.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Poletick |first=Rachel |date=February 2, 2022 |title=Don Bluth Entertainment: How One Animator Inspired a Disney Exodus |url=https://collider.com/don-bluth-entertainment-inspired-a-disney-exodus/ |access-date=May 23, 2022 |website=Collider |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523151928/https://collider.com/don-bluth-entertainment-inspired-a-disney-exodus/ |url-status=live }} In 1981, Disney released Dumbo to VHS and Alice in Wonderland the following year, leading Disney to eventually release all its films on home media.{{Sfn|Lucas|2019|p=153}} On July 24, Walt Disney's World on Ice, a two-year tour of ice shows featuring Disney charters, made its premiere at the Brendan Byrne Meadowlands Arena after Disney licensed its characters to Feld Entertainment.{{Cite news |date=June 28, 1981 |title=World on Ice Show Opens July 14 in Meadowlands |pages=48 |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/28/arts/world-on-ice-show-opens-july-14-in-meadowlands.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523152857/https://www.nytimes.com/1981/06/28/arts/world-on-ice-show-opens-july-14-in-meadowlands.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Sherman |first=Natalie |date=April 7, 2014 |title=Howard site is a key player for shows like Disney on Ice and Monster Jam |work=The Baltimore Sun |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-feld-warehouse-20140407-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523151929/https://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-feld-warehouse-20140407-story.html |url-status=live }} The same month, Disney's animated film The Fox and the Hound was released and became the highest-grossing animated film to that point at $40 million.{{cite magazine |last=Eller |first=Claudia |date=January 9, 1990 |title=Mermaid Swims to Animation Record |magazine=Variety |page=1}} It was the first film that did not involve Walt and the last major work done by Disney's Nine Old Men, who were replaced with younger animators.

{{Multiple image

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| image1 = Sleeping Beauty Castle Disneyland Anaheim 2013.jpg

| alt1 = A castle painted blue and pink with the bottom layer being made of stone bricks

| image2 = Cinderella Castle 2013 Wade.jpg

| alt2 = Blue and white castle with the bottom layer being made of stone bricks

| image3 = 1 epcot spaceship earth 2010a.JPG

| alt3 = ginormous ball made of triangles

| footer = (left to right) Disneyland's Sleeping Beauty Castle, Magic Kingdom's Cinderella Castle, and Epcot's Spaceship Earth are each park's main icon.

}}

As profits started to decline, on October 1, 1982, Epcot, then known as EPCOT Center, opened as the second theme park in Walt Disney World, with around 10,000 people in attendance during the opening.{{Cite news |last=Thomas |first=Hayes |date=October 2, 1982 |title=Fanfare as Disney Opens Park |pages=33 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/02/business/fanfare-as-disney-opens-park.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525022724/https://www.nytimes.com/1982/10/02/business/fanfare-as-disney-opens-park.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Wynne |first=Sharron Kennedy |date=September 27, 2021 |title=For Disney World's 50th anniversary, a look back at the Mouse that changed Florida |work=Tampa Bay Times |url=https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2021/09/27/for-disney-worlds-50th-anniversary-look-back-at-the-mouse-that-changed-florida/ |url-access=limited |access-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-date=November 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120225209/https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/entertainment/theme-parks/2021/09/27/for-disney-worlds-50th-anniversary-look-back-at-the-mouse-that-changed-florida/ |url-status=live }} The park cost over $900 million to construct, and consisted of the Future World pavilion and World Showcase representing Mexico, China, Germany, Italy, America, Japan, France, the UK, and Canada; Morocco and Norway were added in 1984 and 1988, respectively.{{Cite news |date=October 1, 2021 |title=On This Day: Epcot opened at Walt Disney World in 1982 |work=Fox 35 Orlando |url=https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/on-this-day-epcot-opened-at-walt-disney-world-in-1982 |access-date=May 24, 2022 |archive-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519070451/https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/on-this-day-epcot-opened-at-walt-disney-world-in-1982 |url-status=live }} The animation industry continued to decline and 69% of the company's profits were from its theme parks; in 1982, there were 12 million visitors to Walt Disney World, a figure that declined by 5% the following June. On July 9, 1982, Disney released Tron, one of the first films to extensively use computer-generated imagery (CGI). It was a big influence on other CGI movies, though it received mixed reviews.{{Cite web |last=King |first=Susan |date=January 7, 2017 |title=Tron at 35: Star Jeff Bridges, Creators Detail the Uphill Battle of Making the CGI Classic |url=https://variety.com/2017/film/news/tron-jeff-bridges-cgi-1982-disney-anniversary-1202486941/ |access-date=May 25, 2022 |website=Variety |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526004522/https://variety.com/2017/film/news/tron-jeff-bridges-cgi-1982-disney-anniversary-1202486941/ |url-status=live }} In 1982, the company lost $27 million.{{Cite news |last=Harmetz |first=Aljean |author-link=Aljean Harmetz |date=February 16, 1984 |title=Touchstone Label to Replace Disney Name on Some Films |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/16/movies/touchstone-label-to-replace-disney-name-on-some-films.html |url-access=limited |page=19 |access-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-date=April 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403144539/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/02/16/movies/touchstone-label-to-replace-disney-name-on-some-films.html |url-status=live }}

On April 15, 1983, Disney's first park outside the US, Tokyo Disneyland, opened in Urayasu.{{Cite news |last=Shoji |first=Kaori |date=April 12, 2013 |title=Tokyo Disneyland turns 30! |work=The Japan Times |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2013/04/12/general/tokyo-disneyland-turns-30/ |url-access=registration |access-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-date=November 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125103910/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2013/04/12/general/tokyo-disneyland-turns-30/ |url-status=live }} Costing around $1.4 billion, construction started in 1979 when Disney and The Oriental Land Company agreed to build a park together. Within its first ten years, the park had over 140 million visitors.{{cite news |last=Shapiro |first=Margaret |date=December 16, 1989 |title=Unlikely Tokyo Bay Site Is a Holiday Hit |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-12-16-vw-194-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-date=October 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018212024/http://articles.latimes.com/1989-12-16/news/vw-194_1_tokyo-disneyland-japanese |url-status=live }} After an investment of $100 million, on April 18, Disney started a pay-to-watch cable television channel called Disney Channel, a 16-hours-a-day service showing Disney films, twelve programs, and two magazines shows for adults. Although it was expected to do well, the company lost $48 million after its first year, with around 916,000 subscribers.{{Cite news |last=Bedell |first=Sally |author-link=Sally Bedell Smith |date=April 12, 1983 |title=Disney Channel to Start Next Week |pages=17 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/12/arts/disney-channel-to-start-next-week-by-sally-bedell.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525164758/https://www.nytimes.com/1983/04/12/arts/disney-channel-to-start-next-week-by-sally-bedell.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Steve |first=Knoll |date=April 29, 1984 |title=The Disney Channel Has an Expensive First Year |pages=17 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/29/arts/cable-tv-notes-the-disney-channel-has-an-expensive-first-year.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525164757/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/04/29/arts/cable-tv-notes-the-disney-channel-has-an-expensive-first-year.html |url-status=live }}

In 1983, Walt's son-in-law Ron W. Miller, who had been president since 1978, became its CEO, and Raymond Watson became chairman.{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2012 |title=Raymond Watson, former Disney chairman, dies |url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/raymond-watson-former-disney-chairman-dies-1118061120/ |access-date=May 27, 2022 |website=Variety |archive-date=May 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527224740/https://variety.com/2012/film/news/raymond-watson-former-disney-chairman-dies-1118061120/ |url-status=live }} Miller wanted the studio to produce more content for mature audiences,{{Cite web |last=Bartlett |first=Rhett |date=February 10, 2019 |title=Ron Miller, Former President and CEO of The Walt Disney Co., Dies at 85 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/ron-miller-president-ceo-walt-disney-dies-at-85-1184707/ |access-date=May 25, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525173415/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/ron-miller-president-ceo-walt-disney-dies-at-85-1184707/ |url-status=live }} and Disney founded film distribution label Touchstone Pictures to produce movies geared toward adults and teenagers in 1984. Splash (1984) was the first film released under the label, and a much-needed success, grossing over $6 million in its first week.{{Cite news |date=March 12, 1984 |title=Disney makes big splash at box office |work=UPI |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/03/12/Disney-makes-big-splash-at-box-office/2401447915600/ |access-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-date=June 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620232427/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/03/12/Disney-makes-big-splash-at-box-office/2401447915600/ |url-status=live }} Disney's first R-rated film Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986) was released and was another hit, grossing $62 million.{{Cite web |last=Abramovitch |first=Seth |date=March 13, 2021 |title=Hollywood Flashback: Down and Out in Beverly Hills Mocked the Rich in 1986 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hollywood-flashback-down-and-out-in-beverly-hills-mocked-the-rich-in-1986-4145983/ |access-date=May 25, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526004522/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/hollywood-flashback-down-and-out-in-beverly-hills-mocked-the-rich-in-1986-4145983/ |url-status=live }} The following year, Disney's first PG-13 rated film Adventures in Babysitting was released.{{Cite web |last=Chapman |first=Glenn |date=March 29, 2011 |title=Looking back at Adventures in Babysitting |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/looking-back-at-adventures-in-babysitting/ |access-date=May 25, 2022 |website=Den of Geek |archive-date=May 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528220035/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/looking-back-at-adventures-in-babysitting/ |url-status=live }} In 1984, Saul Steinberg attempted to buy out the company, holding 11% of the stocks. He offered to buy 49% for $1.3 billion or the entire company for $2.75 billion. Disney, which had less than $10 million, rejected Steinberg's offer and offered to buy all of his stock for $326 million. Steinberg agreed, and Disney paid it all with part of a $1.3 billion bank loan, putting the company $866 million in debt.{{Cite web |last=Sanello |first=Frank |author-link=Frank Sanello |date=June 11, 1984 |title=Walt Disney Productions ended financier Saul Steinberg's takeover attempt... |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/06/11/Walt-Disney-Productions-ended-financier-Saul-Steinbergs-takeover-attempt/1284455774400/ |access-date=May 25, 2022 |website=UPI |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728002217/https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/06/11/Walt-Disney-Productions-ended-financier-Saul-Steinbergs-takeover-attempt/1284455774400/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Hayes |first=Thomas |date=June 12, 1984 |title=Steinberg Sells Stake to Disney |pages=1 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/12/business/steinberg-sells-stake-to-disney.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-date=May 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526023609/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/12/business/steinberg-sells-stake-to-disney.html |url-status=live }}

File:MichaelEisnerOct10.jpg

In 1984, shareholders Roy E. Disney, Sid Bass, Lillian and Diane Disney, and Irwin L. Jacobs—who together owned about 36% of the shares, forced out CEO Miller and replaced him with Michael Eisner, a former president of Paramount Pictures, and appointed Frank Wells as president.{{Cite news |last=Hayes |first=Thomas |date=September 24, 1984 |title=New Disney Team's Strategy |pages=1 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/24/business/new-disney-team-s-strategy.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 30, 2022 |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531004209/https://www.nytimes.com/1984/09/24/business/new-disney-team-s-strategy.html |url-status=live }} Eisner's first act was to make it a major film studio, which at the time it was not considered. Eisner appointed Jeffrey Katzenberg as chairman and Roy E. Disney as head of animation. Eisner wanted to produce an animated film every 18 months rather than four years, as the company had been doing. To help with the film division, the company started making Saturday-morning cartoons to create new Disney characters for merchandising, and produced films through Touchstone. Under Eisner, Disney became more involved with television, creating Touchstone Television and producing the television sitcom The Golden Girls, which was a hit. The company spent $15 million promoting its theme parks, raising visitor numbers by 10%.{{Cite news |last=Aljean |first=Harmentz |date=December 29, 1985 |title=The Man Re-animating Disney |pages=13 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/29/magazine/the-man-re-animating-disney.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 30, 2022 |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602232518/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/12/29/magazine/the-man-re-animating-disney.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Drew |date=May 20, 2020 |title=The Disney Renaissance Didn't Happen Because of Jeffrey Katzenberg; It Happened in Spite of Him |url=https://collider.com/jeffrey-katzenberg-disney-renaissance-impact-influence-explained/ |access-date=May 30, 2022 |website=Collider |archive-date=May 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220528192229/https://collider.com/jeffrey-katzenberg-disney-renaissance-impact-influence-explained/ |url-status=live }} In 1984, Disney produced The Black Cauldron, then the most-expensive animated movie at $40 million, their first animated film to feature computer-generated imagery, and their first PG-rated animation because of its adult themes. The film was a box-office failure, leading the company to move the animation department from the studio in Burbank to a warehouse in Glendale, California.{{Cite web |last=Kois |first=Dan |date=October 19, 2010 |title=The Black Cauldron |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/dvdextras/2010/10/the_black_cauldron.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 31, 2022 |website=Slate |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921033048/http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/dvdextras/2010/10/the_black_cauldron.html |url-status=live }} The film-financing partnership Silver Screen Partners II, which was organized in 1985, financed films for Disney with $193 million. In January 1987, Silver Screen Partners III began financing movies for Disney with $300 million raised by E.F. Hutton, the largest amount raised for a film-financing limited partnership.{{Cite news |date=February 3, 1987 |title=Briefly: E. F. Hutton raised $300 million for Disney. |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-02-03-fi-796-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503081344/http://articles.latimes.com/1987-02-03/business/fi-796_1_e-f-hutton |archive-date=May 3, 2014}} Silver Screen IV was also set up to finance Disney's studios.{{Cite news |date=October 23, 1990 |title=Disney, Japan Investors Join in Partnership : Movies: Group will become main source of finance for all live-action films at the company's three studios. |work=Los Angeles Times |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-10-23-fi-3244-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928122752/http://articles.latimes.com/1990-10-23/business/fi-3244_1_financing-partnership |archive-date=September 28, 2013}}

In 1986, the company changed its name from Walt Disney Productions to the Walt Disney Company, stating the old name only referred to the film industry.{{Cite news |date=January 4, 1986 |title=Disney Change |pages=33 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/04/business/disney-change.html |url-access=limited |access-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601011006/https://www.nytimes.com/1986/01/04/business/disney-change.html |url-status=live }} With Disney's animation industry declining, the animation department needed its next movie The Great Mouse Detective to be a success. It grossed $25 million at the box office, becoming a much-needed financial success.{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Mark |date=November 21, 2019 |title=The Sherlockian Brilliance of The Great Mouse Detective |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-sherlockian-brilliance-of-the-great-mouse-detective/ |access-date=May 31, 2022 |website=Den of Geek |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727073117/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-sherlockian-brilliance-of-the-great-mouse-detective/ |url-status=live }} To generate more revenue from merchandising, the company opened its first retail store Disney Store in Glendale in 1987. Because of its success, the company opened two more in California, and by 1990, it had 215 throughout the US{{Cite news |last=Liles |first=Jordan |date=June 21, 2021 |title=Disney Store on Oxford Street Is Only Remaining UK Location |work=Snopes |url=https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/disney-store-closing-uk/ |access-date=May 30, 2022 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601162334/https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/disney-store-closing-uk/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Sandoval |first=Ricardo |others=San Francisco Examiner |date=December 26, 1993 |title=Disney Enterprise Retail Splash |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-12-26-9312260275-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601162333/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1993-12-26-9312260275-story.html |url-status=live }} In 1989, the company garnered $411 million in revenue and made a profit of $187 million.{{Cite news |last=Stevenson |first=Richard |date=May 4, 1990 |title=Disney Stores: Magic in Retail? |pages=1 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/05/04/business/disney-stores-magic-in-retail.html |access-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601162333/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/05/04/business/disney-stores-magic-in-retail.html |url-status=live }} In 1987, the company signed an agreement with the Government of France to build a resort named Euro Disneyland in Paris; it would consist of two theme parks named Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, a golf course, and 6 hotels.{{Cite news |last=Vaughan |first=Vicki |date=December 19, 1985 |title=Disney Picks Paris Area For European Theme Park |work=Orlando Sentinel |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1985-12-19-0340790235-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601180937/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1985-12-19-0340790235-story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Corliss |first=Richard |author-link=Richard Corliss |date=April 20, 1992 |title=Voila! Disney Invades Europe. Will the French Resist? |magazine=Time |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,975357-1,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801170624/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,975357-1,00.html |url-access=limited |access-date=June 1, 2022|archive-date=August 1, 2009 }}

File:The Great Movie Ride and Chinese Theater at Walt Disney World.jpg

In 1988, Disney's 27th animated film Oliver & Company was released the same day as that of former Disney animator Don Bluth's The Land Before Time. Oliver & Company out-competed The Land Before Time, becoming the first animated film to gross over $100 million in its initial release, and the highest-grossing animated film in its initial run.{{cite news |date=December 6, 1989 |title=Advertisement: $53,279,000 The Biggest Animated Release in U.S. History |page=19 |work=Variety}}{{cite magazine |date=November 1, 1990 |title=Disney Says Mermaid Swims To B.O. Record |magazine=Daily Variety |page=6}} Disney became the box-office-leading Hollywood studio for the first time, with films such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Three Men and a Baby (1987), and Good Morning, Vietnam (1987). The company's gross revenue went from $165 million in 1983 to $876 million in 1987, and operating income went from −$33 million in 1983 to +130 million in 1987. The studio's net income rose by 66%, along with a 26% growth in revenue. Los Angeles Times called Disney's recovery "a real rarity in the corporate world".{{Cite news |last=Stein |first=Benjamin |author-link=Benjamin Stein |date=October 2, 1988 |title=Viewpoints: The new and successful Disney: Walt Disney Co. is on the rebound in a big way, and its shareholders are benefiting from the company's growth as much as are the officers—a real rarity in the corporate world. |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-10-02-fi-4776-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-date=June 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621173807/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-10-02-fi-4776-story.html |url-status=live }} On May 1, 1989, Disney opened Disney-MGM Studios, its third amusement park at Walt Disney World, and later became Hollywood Studios. The new park demonstrated to visitors the movie-making process, until 2008, when it was changed to make guests feel they are in movies.{{Cite news |last=Garrett |first=Martin |date=April 13, 2022 |title=The 10 Best Attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios |work=Paste Magazine |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/travel/the-10-best-attractions-at-disneys-hollywood-studi/ |access-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624011521/https://www.pastemagazine.com/travel/the-10-best-attractions-at-disneys-hollywood-studi/ |url-status=live }} Following the opening of Disney-MGM Studios, Disney opened the water park Typhoon Lagoon in June 1989; in 2022 it had 1.9 million visitors and was the most popular water park in the world.{{cite web | url=https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A11a0b514-be51-3910-a988-6e7131387fd5 | title=Adobe Acrobat }}{{sfn|Butler|Russell|2010|p=160}} Also in 1989, Disney signed an agreement-in-principle to acquire The Jim Henson Company from its founder. The deal included Henson's programming library and Muppet characters—excluding the Muppets created for Sesame Street—as well as Henson's personal creative services. Henson, however, died in May 1990 before the deal was completed, resulting in the companies terminating merger negotiations.{{Cite news |last=Chilton |first=Louis |date=August 30, 2021 |title=Disney's attempt to buy The Muppets 'is probably what killed' Jim Henson, claims Frank Oz |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/frank-oz-muppets-disney-jim-henson-b1911118.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624020733/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/frank-oz-muppets-disney-jim-henson-b1911118.html |archive-date=June 24, 2022}}{{Cite news |last=Stevenson |first=Richard |date=August 28, 1989 |title=Muppets Join Disney Menagerie |work=The New York Times |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/29/business/muppets-join-disney-menagerie.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219194032/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/29/business/muppets-join-disney-menagerie.html |url-access=limited |access-date=June 23, 2022|archive-date=December 19, 2017 }}{{Cite magazine |last=Burr |first=Ty |date=May 16, 1997 |title=The Death of Jim Henson |url=https://ew.com/article/1997/05/16/death-jim-henson/ |url-status=live |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404210306/http://www.ew.com/article/1997/05/16/death-jim-henson |archive-date=April 4, 2015 |access-date=June 26, 2022}}

On November 17, 1989, Disney released The Little Mermaid, which was the start of the Disney Renaissance, a period in which the company released hugely successful and critically acclaimed animated films. The Little Mermaid became the animated film with the highest gross from its initial run and garnered $233 million at the box office; it won two Academy Awards; Best Original Score and Best Original Song for "Under the Sea".{{cite magazine |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=October 27, 2003 |title=Cartoon Coffers – Top-Grossing Disney Animated Features at the Worldwide B.O. |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Tooned+in%3A+Disney%27s+ani+classics+set+the+bar+and+lit+the+way+for...-a0110473946 |url-status=live |magazine=Variety |page=6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104215642/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Tooned+in%3a+Disney%27s+ani+classics+set+the+bar+and+lit+the+way+for...-a0110473946 |archive-date=November 4, 2020 |access-date=June 24, 2022}}{{Cite magazine |date=November 17, 2014 |title=Ranking: The Disney Renaissance From Worst to Best |magazine=Time |url=https://time.com/3590521/disney-renaissance/ |access-date=June 22, 2022 |archive-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623154333/https://time.com/3590521/disney-renaissance/ |url-status=live }} During the Disney Renaissance, composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman wrote several Disney songs until Ashman died in 1991. Together they wrote 6 songs nominated for Academy Awards; with two winning songs—"Under the Sea" and "Beauty and the Beast".{{Cite news |date=August 6, 2020 |title=A New Documentary Shines a Spotlight on the Lyricist Behind the Disney Renaissance |work=NPR |agency=Morning Edition |url=https://www.npr.org/2020/08/06/899642706/a-new-documentary-shines-a-spotlight-on-the-lyricist-behind-the-disney-renaissan |access-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-date=May 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509102515/https://www.npr.org/2020/08/06/899642706/a-new-documentary-shines-a-spotlight-on-the-lyricist-behind-the-disney-renaissan |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Joanna |first=Robinson |date=April 20, 2018 |title=Inside the Tragedy and Triumph of Disney Genius Howard Ashman |magazine=Vanity Fair |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/04/howard-ashman-documentary-disney-beauty-and-the-beast-little-mermaid-aladdin-alan-menken |url-access=limited |access-date=June 23, 2022 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109024010/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/04/howard-ashman-documentary-disney-beauty-and-the-beast-little-mermaid-aladdin-alan-menken |url-status=live }} To produce music geared for the mainstream, including music for movie soundtracks, Disney founded the recording label Hollywood Records on January 1, 1990.{{cite news |date=November 29, 1989 |title=Disney To Launch New Record Division |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-11-29-8903130790-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=July 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124013309/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1989-11-29-8903130790-story.html |archive-date=November 24, 2020}}{{cite web |title=Hollywood Records |url=https://d23.com/a-to-z/hollywood-records/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121213310/https://d23.com/a-to-z/hollywood-records/ |archive-date=November 21, 2021 |access-date=November 21, 2021 |website=D23 |publisher=Disney}} In September 1990, Disney arranged for financing of up to $200 million by a unit of Nomura Securities for Interscope films made for Disney. On October 23, Disney formed Touchwood Pacific Partners, which replaced the Silver Screen Partnership series as the company's movie studios' primary source of funding. Disney's first animated sequel The Rescuers Down Under was released on November 16, 1990, and created using Computer Animation Production System (CAPS), digital software developed by Disney and Pixar—the computer division of Lucasfilm—becoming the first feature film to be entirely created digitally.{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=Austin |date=January 23, 2022 |title=Disney and Pixar's Top 5 Most Innovative Animation Technologies, Explained |url=https://collider.com/disney-pixar-animation-technologies-explained/ |access-date=June 24, 2022 |website=Collider |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624195855/https://collider.com/disney-pixar-animation-technologies-explained/ |url-status=live }} Although the film struggled in the box office, grossing $47 million, it received positive reviews.{{cite web |title=The Rescuers Down Under (1990) |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Rescuers-Down-Under-The#tab=summary |access-date=June 24, 2022 |website=The Numbers |archive-date=June 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220612135642/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Rescuers-Down-Under-The#tab=summary |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rescuers_down_under|title=The Rescuers Down Under (1990)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=November 16, 1990 |publisher=Fandango|access-date=June 24, 2022|archive-date=June 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627064954/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/rescuers_down_under|url-status=live}} In 1991, Disney and Pixar agreed to a deal to make three films together, the first one being Toy Story.{{Cite web |last=Bettineger |first=Brendan |date=June 24, 2012 |title=Pixar by the Numbers – From Toy Story to Brave |url=https://collider.com/pixar-numbers-toy-story-brave/ |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Collider |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626135914/https://collider.com/pixar-numbers-toy-story-brave/ |url-status=live }}

Dow Jones & Company, wanting to replace 3 companies in its industrial average, chose to add Disney in May 1991, stating Disney "reflects the importance of entertainment and leisure activities in the economy".{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1991 |title=Disney is named to list for Dow Jones industrial average |work=Tampa Bay Times |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1991/05/03/disney-is-named-to-list-for-dow-jones-industrial-average/ |url-access=limited |access-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810001154/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1991/05/03/disney-is-named-to-list-for-dow-jones-industrial-average/ |url-status=live }} Disney's next animated film Beauty and the Beast was released on November 13, 1991, and grossed nearly $430 million.{{Cite news |last=Ebiri |first=Bilge |date=November 14, 2019 |title=The Story of the 1991 Beauty and the Beast Screening That Changed Everything |work=Vulture |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/11/the-beauty-and-the-beast-screening-that-changed-everything.html |url-access=limited |access-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625022924/https://www.vulture.com/2019/11/the-beauty-and-the-beast-screening-that-changed-everything.html |url-status=live }}{{Sfn|Goldberg|2016|p=173}} It was the first animated film to win a Golden Globe for Best Picture, and it received 6 Academy Award nominations, becoming the first animation nominated for Best Picture; it won Best Score, Best Sound, and Best Song.{{Cite web |last=Feinberg |first=Scott |date=March 23, 2022 |title=Beauty and the Beast and Its Unprecedented Oscar Run in 1992: "It Was a Giant Moment for Everyone" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/beauty-and-the-beast-oral-history-oscars-1235114971/ |access-date=June 24, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625022924/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/beauty-and-the-beast-oral-history-oscars-1235114971/ |url-status=live }} The film was critically acclaimed, with some critics considering it to be the best Disney film.{{Cite web |last=Brew |first=Simon |date=November 13, 2019 |title=Why Beauty and the Beast Remains Disney's Best Animated Film |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/why-beauty-and-the-beast-remains-disneys-best-animated-film/ |access-date=June 24, 2022 |website=Den of Geek |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625022922/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/why-beauty-and-the-beast-remains-disneys-best-animated-film/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Spiegel |first=Josh |date=November 16, 2016 |title=25 years later, Beauty And The Beast remains Disney's best modern movie |url=https://www.avclub.com/25-years-later-beauty-and-the-beast-remains-disney-s-b-1798254444 |access-date=June 24, 2022 |website=The A.V. Club |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625023508/https://www.avclub.com/25-years-later-beauty-and-the-beast-remains-disney-s-b-1798254444 |url-status=live }} To coincide with the 1992 release of The Mighty Ducks, Disney founded the National Hockey League team The Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.{{Cite news |last=Joe |first=Lapointe |date=December 11, 1992 |title=Hockey; N.H.L. Is Going to Disneyland, and South Florida, Too |pages=7 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/11/sports/hockey-nhl-is-going-to-disneyland-and-south-florida-too.html |url-access=limited |access-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626135704/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/11/sports/hockey-nhl-is-going-to-disneyland-and-south-florida-too.html |url-status=live }} Disney's next animated feature Aladdin was released on November 11, 1992, and grossed $504 million, becoming the highest-grossing animated film to that point, and the first animated film to gross a half-billion dollars.{{cite web |title=Aladdin box office info |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=aladdin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215092824/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=aladdin.htm |archive-date=February 15, 2009 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDbPro}}{{Cite web |last=Sokol |first=Tony |date=February 13, 2020 |title=Aladdin Sequel in Development |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/aladdin-sequel-release-date-news/ |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Den of Geek |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626151523/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/aladdin-sequel-release-date-news/ |url-status=live }} It won two Academy Awards—Best Song for "A Whole New World" and Best Score;{{Cite news |title=The 65th Academy Awards (1993) Nominees and Winners |publisher=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1993 |access-date=October 22, 2011 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402004418/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1993 |url-status=live }} and "A Whole New World" was the first-and-only Disney song to win the Grammy for Song of the Year.{{cite web |title=1993 Grammy Award Winners |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/36th-annual-grammy-awards |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Grammy.com |archive-date=April 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406100418/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/36th-annual-grammy-awards |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Lior |date=May 21, 2019 |title="Songs Are Like Love": Aladdin Songwriters Look Back on "A Whole New World" |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/songs-are-love-aladdin-songwriters-look-back-whole-new-world |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Grammy.com |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626151523/https://www.grammy.com/news/songs-are-love-aladdin-songwriters-look-back-whole-new-world |url-status=live }} For $60 million, Disney broadened its range of mature-audience films by acquiring independent film distributor Miramax Films in 1993.{{Cite web |last=Bart |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Bart |date=September 19, 2019 |title=Peter Bart: A Disney Deal Gone Wrong: How Mouse Money Fueled Harvey Weinstein's Alleged Predation As Miramax Mogul |url=https://deadline.com/2019/09/harvey-weinstein-disney-past-miramax-legacy-peter-bart-1202738148/ |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626224056/https://deadline.com/2019/09/harvey-weinstein-disney-past-miramax-legacy-peter-bart-1202738148/ |url-status=live }} The same year, in a venture with The Nature Conservancy, Disney purchased 8,500 acres (3,439 ha) of Everglades headwaters in Florida to protect native animals and plant species, establishing the Disney Wilderness Preserve.{{sfn|Rutherford|2011|p=78}}

File:Jeffrey Katzenberg, World Travel & Tourism Council, Global Summit 2014-1 (cropped).jpg

On April 3, 1994, Frank Wells died in a helicopter crash; he, Eisner, and Katzenberg helped the company's market value go from $2 billion to $22 billion since taking office in 1984.{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1994 |title=Disney president dies in helicopter crash |work=Tampa Bay Times |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1994/04/04/disney-president-dies-in-helicopter-crash/ |url-access=limited |access-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626224056/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1994/04/04/disney-president-dies-in-helicopter-crash/ |url-status=live }} On June 15 the same year, The Lion King was released and was a massive success, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of all time behind Jurassic Park and the highest-grossing animated film of all time, with a gross total of $969 million.{{cite web |first=Brad |last=Brevert |title=X-Men & Alice Lead Soft Memorial Day Weekend; Disney Tops $4 Billion Worldwide |publisher=IMDbPro |website=Box Office Mojo |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed3093300228/ |date=May 29, 2016 |access-date=August 12, 2022 |url-status=live |archive-date=August 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814104414/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=4191 }}{{Cite news |last=Richard |first=Natale |date=December 30, 1994 |title=The Movie Year: Hollywood Loses Its Middle Class: Box office: Blockbusters helped make it a record-setting year, but there was a rash of complete flops, and moderate successes seemed to disappear altogether. |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-12-30-ca-14702-story.html |access-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-date=June 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605160629/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-12-30-ca-14702-story.html |url-status=live }} It was critically praised and garnered two Academy Awards—Best Score and Best Song for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight".{{Cite web |title=The 67th Academy Awards (1995) Nominees and Winners |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1995 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109220937/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1995 |archive-date=November 9, 2014 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |work=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|date=October 5, 2014 }}{{Cite web |title=The Lion King (1994) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_lion_king |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |date=June 24, 1994 |publisher=Fandango Media |archive-date=April 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405091352/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_lion_king |url-status=live }} Soon after its release, Katzenberg left the company after Eisner refused to promote him to president. After leaving, he co-founded film studio DreamWorks SKG.{{Cite news |title=Disney Says His Resignation Bars Bonuses to Katzenberg |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/18/business/disney-says-his-resignation-bars-bonuses-to-katzenberg.html |date=May 18, 1996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626231659/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/05/18/business/disney-says-his-resignation-bars-bonuses-to-katzenberg.html |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |url-status=live |url-access=limited |work=The New York Times |agency=Reuters |access-date=April 11, 2023}} Wells was later replaced with one of Eisner's friends Michael Ovitz on August 13, 1995.{{Cite news |last=Hastings |first=Deborah |date=August 14, 1955 |title=From Mailroom to Mega-Agent: Michael Ovitz Becomes Disney President |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/0d8fd079875809159db1b121a4e34e57 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626231659/https://apnews.com/article/0d8fd079875809159db1b121a4e34e57 |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Thompson |first=Anne |author-link=Anne Thompson (film journalist) |date=August 25, 1995 |title=Michael Ovitz named President of Disney |url=https://ew.com/article/1995/08/25/michael-ovitz-named-president-disney/ |access-date=June 26, 2022 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626231659/https://ew.com/article/1995/08/25/michael-ovitz-named-president-disney/ |url-status=live }} In 1994, Disney wanted to buy one of the major U.S. television networks ABC, NBC, or CBS, which would give the company guaranteed distribution for its programming. Eisner planned to buy NBC but the deal was canceled because General Electric wanted to keep a majority stake.{{Cite web |date=September 22, 1994 |title=Rumors heat up on Disney-NBC deal |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1994/09/22/Rumors-heat-up-on-Disney-NBC-deal/5843780206400/ |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=UPI}}{{Cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Kathryn |last2=John |first2=Lippman |date=September 24, 1994 |title=Disney Said to End NBC Bid, Not Content With 49% Stake: Acquisition: The withdrawal may aid the position of Time Warner, which seeks a minor stake to avoid regulatory problems. |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-09-24-fi-42335-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628112418/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-09-24-fi-42335-story.html |url-status=live }} In 1994, Disney's annual revenue reached $10 billion, 48% coming from film, 34% from theme parks, and 18% from merchandising. Disney's total net income was up 25% from the previous year at $1.1 billion. Grossing over $346 million, Pocahontas was released on June 16, garnering the Academy Awards for Best Musical or Comedy Score and Best Song for "Colors of the Wind".{{cite web |title=Pocahontas (1995) |url=https://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=pocahontas.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005115548/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=pocahontas.htm |archive-date=October 5, 2012 |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDbPro}}{{cite news|url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1996|title=The 68th Academy Awards 1996|access-date=June 26, 2022|publisher=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402004458/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1996|archive-date=April 2, 2015}} Pixar's and Disney's first co-release was the first-ever fully computer-generated film Toy Story, which was released on November 19, 1995, to critical acclaim and an end-run gross total of $361 million. The film won the Special Achievement Academy Award and was the first animated film to be nominated for Best Original Screenplay.{{Cite magazine |last=Zorthian |first=Julia |date=November 19, 2015 |title=How Toy Story Changed Movie History |magazine=Time |url=https://time.com/4118006/20-years-toy-story-pixar/ |url-access=limited |access-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629193318/https://time.com/4118006/20-years-toy-story-pixar/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=King |first=Susan |date=September 30, 2015 |title=How Toy Story changed the face of animation, taking off 'like an explosion' |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-toy-story-anniversary-20150930-story.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151002070711/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-toy-story-anniversary-20150930-story.html |archive-date=October 2, 2015}}

In 1995, Disney announced the $19 billion acquisition of television network Capital Cities/ABC Inc., which was then the 2nd-largest corporate takeover in US history. Through the deal, Disney would obtain broadcast network ABC, an 80% majority stake in sports networks ESPN and ESPN 2, 50% in Lifetime Television, a majority stake of DIC Entertainment, and a 38% minority stake in A&E Television Networks.{{Cite news |last=Michael |first=Dresser |date=August 1, 1995 |title=A media giant is born Merger is biggest in entertainment industry's history Disney, Capital Cities/ABC merger |work=The Baltimore Sun |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1995-08-01-1995213002-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-date=July 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702123603/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1995-08-01-1995213002-story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=August 1, 1995 |title=Disney's new tomorrowland: ABC |work=Tampa Bay Times |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1995/08/01/disney-s-new-tomorrowland-abc/ |url-access=limited |access-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630000222/https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1995/08/01/disney-s-new-tomorrowland-abc/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=DiOrio |first=Carl |date=September 18, 2000 |title=Bain backing buyout of DIC |url=https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/bain-backing-buyout-of-dic-1117786555/ |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Variety |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110184307/https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/bain-backing-buyout-of-dic-1117786555/ |url-status=live }} Following the deal, the company started Radio Disney, a youth-focused radio program on ABC Radio Network, on November 18, 1996.{{Sfn|Goldberg|2016|p=197}}{{Cite news |last=Michaelson |first=Judith |date=October 2, 1997 |title=For Kids' Ears, Mostly: Radio Disney says that its 5-week-old L.A. outlet on KTZN-AM is already a solid success. |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-02-ca-38258-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630220909/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-02-ca-38258-story.html |url-status=live }} The Walt Disney Company launched its official website disney.com on February 22, 1996, mainly to promote its theme parks and merchandise.{{sfn|Madej|Newton|2020|p=147}} On June 19, the company's next animated film The Hunchback of Notre Dame was released, grossing $325 million at the box office.{{cite web |title=The Hunchback of Notre Dame |url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hunchbackofnotredame.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030610033627/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=hunchbackofnotredame.htm |archive-date=June 10, 2003 |access-date=June 30, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDbPro}} Because Ovitz's management style was different from Eisner's, Ovitz was fired as the company's president in 1996.{{Cite news |last=Farell |first=Rita K. |date=November 13, 2004 |title=Ovitz Fired for Management Style, Ex-Disney Director Testifies |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/13/business/media/ovitz-fired-for-management-style-exdisney-director-testifies.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701183603/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/13/business/media/ovitz-fired-for-management-style-exdisney-director-testifies.html |url-status=live }} Disney lost a $10.4 million lawsuit in September 1997 to Marsu B.V. over Disney's failure to produce as contracted 13 half-hour Marsupilami cartoon shows. Instead, Disney felt other internal "hot properties" deserved the company's attention.{{Cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Ann W. |date=September 28, 1997 |title=The Court Files: Mickey's Masters Killed Fellow Cartoon Critter, Judge Rules |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-sep-28-me-37167-story.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140503075752/http://articles.latimes.com/1997/sep/28/local/me-37167 |archive-date=May 3, 2014}} Disney, which since 1996 had owned a 25% stake in the Major League Baseball team California Angels, bought out the team in 1998 for $110 million, renamed it Anaheim Angels and renovated the stadium for $100 million.{{Cite news |last=Ahrens |first=Frank |date=April 16, 2003 |title=Disney Finds Buyer For Anaheim Angels |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/2003/04/16/disney-finds-buyer-for-anaheim-angels/e9d071a9-80ce-4611-8f55-41311a9f9b88/ |url-access=limited |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143153/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/business/2003/04/16/disney-finds-buyer-for-anaheim-angels/e9d071a9-80ce-4611-8f55-41311a9f9b88/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Hernandez |first=Greg |date=May 15, 1996 |title=Anaheim Seals Disney Angels Deal |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-05-15-mn-4530-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701183617/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-05-15-mn-4530-story.html |url-status=live }} Hercules (1997) was released on June 13, and underperformed compared to earlier films, grossing $252 million.{{cite web |title=Hercules (1997) |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0119282/?ref_=bo_rl_ti |access-date=July 1, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDbPro |archive-date=March 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331205115/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0119282/?ref_=bo_rl_ti |url-status=live }} On February 24, Disney and Pixar signed a ten-year contract to make five films, with Disney as distributor. They would share the cost, profits, and logo credits, calling the films Disney-Pixar productions.{{Cite news |last=Lohr |first=Steve |date=February 25, 1997 |title=Disney in 10-Year, 5-Film Deal With Pixar |pages=8 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/25/business/disney-in-10-year-5-film-deal-with-pixar.html#:~:text=The%20Walt%20Disney%20Company%20announced,lucrative%20field%20of%20animated%20movies. |access-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701020217/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/25/business/disney-in-10-year-5-film-deal-with-pixar.html#:~:text=The%20Walt%20Disney%20Company%20announced,lucrative%20field%20of%20animated%20movies. |url-status=live |url-access=limited }} During the Disney Renaissance, film division Touchstone also saw success with film such as Pretty Woman (1990), which has the highest number of ticket sales in the U.S. for a romantic comedy and grossed $432 million;{{cite news |last=Prince |first=Rosa |date=March 21, 2012 |title=Richard Gere: Pretty Woman a 'Silly Romantic Comedy' |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/9158072/Richard-Gere-Pretty-Woman-a-silly-romantic-comedy.html |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109195441/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/9158072/Richard-Gere-Pretty-Woman-a-silly-romantic-comedy.html |archive-date=November 9, 2014}}{{Cite web |title=Pretty Woman (1990) |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Pretty-Woman#tab=summary |access-date=July 2, 2022 |website=The Numbers |archive-date=June 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615052322/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Pretty-Woman#tab=summary |url-status=live }} Sister Act (1992), which was one of the financially successful comedies of the early 1990s, grossing $231 million;{{cite web |title=Sister Act (1992) – Box Office Mojo |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=sisteract.htm |access-date=July 2, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDbPro |archive-date=July 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724164333/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=sisteract.htm |url-status=live }} action film Con Air (1997), which grossed $224 million;{{Cite web |title=Con Air (1997) |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0118880/?ref_=bo_rl_ti |access-date=July 2, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDbPro |archive-date=March 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304101512/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0118880/?ref_=bo_rl_ti |url-status=live }} and the highest-grossing film of 1998 at $553 million Armageddon.{{Cite web |title=1998 Worldwide Box Office |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/1998/?ref_=bo_cso_table_1 |access-date=July 2, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDbPro |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702153045/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/1998/?ref_=bo_cso_table_1 |url-status=live }}

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| image1 = Tree of Life, Disney's Animal Kingdom.jpg

| alt1 = Ginormous tree along with other shrubbery

| image2 = Disney Magic2.jpg

| alt2 = Mainly white cruise ship out in the ocean

| footer = (left to right) Disney's Animal Kingdom's, the largest theme park, main icon the Tree of Life, and Disney Cruise Line's first cruise ship Disney Magic, which first set sail on July 30, 1998

}}

At Disney World, the company opened Disney's Animal Kingdom, the largest theme park in the world covering 580 acres (230 ha) on Earth Day, April 22, 1998. It had six animal-themed lands, over 2,000 animals, and the Tree of Life at its center.{{Cite news |last=Eades |first=Mark |date=August 30, 2017 |title=A former Disney Imagineer's guide to Disney's Animal Kingdom |work=The Orange County Register |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/30/a-former-disney-imagineers-guide-to-disneys-animal-kingdom/ |url-access=limited |access-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612205745/https://www.ocregister.com/2017/08/30/a-former-disney-imagineers-guide-to-disneys-animal-kingdom/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=April 22, 2022 |title=Disney's Animal Kingdom opened 24 years ago today on Earth Day |work=Fox 35 Orlando |url=https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/disneys-animal-kingdom-opened-24-years-ago-today-on-earth-day |access-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-date=May 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515235641/https://www.fox35orlando.com/news/disneys-animal-kingdom-opened-24-years-ago-today-on-earth-day |url-status=live }} Receiving positive reviews, Disney's next animated films Mulan and Disney-Pixar film A Bug's Life were released on June 5 and November 20, 1998.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mulan|title=Mulan|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=June 19, 1998 |publisher=Fandango|access-date=July 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330035149/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mulan|archive-date=March 30, 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bugs_life|title=A Bug's Life|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=November 14, 1998 |publisher=Fandango|access-date=July 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916221759/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/bugs_life|archive-date=September 16, 2020|url-status=live}} Mulan became the year's sixth-highest-grossing film at $304 million, and A Bug's Life was the year's fifth-highest at $363 million. In a $770-million transaction, on June 18, Disney bought a 43% stake of Internet search engine Infoseek for $70 million, also giving it Infoseek-acquired Starwave.{{Cite magazine |last1=Bicknell |first1=Craig |last2=Brekke |first2=Dan |date=June 18, 1998 |title=Disney Buys into Infoseek |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/1998/06/disney-buys-into-infoseek/ |url-access=limited |access-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024161018/https://www.wired.com/1998/06/disney-buys-into-infoseek/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Fredrick |first=John |date=June 18, 1998 |title=Disney buys Infoseek stake |work=CNN |url=https://money.cnn.com/1998/06/18/deals/infoseek/ |access-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200237/https://money.cnn.com/1998/06/18/deals/infoseek/ |url-status=live }} Starting web portal Go.com in a joint venture with Infoseek in January 1999, Disney acquired the rest of Infoseek later that year.{{Cite news |date=July 13, 1999 |title=Disney to acquire the rest of Infoseek, create Internet unit; Move comes amid effort to reverse slide in earnings; Cyberspace |work=The Baltimore Sun |agency=Bloomberg News |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1999-07-13-9907130098-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143219/https://www.baltimoresun.com/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=January 12, 1999 |title=GO Network premieres |work=CNN |url=https://money.cnn.com/1999/01/12/technology/go/ |access-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409010414/https://money.cnn.com/1999/01/12/technology/go/ |url-status=live }} After unsuccessful negotiations with cruise lines Carnival and Royal Caribbean International, in 1994, Disney announced it would start its own cruise-line operation in 1998.{{cite news |last1=Dezern |first1=Craig |date=February 20, 1994 |title=Disney Contemplating Creation Of Cruise Line |work=Orlando Sentinel |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1994/02/20/disney-contemplating-creation-of-cruise-line/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602131330/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1994-02-20/business/9402180317_1_walt-disney-disney-world-disney-cruise |archive-date=June 2, 2016}}{{cite news |date=May 4, 1994 |title=Company News; Disney to Start its Own Cruise Line by 1998 |pages=5 |work=The New York Times |agency=Bloomberg News |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/04/business/company-news-disney-to-start-its-own-cruise-line-by-1998.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-date=May 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523125938/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/04/business/company-news-disney-to-start-its-own-cruise-line-by-1998.html |url-status=live }} The first two ships of the Disney Cruise Line were named Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, and built by Fincantieri in Italy. To accompany the cruises, Disney bought Gorda Cay as the line's private island, and spent $25 million remodeling it and renaming it Castaway Cay. On July 30, 1998, Disney Magic set sail as the line's first voyage.{{sfn|Saunders|2013|pp=76–78}}

File:Roy E. Disney.jpg

Marking the end of the Disney Renaissance, Tarzan (1999) was released on June 12, garnering $448 million at the box office and critical acclaim; it claimed the Academy Award for Best Original Song for Phil Collins' "You'll Be in My Heart".{{Cite web |title=Tarzan |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl2742388225/weekend/ |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDbPro |archive-date=September 27, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927020449/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=tarzan.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Tarzan |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tarzan |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |date=June 18, 1999 |publisher=Fandango |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627083025/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/tarzan |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=The 72nd Academy Awards (2000) Nominees and Winners |url=https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2000 |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences |date=April 22, 2015 |archive-date=April 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417092419/https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2000 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Crow |first=David |date=March 17, 2017 |title=The Disney Renaissance: The Rise & Fall of a Generational Touchstone |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/culture/the-disney-renaissance-the-rise-fall-of-a-generational-touchstone/ |access-date=July 4, 2022 |website=Den of Geek |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601190126/https://www.denofgeek.com/culture/the-disney-renaissance-the-rise-fall-of-a-generational-touchstone/ |url-status=live }} Disney-Pixar film Toy Story 2 was released on November 13, garnering praise and $511 million at the box office.{{Cite web |title=Toy Story 2 (1999) |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Toy-Story-2#tab=summary |access-date=July 5, 2022 |website=The Numbers |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620175322/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Toy-Story-2#tab=summary |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Toy Story 2 |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/toy_story_2 |access-date=July 5, 2022 |website=Rotten Tomatoes |date=November 24, 1999 |publisher=Fandango |archive-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626235152/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/toy_story_2/ |url-status=live }} To replace Ovitz, Eisner named ABC network chief Bob Iger Disney's president and chief operating officer in January 2000.{{Cite news |last=Bernard |first=Weinraub |author-link=Bernard Weinraub |date=January 25, 2000 |title=Disney Names New President In Reshuffling |pages=1 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/25/business/disney-names-new-president-in-reshuffling.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=July 3, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703151709/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/25/business/disney-names-new-president-in-reshuffling.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=January 24, 2000 |title=Disney taps new No. 2 |work=CNN |url=https://money.cnn.com/2000/01/24/companies/disney/ |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=March 20, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050320193028/http://money.cnn.com/2000/01/24/companies/disney/ |url-status=live }} In November, Disney sold DIC Entertainment back to Andy Heyward.{{Cite news |date=November 18, 2000 |title=Walt Disney Agrees to Sell DIC Entertainment |work=Los Angeles Times |agency=Bloomberg News |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-nov-18-fi-53834-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 4, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143156/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-nov-18-fi-53834-story.html |url-status=live }} Disney had another huge success with Pixar when they released Monsters, Inc. in 2001. Later, Disney bought children's cable network Fox Family Worldwide for $3 billion and the assumption of $2.3 billion in debt. The deal included a 76% stake in Fox Kids Europe, Latin American channel Fox Kids, more than 6,500 episodes from Saban Entertainment's programming library, and Fox Family Channel.{{Cite news |date=July 23, 2001 |title=Disney Buys Fox Family Channel |work=CBS News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/disney-buys-fox-family-channel/ |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143139/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/disney-buys-fox-family-channel/ |url-status=live }} In 2001, Disney's operations had a net loss of $158 million after a decline in viewership of the ABC television network, as well as decreased tourism due to the September 11 attacks. Disney earnings in fiscal 2001 were $120 million compared with the previous year's $920 million. To help reduce costs, Disney announced it would lay off 4,000 employees and close 300–400 Disney stores.{{Cite news |date=March 27, 2001 |title=Disney lays off 4,000 world wide |work=UPI |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/03/27/Disney-lays-off-4000-world-wide/7979985669200/ |access-date=July 5, 2022}}{{Cite news |date=January 4, 2002 |title=Disney Plans More Cutbacks As Chief Forecasts Rebound |pages=3 |work=The New York Times |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/04/business/disney-plans-more-cutbacks-as-chief-forecasts-rebound.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143200/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/04/business/disney-plans-more-cutbacks-as-chief-forecasts-rebound.html |url-status=live }} After winning the World Series in 2002, Disney sold the Anaheim Angels for $180 million in 2003.{{Cite news |last=Masunaga |first=Samantha |date=November 12, 2015 |title=From the Mighty Ducks to the Angels: Disney's track record with sports |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-disney-iger-20151112-htmlstory.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=May 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522000550/https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-disney-iger-20151112-htmlstory.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Holson |first=Laura |date=April 16, 2003 |title=Baseball; Disney Reaches a Deal For the Sale of the Angels |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/16/sports/baseball-disney-reaches-a-deal-for-the-sale-of-the-angels.html#:~:text=After%20several%20years%20of%20seeking,of%20the%20negotiations%20said%20today. |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202024108/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/16/sports/baseball-disney-reaches-a-deal-for-the-sale-of-the-angels.html#:~:text=After%20several%20years%20of%20seeking,of%20the%20negotiations%20said%20today. |url-status=live |url-access=limited }} In 2003, Disney became the first studio to garner $3 billion in a year at the box office.{{Cite news |last=DiOrio |first=Carl |date=December 3, 2003 |title=Disney does $3 bil globally |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2003/scene/box-office/disney-does-3-bil-globally-1117896558/ |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143150/https://variety.com/2003/scene/box-office/disney-does-3-bil-globally-1117896558/ |url-status=live }} The same year, Roy Disney announced his retirement because of how the company was being run, calling on Eisner to retire; the same week, board member Stanley Gold retired for the same reasons. Gold and Disney formed the "Save Disney" campaign.{{Cite news |date=December 1, 2003 |title=Roy Disney, ally quit Disney board |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna3606492 |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143200/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna3606492 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=March 3, 2004 |title=Disney's Eisner Rebuked in Shareholder Vote |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=89824&page=1 |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518072858/http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=89824&page=1 |url-status=live }}

File:The Muppets Studio.png

In 2004, at the company's annual meeting, the shareholders in a 43% vote voted Eisner out as chairman.{{Cite news |last=Teather |first=David |date=March 4, 2004 |title=Disney shareholders force Eisner out of chairman's role |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2004/mar/04/usnews.citynews |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=January 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220124205302/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2004/mar/04/usnews.citynews |url-status=live }} On March 4, George J. Mitchell, who was a member of the board, was named as replacement.{{cite news |last=Holson |first=Laura |date=March 10, 2004 |title=Former P. & G. Chief Named Disney Chairman |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/10/business/market-place-eisner-vote-forces-disney-to-catch-up.html?scp=2&sq=Mitchell%20Eisner&st=cse&pagewanted=1 |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425083640/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/10/business/market-place-eisner-vote-forces-disney-to-catch-up.html?scp=2&sq=Mitchell%20Eisner&st=cse&pagewanted=1 |archive-date=April 25, 2009}} In April, Disney purchased the Muppets franchise from the Jim Henson Company for $75 million, founding Muppets Holding Company, LLC.{{Cite magazine |last=Susman |first=Gary |date=February 18, 2004 |title=Disney buys the Muppets |url=https://ew.com/article/2004/02/18/disney-buys-muppets/ |access-date=July 5, 2022 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508061337/https://ew.com/article/2004/02/18/disney-buys-muppets/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Abramovitch |first=Seth |date=November 2, 2020 |title=Disney's Muppets Problem: Can the Franchise Reckon With Its Boys' Club Culture? |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/disneys-muppets-problem-can-the-franchise-reckon-with-its-boys-club-culture-4085246/ |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=February 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208172212/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/disneys-muppets-problem-can-the-franchise-reckon-with-its-boys-club-culture-4085246/ |url-status=live }} Following the success of Disney-Pixar films Finding Nemo (2003), which became the second highest-grossing animated film of all time at $936 million, and The Incredibles (2004),{{Cite magazine |last=Susman |first=Gary |date=July 28, 2003 |title=Nemo becomes the top-grossing 'toon of all time |url=https://ew.com/article/2003/07/28/nemo-becomes-top-grossing-toon-all-time/ |access-date=July 5, 2022 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518151605/https://ew.com/article/2003/07/28/nemo-becomes-top-grossing-toon-all-time/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Finding Nemo (2003) |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Finding-Nemo#tab=summary |access-date=July 5, 2022 |website=The Numbers |archive-date=November 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128034820/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Finding-Nemo#tab=summary |url-status=live }} Pixar looked for a new distributor once its deal with Disney ended in 2004.{{Cite news |last=Holson |first=Laura |date=January 31, 2004 |title=Pixar to Find Its Own Way as Disney Partnership Ends |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/31/business/pixar-to-find-its-own-way-as-disney-partnership-ends.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426055718/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/31/business/pixar-to-find-its-own-way-as-disney-partnership-ends.html |url-status=live }} Disney sold the loss-making Disney Stores chain of 313 stores to Children's Place on October 20.{{Cite news |last=Fritz |first=Ben |date=October 20, 2004 |title=Disney stores become a Children's Place |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2004/biz/news/disney-stores-become-a-children-s-place-1117912245/ |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143152/https://variety.com/2004/biz/news/disney-stores-become-a-children-s-place-1117912245/ |url-status=live }} Disney also sold the NHL team Mighty Ducks in 2005.{{Cite news |date=February 26, 2005 |title=Disney Finds Buyer for the Ducks |work=The New York Times |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/26/sports/disney-finds-buyer-for-the-ducks.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626135708/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/26/sports/disney-finds-buyer-for-the-ducks.html |url-status=live }} Roy E. Disney decided to rejoin the company and was given the role of consultant with the title "Director Emeritus".{{Cite news |last=Verrier |first=Richard |date=July 9, 2005 |title=Feud at Disney Ends Quietly |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jul-09-fi-disney9-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 5, 2022 |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608041648/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-jul-09-fi-disney9-story.html |url-status=live }}

In March 2005, Bob Iger, president of the company, became CEO after Eisner's retirement in September; Iger was officially named head of the company on October 1.{{Cite news |last=Ahrens |first=Frank |date=March 14, 2005 |title=Disney Chooses Successor to Chief Executive Eisner |pages=2 |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32493-2005Mar13.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 9, 2022 |archive-date=August 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816194932/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32493-2005Mar13.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=VanHoose |first=Benjamin |date=December 21, 2021 |title=Bob Iger Has 'No Interest in Running Another Company' After 15-Year Tenure as Disney CEO |work=People |url=https://people.com/movies/bob-iger-has-no-interest-running-another-company-after-exiting-as-disney-ceo/ |access-date=July 9, 2022 |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710201211/https://people.com/movies/bob-iger-has-no-interest-running-another-company-after-exiting-as-disney-ceo/ |url-status=live }} Disney's eleventh theme park Hong Kong Disneyland opened on September 12, costing the company $3.5 billion to construct.{{Cite news |date=September 12, 2005 |title=Disney opens theme park in Hong Kong |work=NBC News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna9311663 |access-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710201211/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna9311663 |url-status=live }} On January 24, 2006, Disney began talks to acquire Pixar from Steve Jobs for $7.4 billion, and Iger appointed Pixar chief creative officer (CCO) John Lasseter and president Edwin Catmull the heads of the Walt Disney Animation Studios.{{Cite news |last=Debruge |first=Peter |date=November 22, 2016 |title=Disney's Pixar Acquisition: Bob Iger's Bold Move That Reanimated a Studio |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/features/disney-pixar-acquisition-bob-iger-john-lasseter-1201923719/ |access-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-date=July 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709184626/https://variety.com/2016/film/features/disney-pixar-acquisition-bob-iger-john-lasseter-1201923719/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Holton |first=Laura |date=January 25, 2006 |title=Disney Agrees to Acquire Pixar in a $7.4 Billion Deal |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/25/business/disney-agrees-to-acquire-pixar-in-a-74-billion-deal.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 10, 2022 |archive-date=July 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721013508/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/25/business/disney-agrees-to-acquire-pixar-in-a-74-billion-deal.html |url-status=live }} A week later, Disney traded ABC Sports commentator Al Michaels to NBCUniversal, in exchange for the rights to Oswald the Lucky Rabbit and 26 cartoons featuring the character.{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Drew |date=September 5, 2020 |title=The Incredible True Story of Disney's Oswald the Lucky Rabbit |url=https://collider.com/disney-oswald-the-lucky-rabbit-history-explained/ |access-date=July 13, 2022 |website=Collider |archive-date=November 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120215735/https://collider.com/disney-oswald-the-lucky-rabbit-history-explained/ |url-status=live }} On February 6, the company announced it would be merging its ABC Radio networks and 22 stations with Citadel Broadcasting in a $2.7 billion deal, though which Disney acquired 52% of television broadcasting company Citadel Communications.{{Cite news |last=Arnall |first=Dan |date=February 6, 2006 |title=Disney Merges ABC Radio with Citadel Broadcasting |work=ABC News |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=1586358 |access-date=March 8, 2025 |archive-date=February 11, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060211060446/https://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=1586358|url-status=dead }}{{Cite news |url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060207/ap_on_bi_ge/disney|title=Walt Disney Shares Rise on ABC Radio Sale|last=Gentile|first=Gary|publisher=Associated Press|date=February 7, 2006|access-date=March 8, 2025|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20060209081257/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060207/ap_on_bi_ge/disney|archive-date=February 9, 2006|url-status=dead|via=Yahoo News }} The Disney Channel movie High School Musical aired and its soundtrack was certified triple platinum, becoming the first Disney Channel film to do so.{{Cite news |last=Romano |first=Aja |date=November 13, 2019 |title=High School Musical – and its ongoing cultural legacy – explained |work=Vox |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/11/13/20958457/high-school-musical-movies-legacy-dcom-bet-on-it |access-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-date=July 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220708011214/https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/11/13/20958457/high-school-musical-movies-legacy-dcom-bet-on-it |url-status=live }}

File:Bob Iger crop 2.jpg

Disney's 2006 live-action film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest was Disney's biggest hit to that date and the third-highest-grossing film ever, making $1 billion at the box office.{{Cite news |last=Desowitz |first=Bill |date=September 11, 2006 |title=Dead Man's Chest Gets $1 Billion Booty |work=Animation World Magazine |url=https://www.awn.com/news/dead-mans-chest-gets-1-billion-booty |access-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712152331/https://www.awn.com/news/dead-mans-chest-gets-1-billion-booty |url-status=live }} On June 28, the company announced it was replacing George Mitchell as chairman with a board members and former CEO of P&G John E. Pepper Jr.. The sequel High School Musical 2 was released in 2007 on Disney Channel and broke several cable rating records.{{Cite news |date=August 18, 2007 |title=High School Musical 2 : OMG! It's a cable ratings record |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2007/tv/news/high-school-m-2-22179/ |access-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712152136/https://variety.com/2007/tv/news/high-school-m-2-22179/ |url-status=live }} In April 2007, the Muppets Holding Company was moved from Disney Consumer Products to the Walt Disney Studios division and renamed the Muppets Studios to relaunch the division.{{Cite news |title=Kermit as Mogul, Farting Fozzie Bear: How Disney's Muppets Movie Has Purists Rattled |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-muppets-jason-segel-amy-adams-jim-henson-250805?page=3 |url-status=live |access-date=November 6, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103224328/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-muppets-jason-segel-amy-adams-jim-henson-250805?page=3 |archive-date=November 3, 2013}}{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Brooks |date=September 18, 2008 |title=Fuzzy Renaissance |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/movies/21barn.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814110417/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/movies/21barn.html |archive-date=August 14, 2013 |url-access=limited }} Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End became the highest-grossing film of 2007 at $960 million.{{Cite web |title=Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl4100490753/ |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDbPro |archive-date=February 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211185656/http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=piratesofthecaribbean3.htm |url-status=live }} Disney-Pixar films Ratatouille (2007) and WALL-E (2008) were a tremendous success, with WALL-E winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.{{Cite web |last=Finke |first=Nikki |date=June 29, 2007 |title=Ratatouille Roasts Rivals, Die Hard #2; Michael Moore's Sicko Has Healthy Debut |url=https://deadline.com/2007/06/ratatouille-rules-box-office-and-die-hard-moores-sicko-has-healthy-debut-2711/ |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715121023/https://deadline.com/2007/06/ratatouille-rules-box-office-and-die-hard-moores-sicko-has-healthy-debut-2711/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Goodman |first=Dean |date=June 29, 2008 |title=Disney's WALL-E wows box office |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boxoffice/disneys-wall-e-wows-box-office-idUSN2637957120080630 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715195139/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-boxoffice/disneys-wall-e-wows-box-office-idUSN2637957120080630 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Moody |first=Annemarie |date=February 22, 2009 |title=WALL-E Wins Oscar Best Animated Feature, La Maison Wins Best Animated Short |work=Animation World Magazine |url=https://www.awn.com/news/wall-e-wins-oscar-best-animated-feature-la-maison-wins-best-animated-short |access-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715195139/https://www.awn.com/news/wall-e-wins-oscar-best-animated-feature-la-maison-wins-best-animated-short |url-status=live }} After acquiring most of Jetix Europe through the acquisition of Fox Family Worldwide, Disney bought the remainder of the company in 2008 for $318 million.{{Cite news |last=Turner |first=Mimi |date=December 8, 2008 |title=Disney to acquire rest of Jetix shares |work=The Hollywood Reporter |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-acquire-rest-jetix-shares-124025/ |access-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715195110/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-acquire-rest-jetix-shares-124025/ |url-status=live }}

Iger introduced D23 in 2009 as Disney's official fan club.{{cite news |last1=Boucher |first1=Geoff |date=July 10, 2009 |title=D23 at Comic-Con and beyond |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/uncategorized/d23-at-comiccon-and-beyond-and-the-first-look-at-the-new-nautilus/ |url-access=limited |access-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-date=September 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924111549/http://herocomplex.latimes.com/uncategorized/d23-at-comiccon-and-beyond-and-the-first-look-at-the-new-nautilus/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Chmielewski |first1=Dawn C. |date=March 10, 2010 |title=Disneyland history event will replace D23 Expo this year |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/uncategorized/disney-d23-expo-will-alternate-years-with-history-minded-event/ |url-access=limited |access-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-date=October 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161006041113/http://herocomplex.latimes.com/uncategorized/disney-d23-expo-will-alternate-years-with-history-minded-event/ |url-status=live }} In February, Disney announced a deal with DreamWorks Pictures to distribute 30 of their films over the next five years through Touchstone Pictures, with Disney getting 10% of the gross.{{Cite news |last1=Marc |first1=Graser |last2=Siegel |first2=Tatiana |date=February 9, 2009 |title=Disney signs deal with DreamWorks |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2009/film/features/disney-signs-deal-with-dreamworks-1117999836/ |access-date=July 25, 2022 |archive-date=October 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008132321/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117999836.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Barnes |first1=Brooke |last2=Cieply |first2=Michael |author-link2=Michael Cieply |date=February 9, 2009 |title=DreamWorks and Disney Agree to a Distribution Deal |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/business/media/10disney.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 25, 2022 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726001740/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/10/business/media/10disney.html |url-status=live }} The 2009 film Up garnered Disney $735 million at the box office, and the film won Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.{{Cite web |title=Up |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl3245770241/ |access-date=July 25, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDbPro |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804195445/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=up.htm |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=March 7, 2010 |title=Pixar's Up wins best animated film Oscar |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oscars-up/pixars-up-wins-best-animated-film-oscar-idUSTRE6270JL20100308 |access-date=July 25, 2022 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726012618/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-oscars-up/pixars-up-wins-best-animated-film-oscar-idUSTRE6270JL20100308 |url-status=live }} Later that year, Disney launched a television channel named Disney XD, aimed at older children.{{Cite news |last=Turner |first=Mimi |title=Disney unveils Disney XD |work=The Hollywood Reporter |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-unveils-disney-xd-86948/ |access-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715195139/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-unveils-disney-xd-86948/ |url-status=live }} Disney bought Marvel Entertainment and its assets for $4 billion in August, adding Marvel's comic-book characters to its merchandising line-up.{{Cite news |last1=Thomasch |first1=Paul |last2=Gina |first2=Keating |date=August 31, 2009 |title=Disney to acquire Marvel in $4 billion deal |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-disney-marvel/disney-to-acquire-marvel-in-4-billion-deal-idUSN3143303120090831 |access-date=July 25, 2022 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726003426/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-disney-marvel/disney-to-acquire-marvel-in-4-billion-deal-idUSN3143303120090831 |url-status=live }} In September, Disney partnered with News Corporation and NBCUniversal in a deal in which all parties would obtain 27% equity in streaming service Hulu, and Disney added ABC Family and Disney Channel to the streaming service.{{Cite news |last=Kramer |first=Staci D. |date=April 30, 2009 |title=It's Official: Disney Joins News Corp., NBCU In Hulu; Deal Includes Some Cable Nets |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/30/AR2009043001853.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 25, 2022 |archive-date=May 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110504054305/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/04/30/AR2009043001853.html |url-status=live }} On December 16, Roy E. Disney died of stomach cancer; he was the last member of the Disney family to work for Disney.{{Cite news |date=December 16, 2009 |title=Roy E Disney dies in California |work=The Guardian |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/dec/16/usa-walt-disney-company |access-date=July 25, 2022 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726003426/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/dec/16/usa-walt-disney-company |url-status=live }} In March 2010, Haim Saban reacquired from Disney the Power Rangers franchise, including its 700-episode library, for around $100 million.{{Cite web |last=Finke |first=Nikki |author-link=Nikki Finke |date=May 12, 2010 |title=Haim Saban Buys Back Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Franchise & Brings It to Nickelodeon and Nicktoons |url=https://deadline.com/2010/05/saban-buys-back-power-rangers-franchise-brings-to-nickelodeon-and-nicktoons-40259/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920031237/http://deadline.com/2010/05/saban-buys-back-power-rangers-franchise-brings-to-nickelodeon-and-nicktoons-40259/ |archive-date=September 20, 2017 |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{Cite news |last=Fritz |first=Ben |author-link=Ben Fritz |date=May 13, 2010 |title=Haim Saban buys back Power Rangers |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-13-la-fi-ct-saban-20100513-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726161009/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-13-la-fi-ct-saban-20100513-story.html |url-status=live }} Shortly after, Disney sold Miramax Films to an investment group headed by Ronald Tutor for $660 million.{{Cite news |last=Horn |first=Heather |date=July 30, 2010 |title=Disney Sells Miramax, at Last |work=The Atlantic |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2010/07/disney-sells-miramax-at-last/344671/ |url-access=limited |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726160856/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2010/07/disney-sells-miramax-at-last/344671/ |url-status=live }} During that time, Disney released the live-action Alice in Wonderland and the Disney-Pixar film Toy Story 3, both of which grossed a little over $1 billion, making them the sixth-and-seventh films to do so; and Toy Story 3 became the first animated film to make over $1 billion and the highest-grossing animated film. That year, Disney became the first studio to release two $1-billion-dollar-earning films in one calendar year.{{Cite news |last=Bettinger |first=Brendan |date=May 27, 2010 |title=Disney's Alice in Wonderland Becomes the Sixth Film Ever to Surpass $1 Billion Worldwide |work=Collider |url=https://collider.com/alice-in-wonderland-1-billion-worldwide-box-office-disney/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726161009/https://collider.com/alice-in-wonderland-1-billion-worldwide-box-office-disney/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Finke |first=Nikki |date=August 27, 2010 |title=Disney Smashes Box Office Records: 'Toy Story 3' Crossing $1B, Studio First To Release 2 Billion-Dollar Pics In Single Year |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2010/08/disney-smashes-box-office-records-toy-story-3-crossing-1b-studio-first-to-release-2-billion-dollar-pics-in-single-year-63322/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726180629/https://deadline.com/2010/08/disney-smashes-box-office-records-toy-story-3-crossing-1b-studio-first-to-release-2-billion-dollar-pics-in-single-year-63322/ |url-status=live }} In 2010, the company announced ImageMovers Digital, which it started in partnership with ImageMovers in 2007, would be closing by 2011.{{Cite news |last=Desowitz |first=Bill |date=March 12, 2010 |title=Disney to Close Zemeckis' ImageMovers Digital Studio |work=Animation World Magazine |url=https://www.awn.com/news/disney-close-zemeckis-imagemovers-digital-studio |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726214029/https://www.awn.com/news/disney-close-zemeckis-imagemovers-digital-studio |url-status=live }}

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| caption1 = Pixar had been making films with Disney from 1995 to 2005, until Disney bought them out in 2006 as one of their subsidiaries.

| image2 = MarvelLogo.svg

| alt2 = Red background with white letters spelling out Marvel

| caption2 = Marvel became a subsidiary of Disney in 2009 after Disney acquired them for $4 billion.

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| caption3 = After purchasing Lucasfilm in 2012, Disney vowed to make more Star Wars films.

| alt3 = Black letters spelling out Lucasfilm in a slight arch

| image4 = 20th Century Studios (2021).svg

| caption4 = In 2019, as Disney's biggest move yet, they bought most of 21st Century Fox's assets for $71 billion, rebranding some of them like the studio 20th Century Fox as 20th Century Studios.

| alt4 = black logo with a big 20 on the left side and underlined words on the right

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The following year, Disney released its last traditionally animated film Winnie the Pooh to theaters.{{Cite news |last=Ebiri |first=Bilge |date=July 23, 2019 |title=Bring Back the Animation |work=Vulture |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/07/disney-animated-movies-what-happened-to-them.html|url-access=limited |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625022926/https://www.vulture.com/2019/07/disney-animated-movies-what-happened-to-them.html |url-status=live }} The release of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides garnered a little over $1 billion, making it the eighth film to do so and Disney's highest-grossing film internationally, as well as the third-highest ever.{{Cite web |last=Weinraub |first=Jake |date=July 2, 2022 |title=One Billion Dollars! Disney's Pirates 4 Is 8th Film to Cross Big Box-Office Mark |url=https://www.thewrap.com/pirates-4-crosses-1b-threshold-becomes-2nd-biggest-all-time-intl-grosser-28784/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=TheWrap |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726210537/https://www.thewrap.com/pirates-4-crosses-1b-threshold-becomes-2nd-biggest-all-time-intl-grosser-28784/ |url-status=live }} In January 2011, the size of Disney Interactive Studios was reduced and 200 employees laid off.{{Cite news |last=Chmielewski |first=Dawn C. |date=January 26, 2011 |title=Disney Interactive lays off 200 as video game unit shifts focus |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-xpm-2011-jan-26-la-fi-ct-disney-interactive-20110126-story.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127160343/http://articles.latimes.com/print/2011/jan/26/business/la-fi-ct-disney-interactive-20110126 |archive-date=January 27, 2013}} In April, Disney began constructing its new theme park Shanghai Disney Resort, costing $4.4 billion.{{Cite news |last1=Barboza |first1=David |last2=Barnes, Brooks |date=April 7, 2011 |title=Disney Plans Lavish Park in Shanghai |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/08/business/media/08disney.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413000730/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/08/business/media/08disney.html |archive-date=April 13, 2011}} In August, Iger stated after the success of the Pixar and Marvel purchases, he and the Walt Disney Company were planning to "buy either new characters or businesses that are capable of creating great characters and great stories".{{Cite news |last=Grover |first=Ronald |date=August 10, 2011 |title=Disney CEO Iger Seeks Acquisitions of 'Great Characters' |work=Bloomberg News |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-08-10/disney-s-iger-looking-for-great-characters-stories-in-acquisition-drive#xj4y7vzkg |url-access=limited |access-date=July 27, 2022 }} On October 30, 2012, Disney announced it would buy Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion from George Lucas. Through the deal, Disney gained access to franchises such as Star Wars, for which Disney said it would make a new film for every two-to-three years, with the first being released in 2015. The deal gave Disney access to the Indiana Jones franchise, visual-effects studio Industrial Light & Magic, and video game developer LucasArts.{{Cite news |last=Graser |first=Marc |date=October 30, 2012 |title=Disney Buys LucasFilm, New Star Wars Planned |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/disney-buys-lucasfilm-new-star-wars-planned-1118061434/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622103036/https://variety.com/2012/film/news/disney-buys-lucasfilm-new-star-wars-planned-1118061434/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Matt |first1=Krantz |last2=Mike |first2=Snider |last3=Marco Della |first3=Cava |last4=Alexander |first4=Bryan |date=October 30, 2012 |title=Disney buys Lucasfilm for $4 billion |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2012/10/30/disney-star-wars-lucasfilm/1669739/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627150726/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2012/10/30/disney-star-wars-lucasfilm/1669739/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=December 21, 2012 |title=Disney Completes Acquisition Of Lucasfilm |url=https://deadline.com/2012/12/disney-lucas-film-aquisition-complete-393480/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109054204/http://www.deadline.com/2012/12/disney-lucas-film-aquisition-complete/ |archive-date=November 9, 2013 |access-date=September 14, 2013 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

In February 2012, Disney completed its acquisition of UTV Software Communications, expanding its market into India and the rest of Asia.{{Cite news |date=February 2, 2012 |title=Disney to pay up to 1,100 rupees/shr to delist India's UTV |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/waltdisney-utv-delist/disney-to-pay-up-to-1100-rupees-shr-to-delist-indias-utv-idUSL4E8D21G120120202 |access-date=July 27, 2012 |archive-date=July 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726224005/https://www.reuters.com/article/waltdisney-utv-delist/disney-to-pay-up-to-1100-rupees-shr-to-delist-indias-utv-idUSL4E8D21G120120202 |url-status=live }} By March, Iger became Disney's chairman.{{Cite news |last=Lieberman |first=David |date=March 1, 2012 |title=Investor Service Blasts Disney For Giving CEO Bob Iger Too Much Pay And Power |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2012/03/investor-service-blasts-disney-for-giving-ceo-bob-iger-too-much-pay-and-power-238431/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728181231/https://deadline.com/2012/03/investor-service-blasts-disney-for-giving-ceo-bob-iger-too-much-pay-and-power-238431/ |url-status=live }} Marvel film The Avengers became the third-highest-grossing film of all time with an initial-release gross of $1.3 billion.{{Cite news |last=McClintock |first=Pamela |date=June 2, 2012 |title=Box Office Milestone: The Avengers Becomes No. 3 Pic of All Time With $1.331 Billion |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/box-office-milestone-avengers-number-three-332331/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=March 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331111109/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/box-office-milestone-avengers-number-three-332331/ |url-status=live }} Making over $1.2 billion at the box office, the Marvel film Iron Man 3 was released in 2013.{{Cite web |last=Howard |first=Kirsten |date=November 25, 2019 |title=Why Marvel Decided Against Iron Man 4 |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/why-marvel-decided-against-iron-man-4/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=Den of Geek |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727014529/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/why-marvel-decided-against-iron-man-4/ |url-status=live }} The same year, Disney's animated film Frozen was released and became the highest-grossing animated film of all time at $1.2 billion.{{Cite magazine |last=Ray |first=Amber |date=March 30, 2014 |title=Frozen becomes the highest-grossing animated film of all time |url=https://ew.com/article/2014/03/30/frozen-highest-grossing-animated-film/ |access-date=July 17, 2022 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727014529/https://ew.com/article/2014/03/30/frozen-highest-grossing-animated-film/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Frozen (2013) |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt2294629/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=Box Office Mojo |publisher=IMDbPro |archive-date=August 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140809232736/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=intl&id=frozen2013.htm |url-status=live }} Merchandising for the film became so popular it made the company $1 billion within a year, and a global shortage of merchandise for the film occurred.{{Cite news |last=Appelbaum |first=Binyamin |author-link=Binyamin Appelbaum |date=November 18, 2014 |title=How Disney Turned Frozen Into a Cash Cow |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/magazine/how-disney-turned-frozen-into-a-cash-cow.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=November 18, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118192741/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/23/magazine/how-disney-turned-frozen-into-a-cash-cow.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Rich |first=Katey |date=April 15, 2014 |title=The Global Shortage of Frozen Merchandise Is Making Little Girls Cry |magazine=Vanity Fair |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/04/frozen-merchandise-shortage |url-access=limited |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727010904/https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2014/04/frozen-merchandise-shortage |url-status=live }} In March 2013, Iger announced Disney had no 2D animation films in development, and a month, later the hand-drawn animnation division was closed, and several veteran animators were laid off. On March 24, 2014, Disney acquired Maker Studios, an active multi-channel network on YouTube, for $950 million.{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=March 28, 2014 |title=Fresh Off Disney Deal, Maker Studios Comes to Cable TV (Exclusive) |url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/fresh-off-disney-deal-maker-studios-comes-to-cable-tv-exclusive-1201149432/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329223358/http://variety.com/2014/digital/news/fresh-off-disney-deal-maker-studios-comes-to-cable-tv-exclusive-1201149432/ |archive-date=March 29, 2014 |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=Variety}}

In June 2015, the company stated its consumer products and interactive divisions would merge to become new a subsidiary called Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media.{{Cite web |last=Rainey |first=James |date=June 29, 2015 |title=Disney Merges Its Consumer Products and Interactive Divisions |url=https://variety.com/2015/biz/news/disney-merges-consumer-products-interactive-1201530606/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=Variety |archive-date=July 3, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703001428/http://variety.com/2015/biz/news/disney-merges-consumer-products-interactive-1201530606/ |url-status=live }} In August, Marvel Studios was placed under the Walt Disney Studios division.{{Cite news |last1=Masters |first1=Kim |last2=Belloni |first2=Matthew |date=August 31, 2015 |title=Marvel Shake-Up: Film Chief Kevin Feige Breaks Free of CEO Ike Perlmutter (Exclusive) |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/marvel-shake-up-film-chief-819205 |url-status=live |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903181746/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/marvel-shake-up-film-chief-819205 |archive-date=September 3, 2015}} The company's 2015 releases include the successful animated film Inside Out, which grossed over $800 million, and the Marvel film Avengers: Age of Ultron, which grossed over $1.4 billion.{{Cite web |title=2015 Worldwide Box Office |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/2015/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818152249/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/world/2015/ |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |access-date=April 21, 2023 |website=Box Office Mojo}} Star Wars: The Force Awakens was released and grossed over $2 billion, making it the third-highest-grossing film of all time.{{Cite magazine |last=Coggan |first=Devin |date=February 7, 2016 |title=Star Wars: The Force Awakens crosses $2 billion worldwide |url=https://ew.com/article/2016/02/07/star-wars-force-awakens-box-office/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-date=October 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026154808/https://ew.com/article/2016/02/07/star-wars-force-awakens-box-office/ |url-status=live }} On April 4, 2016, Disney announced COO Thomas O. Staggs, who was thought to be next in line after Iger, would leave in May, ending his 26-year career with Disney.{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Brooks |date=April 5, 2016 |title=Thomas Staggs, Disney's Heir Apparent, Is Stepping Down |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/05/business/media/thomas-staggs-walt-disney-company.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127055426/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/05/business/media/thomas-staggs-walt-disney-company.html |archive-date=January 27, 2017}} Shanghai Disneyland opened on June 16, 2016, as the company's sixth theme-park resort.{{Cite news |last=Levine |first=Arthur |date=June 23, 2016 |title=Bob Iger: Shanghai Disney isn't just Disneyland in China |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/2016/06/23/bob-iger-interview-shanghai-disney-resort-opening/86253624/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727162527/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/america/2016/06/23/bob-iger-interview-shanghai-disney-resort-opening/86253624/ |url-status=live }} In a move to start a streaming service, Disney bought 33% of the stock in Major League Baseball technology company Bamtech for $1 billion in August.{{Cite news |last=Castillo |first=Michelle |date=August 9, 2016 |title=Why Disney is spending $1 billion on the MLB's technology unit |work=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/09/how-disney-mlb-advanced-media-deal-sets-them-up-for-the-future.html |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727194038/https://www.cnbc.com/2016/08/09/how-disney-mlb-advanced-media-deal-sets-them-up-for-the-future.html |url-status=live }} In 2016, four Disney film releases made over $1 billion; these were the animated film Zootopia, Marvel film Captain America: Civil War, Pixar film Finding Dory, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, making Disney the first studio to surpass $3 billion at the domestic box office.{{Cite web |last=Doty |first=Meriah |date=January 3, 2017 |title=Disney Becomes First Studio to Top $3 Billion at Domestic Box Office |url=https://www.thewrap.com/disney-becomes-first-studio-top-3-billion-domestic-box-office/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |website=TheWrap |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727194035/https://www.thewrap.com/disney-becomes-first-studio-top-3-billion-domestic-box-office/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Whitten |first=Sarah |date=December 19, 2016 |title=Rogue One could be Disney's fourth billion-dollar film of 2016 |work=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/19/rogue-one-could-be-disneys-fourth-billion-dollar-film-of-2016.html |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727194659/https://www.cnbc.com/2016/12/19/rogue-one-could-be-disneys-fourth-billion-dollar-film-of-2016.html |url-status=live }} Disney made an attempt to buy social media platform Twitter to market their content and merchandise but canceled the deal. Iger stated this was because he thought Disney would be taking on responsibilities it did not need and that it did not "feel Disney" to him.{{Cite news |last=Clifford |first=Tyler |date=September 24, 2019 |title=Disney CEO Bob Iger tells Jim Cramer why he had second thoughts on a Twitter deal — 'I got cold feet for the right reasons' |work=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/24/disney-bob-iger-on-not-buying-twitter-i-got-cold-feet.html |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=November 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122015203/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/09/24/disney-bob-iger-on-not-buying-twitter-i-got-cold-feet.html |url-status=live }}

On March 23, 2017, Disney announced Iger had agreed to a one-year extension as CEO to July 2019, and to remain as a consultant for three years.{{Cite news |last=Lieberman |first=David |date=August 17, 2017 |title=Disney Extends Terms For Four Top Execs Ahead Of Bob Iger's 2019 Exit |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/disney-extends-terms-four-top-execs-ahead-bob-iger-2019-exit-1202151374/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004022608/http://deadline.com/2017/08/disney-extends-terms-four-top-execs-ahead-bob-iger-2019-exit-1202151374/ |archive-date=October 4, 2017}}{{Cite news |last=Lieberman |first=David |date=March 23, 2017 |title=Disney Extends Bob Iger's Contract To July 2019 |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/disney-extends-bob-iger-contract-july-2019-1202049671/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630205330/http://deadline.com/2017/03/disney-extends-bob-iger-contract-july-2019-1202049671/ |archive-date=June 30, 2017}} On August 8, 2017, Disney announced it would be ending its distribution deal with Netflix, with the intent of launching its own streaming platform by 2019. During that time, Disney paid $1.5 billion to acquire a 75% stake in BAMtech. Disney planned to start an ESPN streaming service with about "10,000 live regional, national, and international games and events a year" by 2018.{{Cite news |last=Jacob |first=Kastrenakes |date=August 8, 2017 |title=Disney to end Netflix deal and launch its own streaming service |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/8/16115254/disney-launching-streaming-service-ending-netflix-deal |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=April 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180406102020/https://www.theverge.com/2017/8/8/16115254/disney-launching-streaming-service-ending-netflix-deal |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Castillo |first=Michelle |date=August 8, 2017 |title=Disney will pull its movies from Netflix and start its own streaming services |work=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/08/disney-will-pull-its-movies-from-netflix-and-start-its-own-streaming-services.html |access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-date=May 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530093254/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/08/disney-will-pull-its-movies-from-netflix-and-start-its-own-streaming-services.html |url-status=live }} In November, CCO John Lasseter said he would take a 6-month absence because of "missteps", reported to be sexual misconduct allegations.{{Cite news |last=Zeitchik |first=Steven |date=November 21, 2017 |title=Disney animation guru John Lasseter takes leave after sexual misconduct allegations |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2017/11/21/disney-animation-guru-john-lasseter-takes-leave-after-sexual-misconduct-allegations/ |url-access=limited |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=June 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143555/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/business/wp/2017/11/21/disney-animation-guru-john-lasseter-takes-leave-after-sexual-misconduct-allegations/ |url-status=live }} The same month, Disney and 21st Century Fox started negotiating a deal in which Disney would acquire most of Fox's assets.{{Cite news |last=Faber |first=David |author-link=David Faber (journalist) |date=November 6, 2017 |title=21st Century Fox has been holding talks to sell most of the company to Disney: Sources |work=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/06/21st-century-fox-has-been-holding-talks-to-sell-most-of-company-to-disney-sources.html |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706021750/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/06/21st-century-fox-has-been-holding-talks-to-sell-most-of-company-to-disney-sources.html |url-status=live }} Beginning in March 2018, a reorganization of the company led to the creation of business segments Disney Parks, Experiences and Products and Direct-to-Consumer & International. Parks & Consumer Products was primarily a merger of Parks & Resorts and Consumer Products & Interactive Media, while Direct-to-Consumer & International took over for Disney International and global sales, distribution, and streaming units from Disney-ABC TV Group and Studios Entertainment plus Disney Digital Network.{{Cite news |last=Wang |first=Christine |date=March 14, 2018 |title=Disney announces strategic reorganization, effective immediately |publisher=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/14/disney-announces-strategic-reorganization-effective-immediately.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315003632/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/03/14/disney-announces-strategic-reorganization-effective-immediately.html |archive-date=March 15, 2018}} Iger described it as "strategically positioning our businesses" while according to The New York Times, the reorganization was done in expectation of the 21st Century Fox purchase.{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Brooks |date=March 14, 2018 |title=Disney Reorganization Anticipates 21st Century Fox Assets |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/14/business/media/walt-disney-21st-century-fox.html |access-date=March 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314231057/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/14/business/media/walt-disney-21st-century-fox.html |archive-date=March 14, 2018 |url-access=limited}}

In 2017, two of Disney's films had revenues of over $1 billion; the live-action Beauty and the Beast and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.{{Cite news |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=March 29, 2017 |title=No. 1 Star Wars: The Last Jedi Box Office Profits – 2017 Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/star-wars-the-last-jedi-box-office-movie-profits-1202351603/ |access-date=July 27, 2022 |archive-date=March 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328205702/http://deadline.com/2018/03/star-wars-the-last-jedi-box-office-movie-profits-1202351603/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Matt |date=April 13, 2017 |title=Beauty and the Beast Waltzes to $1 Billion at the Worldwide Box Office |url=https://collider.com/beauty-and-the-beast-1-billion-box-office/ |access-date=July 17, 2022 |website=Collider |archive-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728022516/https://collider.com/beauty-and-the-beast-1-billion-box-office/ |url-status=live }} Disney launched subscription sports streaming service ESPN+ on April 12.{{Cite news |last=Perez |first=A.J. |date=April 2, 2018 |title=ESPN to launch streaming service ESPN+ on April 12 |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2018/04/02/espn-launch-april-espn-plus-streaming-service/478560002/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=June 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210613214315/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/2018/04/02/espn-launch-april-espn-plus-streaming-service/478560002/ |url-status=live }} In June 2018, Lasseter's departure by the end of the year was announced; he would stay as a consultant until then.{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Brooks |date=June 8, 2018 |title=Pixar co-founder to leave Disney after 'missteps' |work=CNBC |agency=The New York Times |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/08/pixar-co-founder-john-lasseter-to-leave-disney-after-missteps.html |access-date=July 27, 2018 |archive-date=June 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180610011948/https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/08/pixar-co-founder-john-lasseter-to-leave-disney-after-missteps.html |url-status=live }} To replace him; Disney promoted Jennifer Lee, co-director of Frozen and co-writer of Wreck-It Ralph (2012), as head of Walt Disney Animation Studios; and Pete Docter, who had been with Pixar since 1990 and directed Up,Monsters, Inc., and Inside Out, as head of Pixar.{{Cite news |last=Faughnder |first=Ryan |date=June 19, 2022 |title=Disney picks two animation filmmakers to replace John Lasseter |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-disney-pixar-leaders-20180619-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=February 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207202637/https://www.latimes.com/business/hollywood/la-fi-ct-disney-pixar-leaders-20180619-story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Burt |first=Kayti |date=June 19, 2018 |title=Jennifer Lee, Pete Docter to Replace John Lasseter at Disney, Pixar |work=Den of Geek |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/jennifer-lee-pete-docter-to-replace-john-lasseter-at-disney-pixar/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=May 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506183040/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/jennifer-lee-pete-docter-to-replace-john-lasseter-at-disney-pixar/ |url-status=live }} Comcast offered to buy 21st Century Fox for $65 billion over Disney's $51 billion bid but withdrew its offer after Disney countered with a $71 billion bid. Disney obtained antitrust approval from the United States Department of Justice to acquire Fox.{{Cite news |last=Gartenberg |first=Chaim |date=July 19, 2018 |title=Comcast gives up on buying 21st Century Fox assets and leaves Disney as the winner |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/19/17590058/comcast-21st-century-fox-bid-withdrawn-disney-rights |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=July 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719160419/https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/19/17590058/comcast-21st-century-fox-bid-withdrawn-disney-rights |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Atkinson |first=Claire |date=June 13, 2018 |title=Comcast offers $65 billion for 21st Century Fox assets |work=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/comcast-offers-65-billion-twenty-first-century-fox-assets-n882871 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109035842/https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/comcast-offers-65-billion-twenty-first-century-fox-assets-n882871 |url-status=live }} Disney again made $7 billion at the box office with three film that made $1 billion; Marvel films Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War—the latter taking over $2 billion and becoming the fifth-highest-grossing film ever— and Pixar film Incredibles 2.{{Cite news |last=McNary |first=Dave |author-link=Dave McNary |date=June 12, 2018 |title=Avengers: Infinity War Soars to $2 Billion at Worldwide Box Office |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2018/film/news/avengers-infinity-war-2-billion-box-office-1202842669/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=June 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613122048/https://variety.com/2018/film/news/avengers-infinity-war-2-billion-box-office-1202842669/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=May 13, 2018 |title=Avengers: Infinity War now 5th highest grossing film of all time worldwide |work=CBS News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/disney-marvel-avengers-infinity-war-5th-highest-grossing-film-worldwide-2018-05-13/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109031628/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/disney-marvel-avengers-infinity-war-5th-highest-grossing-film-worldwide-2018-05-13/ |url-status=live }}

File:Disney+ 2024.svg

On March 20, 2019, Disney acquired 21st Century Fox's assets for $71 billion from Rupert Murdoch, making it the biggest acquisition in Disney's history. After the purchase, The New York Times described Disney as "an entertainment colossus the size of which the world has never seen".{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Brooks |date=March 20, 2019 |title=Disney Moves From Behemoth to Colossus With Closing of Fox Deal |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/20/business/media/walt-disney-21st-century-fox-deal.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=May 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503011735/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/20/business/media/walt-disney-21st-century-fox-deal.html |url-status=live }} Through the acquisition, Disney gained 20th Century Fox; 20th Century Fox Television; Fox Searchlight Pictures; National Geographic Partners; Fox Networks Group; Indian television broadcaster Star India; streaming service Hotstar; and a 30% stake in Hulu, bringing its ownership on Hulu to 60%. Fox Corporation and its assets were excluded from the deal because of antitrust laws.{{Cite news |last=James |first=Emily St. |date=March 20, 2019 |title=Here's what Disney owns after the massive Disney/Fox merger |work=Vox |url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/3/20/18273477/disney-fox-merger-deal-details-marvel-x-men |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=March 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320213129/https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/3/20/18273477/disney-fox-merger-deal-details-marvel-x-men |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=February 23, 2021 |title=Disney Plus Launches Star, A Streaming Outlet With More Grown-Up Fare, In Europe And Other Global Territories |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/disney-launches-star-streaming-service-grown-up-beefs-up-parental-controls-1234698813/ |access-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810011430/https://deadline.com/2021/02/disney-launches-star-streaming-service-grown-up-beefs-up-parental-controls-1234698813/ |url-status=live }} Disney became the first film studio to have seven films gross $1 billion: Marvel's Captain Marvel, the live action Aladdin, Pixar's Toy Story 4, the CGI remake of The Lion King, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and the highest-grossing film of all time up to that point at $2.8 billion Avengers: Endgame.{{Cite news |last=Coyle |first=Jack |date=December 31, 2019 |title=In 2019, the box office belonged to Disney |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-us-news-ap-top-news-canada-movies-1eef5653bdf27f2cb1a99b56ba18cfc5 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215030134/https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-us-news-ap-top-news-canada-movies-1eef5653bdf27f2cb1a99b56ba18cfc5 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Tartaglione |first=Nancy |date=March 13, 2021 |title=Avatar Overtakes Avengers: Endgame As All-Time Highest-Grossing Film Worldwide; Rises To $2.8B Amid China Reissue – Update |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/avatar-overtakes-avengers-endgame-highest-grossing-film-all-time-worldwide-box-office-china-james-cameron-disney-1234713788/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313180044/https://deadline.com/2021/03/avatar-overtakes-avengers-endgame-highest-grossing-film-all-time-worldwide-box-office-china-james-cameron-disney-1234713788/ |archive-date=March 13, 2021 |access-date=September 15, 2022 |work=Deadline Hollywood}} On November 12, Disney's subscription video on-demand over-the-top streaming service Disney+, which had 500 movies and 7,500 episodes of television shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, National Geographic, and other brands, was launched in the US, Canada and the Netherlands. Within the first day, the streaming platform had over 10 million subscriptions; and by 2022 it had over 135 million and was available in over 190 countries.{{Cite news |last=Sprangler |first=Todd |date=November 13, 2019 |title=Disney Says Disney Plus Has Over 10 Million Sign-Ups After Launch Day |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/disney-says-disney-plus-has-over-10-million-signups-1203403515/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=November 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113172427/https://variety.com/2019/digital/news/disney-says-disney-plus-has-over-10-million-signups-1203403515/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Pierce |first=David |date=June 14, 2022 |title=Disney Plus is now live in more than 50 new countries and territories |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/14/23167230/disney-plus-new-countries-europe-africa-asia |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=June 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617073512/https://www.theverge.com/2022/6/14/23167230/disney-plus-new-countries-europe-africa-asia |url-status=live }} At the beginning of 2020, Disney removed the Fox name from its assets, rebranding them as 20th Century Studios and Searchlight Pictures.{{Cite news |last=Vary |first=Adam |date=January 17, 2020 |title=Disney Drops Fox Name, Will Rebrand as 20th Century Studios, Searchlight Pictures |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/disney-dropping-fox-20th-century-studios-1203470349/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=January 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119154738/https://variety.com/2020/film/news/disney-dropping-fox-20th-century-studios-1203470349/ |url-status=live }}

{{further|Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Walt Disney Company}}

Bob Chapek, who had been with the company for 18 years and was chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, became CEO after Iger resigned on February 25, 2020. Iger said he would stay as an Executive chairman until December 31, 2021, to help with its creative strategy.{{Cite news |last1=Tyko |first1=Kelly |last2=Snider |first2=Mike |date=February 25, 2020 |title=Walt Disney Co. names Bob Chapek new CEO. Bob Iger to stay on as company executive chairman |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/02/25/disney-ceo-bob-iger-replaced-bob-chapek/4871705002/ |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723130943/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2020/02/25/disney-ceo-bob-iger-replaced-bob-chapek/4871705002/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Zeitchik |first=Steven |date=February 25, 2020 |title=In a surprise move, Disney chief executive Robert Iger steps down and is replaced by a theme-park lieutenant |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/02/25/disney-names-bob-chapek-ceo-robert-iger-become-executive-chairman/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606083205/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/02/25/disney-names-bob-chapek-ceo-robert-iger-become-executive-chairman/ |archive-date=June 6, 2020}} In April, Iger resumed operational duties as executive chairman to help the company during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Chapek was appointed to the board of directors.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Ben |date=April 13, 2020 |title=Bob Iger Thought He Was Leaving on Top. Now, He's Fighting for Disney's Life. |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/12/business/media/disney-ceo-coronavirus.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413011004/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/12/business/media/disney-ceo-coronavirus.html |archive-date=April 13, 2020}}{{Cite web |last=Goldsmith |first=Jill |date=April 15, 2020 |title=Walt Disney CEO Bob Chapek Takes A Seat On The Company's Board |url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/walt-disney-ceo-bob-chapek-board-seat-iger-1202909347/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418234630/https://deadline.com/2020/04/walt-disney-ceo-bob-chapek-board-seat-iger-1202909347/ |archive-date=April 18, 2020 |access-date=July 28, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} During the pandemic, Disney temporarily closed all its theme parks, delayed the release of several movies, and stopped all cruises.{{Cite news |last=Julia |first=Alexander |date=March 12, 2020 |title=Disney closes all theme parks as coronavirus spreads globally |work=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/12/21176494/disney-parks-world-land-coronavirus-covid19-closure-california-florida-paris |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=April 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413033930/https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/12/21176494/disney-parks-world-land-coronavirus-covid19-closure-california-florida-paris |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=March 17, 2020 |title=Disney delays Marvel's 'Black Widow' debut due to coronavirus |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-movies-idUKKBN2143B8 |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730020222/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-health-coronavirus-movies-idUKKBN2143B8 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Luscombe |first=Richard |date=March 16, 2020 |title=End of the cruise? Industry struggles through rough waters of coronavirus crisis |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/mar/16/end-of-the-cruise-industry-struggles-through-rough-waters-of-coronavirus-crisis |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=April 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401165608/https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/mar/16/end-of-the-cruise-industry-struggles-through-rough-waters-of-coronavirus-crisis |url-status=live }} Due to the closures, Disney announced it would stop paying 100,000 employees but still provide healthcare benefits, and urged US employees to apply for government benefits, saving the company $500 million a month. Iger gave up his $47 million salary and Chapek took a 50% salary reduction.{{Cite news |date=April 20, 2020 |title=Disney stops paying 100,000 workers during downturn |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52349729 |url-access=limited |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421231122/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-52349729 |url-status=live }}

In the company's second fiscal quarter of 2020, Disney reported a $1.4 billion loss, with a fall in earnings of 91% to $475 million from the previous year's $5.4 billion.{{Cite news |last=Brooks |first=Khristopher J. |date=May 5, 2020 |title=Disney lost $1.4 billion due to coronavirus last quarter |work=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/disney-q1-earnings-1-4-billion-coronavirus-pandemic/ |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730020151/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/disney-q1-earnings-1-4-billion-coronavirus-pandemic/ |url-status=live }} By August, two-thirds of the company was owned by large financial institutions.{{Cite news |title=Walt Disney Company (The) Common Stock – DIS Institutional Holdings |publisher=Nasdaq |url=https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/dis/institutional-holdings |url-status=live |access-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416163053/https://www.nasdaq.com/market-activity/stocks/dis/institutional-holdings |archive-date=April 16, 2020}} In September, the company dismissed 28,000 employees, 67% of whom were part-time, from its Parks, Experiences and Products division. Chairman of the division Josh D'Amaro wrote; "We initially hoped that this situation would be short-lived, and that we would recover quickly and return to normal. Seven months later, we find that has not been the case." Disney lost $4.7 billion in its fiscal third quarter of 2020.{{Cite news |last=Blair |first=Elizabeth |date=September 29, 2020 |title=Disney Lays Off 28,000 Workers, 67% Are Part-Time Employees |work=NPR |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/09/29/918384935/disney-lays-off-28-000-workers |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=April 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430101942/https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/09/29/918384935/disney-lays-off-28-000-workers |url-status=live }} In November, Disney laid off another 4,000 employees, raising the total to 32,000 employees.{{Cite news |date=November 27, 2020 |title=Disney to lay off 4,000 more employees amid pandemic |work=ABC News |agency=Associated Press |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/disney-lay-off-4000-california-florida-parks-74428660 |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=March 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210329134951/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/disney-lay-off-4000-california-florida-parks-74428660 |url-status=live }} The following month, Disney named Alan Bergman as chairman of its Disney Studios Content division to oversee its film studios.{{Cite news |last=Dang |first=Sheila |date=December 21, 2020 |title=Disney names Bergman as chairman of Studios Content division |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-walt-disney-chairman-idUSKBN28V2J6 |url-status=live |access-date=December 21, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221194939/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-walt-disney-chairman-idUSKBN28V2J6 |archive-date=December 21, 2020}} Due to the COVID-19 recession, Touchstone Television ceased operations in December,{{Cite news |last=Holloway |first=Daniel |date=December 1, 2020 |title=Dana Walden Reorganizes Disney TV Team; Karey Burke Moves to 20th as Craig Erwich Adds ABC Entertainment |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/dana-walden-disney-tv-karey-burke-craig-erwich-1234843308/ |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=May 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501081428/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/dana-walden-disney-tv-karey-burke-craig-erwich-1234843308/ |url-status=live }} Disney announced in March 2021 it would be launching a new division called 20th Television Animation to focus on mature audiences,{{Cite news |last=White |first=Peter |date=March 30, 2021 |title=Disney Launches 20th Television Animation, Promotes Veteran Exec Marci Proietto To Run New Unit Responsible For The Simpsons & Family Guy |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/disney-launches-20th-television-animation-promotes-marci-proietto-the-simpsons-family-guy-1234723503/ |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531133756/https://deadline.com/2021/03/disney-launches-20th-television-animation-promotes-marci-proietto-the-simpsons-family-guy-1234723503/ |url-status=live }} and Disney closed its third animation studio Blue Sky Studios in April 2021.{{Cite news |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=February 9, 2022 |title=Disney Closing Blue Sky Studios, Fox's Once-Dominant Animation House Behind Ice Age Franchise |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/blue-sky-studios-closing-disney-ice-age-franchise-animation-1234690310/ |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209175505/https://deadline.com/2021/02/blue-sky-studios-closing-disney-ice-age-franchise-animation-1234690310/ |url-status=live }} Later that month, Disney and Sony agreed a multi-year licensing deal that would give Disney access to Sony's films from 2022 to 2026 to televise or stream on Disney+ once Sony's deal with Netflix ended.{{Cite news |last=Baysinger |first=Tim |date=April 21, 2022 |title=Disney Signs Licensing Deal for Sony Films |work=TheWrap |url=https://www.thewrap.com/disney-cuts-licensing-deal-for-sony-films/ |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=August 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801130955/https://www.thewrap.com/disney-cuts-licensing-deal-for-sony-films/ |url-status=live }} Although it performed poorly at the box office because of COVID-19, Disney's animated film Encanto (2021) was one of the biggest hits during the pandemic, with its song "We Don't Talk About Bruno" topping the US Billboard Hot 100 charts.{{Cite magazine |last=Nolfi |first=Joey |date=January 18, 2022 |title=Encanto song 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' passes 'Let It Go' as highest-charting Disney animated hit in 26 years |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |url=https://ew.com/movies/encanto-we-dont-talk-about-bruno-biggest-disney-movie-song-billboard/ |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=January 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119045144/https://ew.com/movies/encanto-we-dont-talk-about-bruno-biggest-disney-movie-song-billboard/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Encanto (2021) |work=The Numbers |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Encanto-(2021)#tab=summary |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=May 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525172335/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Encanto-(2021)#tab=summary |url-status=live }}

After Iger's term as executive chairman ended on December 31, he announced he would resign as chairman. The company brought in an operating executive at The Carlyle Group and former board member Susan Arnold as Disney's first female chairperson.{{Cite news |last=Steinberg |first=Brian |date=December 1, 2021 |title=Susan Arnold Will Take Disney Chairman Role After Bob Iger's Departure |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/susan-arnold-disney-chairman-bob-iger-1235123402/ |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=June 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609011609/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/susan-arnold-disney-chairman-bob-iger-1235123402/ |url-status=live }} On March 10, Disney ceased operations in Russia because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and was the first major Hollywood studio to halt release of a major picture due to Russia's invasion; other movie studios followed.{{Cite news |last1=Hipes |first1=Patrick |last2=Patten |first2=Dominic |date=March 10, 2022 |title=Disney Expands Russia Pause To Include "All Other Businesses" |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2022/03/disney-ends-russia-business-ukraine-war-1234975481/ |url-status=live |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314220318/https://deadline.com/2022/03/disney-ends-russia-business-ukraine-war-1234975481/ |archive-date=March 14, 2022}} In March 2022, around 60 employees protested the company's silence on the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act that was dubbed the Don't Say Gay Bill, and prohibits non-age-appropriate classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida's public-school districts. The protest was dubbed the "Disney Do Better Walkout"; employees protested near a Disney Studios lot, and other employees voiced their concerns through social media. Employees called on Disney to stop campaign contributions to Florida politicians who supported the bill, to help protect employees from it, and to stop construction at Walt Disney World in Florida. Chapek responded by stating the company had made a mistake by staying silent and said; "We pledge our ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community".{{Cite news |last1=Richwine |first1=Lisa |last2=Chmielewski |first2=Dawn |date=March 23, 2022 |title=Disney employees stage walkouts to protest company response to Florida bill |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/disney-employees-stage-walkouts-protest-company-response-florida-bill-2022-03-22/ |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523203500/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/disney-employees-stage-walkouts-protest-company-response-florida-bill-2022-03-22/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Schneider |first1=Mike |last2=Brendan |first2=Farrington |date=March 22, 2022 |title=Disney in balancing act as some workers walk out in protest |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/business-travel-arts-and-entertainment-florida-lifestyle-be24e5ea65acff3e1cfe94649c26e023 |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=July 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728092828/https://apnews.com/article/business-travel-arts-and-entertainment-florida-lifestyle-be24e5ea65acff3e1cfe94649c26e023 |url-status=live }} Amid Disney's response to the bill, the Florida Legislature passed a bill to remove Disney's quasi-government district Reedy Creek.{{Cite news |last=Whitton |first=Sarah |date=April 21, 2022 |title=Florida Republicans vote to dissolve Disney's special district, eliminating privileges and setting up a legal battle |work=CNBC |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/21/florida-set-to-dissolve-disneys-reedy-creek-special-district.html |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=April 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421182727/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/04/21/florida-set-to-dissolve-disneys-reedy-creek-special-district.html |url-status=live }}

On June 28, Disney's board members unanimously agreed to give Chapek a three-year contract extension.{{Cite news |last=Lang |first=Brent |date=June 28, 2022 |title=Embattled Disney CEO Bob Chapek Gets Contract Extension |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/disney-ceo-bob-chapek-contract-extended-1235305477/ |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=July 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720064555/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/disney-ceo-bob-chapek-contract-extended-1235305477/ |url-status=live }} In August, Disney Streaming exceeded Netflix in total subscriptions with 221 million subscribers compared to Netflix's 220 million.{{Cite news |last=Goldsmith |first=Jill |date=August 10, 2022 |title=Disney's Streaming Services Passed Netflix In Total Subscriptions – Update |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2022/08/disney-just-passed-netflix-in-total-streaming-subscribers-1235089361/ |access-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813002219/https://deadline.com/2022/08/disney-just-passed-netflix-in-total-streaming-subscribers-1235089361/ |url-status=live }}

On November 20, 2022, Iger accepted the position of Disney's CEO after Chapek was dismissed following poor earnings performance and decisions unpopular with other executives.{{cite news |last1=Toonkel |first1=Joe Flint, Robbie Whelan, Erich Schwartzel, Emily Glazer and Jessica |title=Bob Iger vs. Bob Chapek: Inside the Disney Coup |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/bob-iger-bob-chapek-disney-coup-11671236928 |access-date=April 27, 2023 |work=WSJ |date=December 17, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Meg |title=Behind the stunning exit of Disney CEO Bob Chapek |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2022-11-21/bob-chapek-disney-ouster-bog-iger |access-date=April 27, 2023 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=November 22, 2022}} The board announced Iger would serve for two years with a mandate to develop a strategy for renewed growth and help identify a successor.{{Cite web |last1=Hayes |first1=Dominic Patten, Dade |last2=Patten |first2=Dominic |last3=Hayes |first3=Dade |date=November 21, 2022 |title=Disney Shocker! Bob Iger Back As CEO, Bob Chapek Out |url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/disney-bob-iger-returns-ceo-bob-chapek-out-1235178223/ |access-date=November 21, 2022 |website=Deadline}}

In November 2022, a group of YouTube TV subscribers in four states filed a class-action antitrust lawsuit against Disney, alleging that Disney's control of both ESPN and Hulu allowed the company to "inflate prices marketwise by raising the prices of its own products" and by requiring streaming services including YouTube TV and Sling TV to include ESPN in base packages, forcing subscribers to pay more for subscriptions than they would in a competitive market.{{Cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |date=November 23, 2022 |title=Disney Hit With Antitrust Suit Claiming Hulu & ESPN Deals "Inflate Prices" Of Live Streaming TV |url=https://deadline.com/2022/11/disney-sued-antitrust-hulu-espn-deals-inflate-prices-live-streaming-tv-1235180597/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123050347/https://deadline.com/2022/11/disney-sued-antitrust-hulu-espn-deals-inflate-prices-live-streaming-tv-1235180597/ |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=June 26, 2024 |title=Disney Fails Again To Get Antitrust Class Action Over ESPN & Hulu Ownership Tossed Out |url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/disney-lawsuit-espn-hulu-antitrust-1235983302/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626012436/https://deadline.com/2024/06/disney-lawsuit-espn-hulu-antitrust-1235983302/ |archive-date=June 26, 2024 |access-date=July 2, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}}

In January 2023, Disney announced that Mark Parker would replace Arnold as the company's chairperson.{{cite web|url=https://www.wdwinfo.com/news-stories/disney-appoints-mark-parker-as-chairman-of-the-board-replacing-susan-arnold/|title=Disney Appoints Mark Parker As Chairman of the Board, Replacing Susan Arnold|first=Jackie|last=Galley|publisher=www.wdwinfo.com|date=January 11, 2023|accessdate=January 14, 2023}} In February 2023, Disney announced that it would be cutting $5.5 billion in costs, which includes eliminating 7,000 jobs representing 3% of its workforce. Disney reorganized into three divisions: Entertainment, ESPN, and Parks, Experiences and Products.{{Cite web |last1=Rizzo |first1=Lillian |last2=Whitten |first2=Sarah |date=February 8, 2023 |title=Disney to cut 7,000 jobs and slash $5.5 billion in costs as it unveils vast restructuring |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2023/02/08/disney-reorganization.html |access-date=February 9, 2023 |website=CNBC}} In April 2023, Disney implemented the second and largest wave of job cuts, affecting Disney Parks, Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and the Experiences and Product division. This move was part of the plan to cut costs by $5.5 billion.{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/24/media/disney-begin-layoffs/index.html |title=Disney begins largest wave of layoffs, targeting thousands at ESPN, Parks, and other divisions |work=CNN}}

File:Disney 100 Years of Wonder.svg

In 2023, Disney began its "100 Years of Wonder" campaign in celebration of the centennial anniversary of the company's founding. This included a new animated centennial logo intro for the Walt Disney Pictures division, a touring exhibition, events at the parks and a commemorative commercial that aired during Super Bowl LVII.{{Cite press release|last=Zachary|date=February 12, 2023|title=Disney Debuts Super Bowl LVII Commercial Celebrating 100 Years of Storytelling and Shared Memories|url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-debuts-super-bowl-lvii-commercial-celebrating-100-years-of-storytelling-and-shared-memories/|access-date=February 12, 2023|publisher=The Walt Disney Company|language=en-US|archive-date=February 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213035323/https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-debuts-super-bowl-lvii-commercial-celebrating-100-years-of-storytelling-and-shared-memories/|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://advanced-television.com/2023/02/13/disneys-super-bowl-ad-rated-most-effective/ | title=Disney's Super Bowl ad rated 'most effective' | date=February 13, 2023 }}

In October 2023, Disney announced its entrance into sports betting through a partnership with Penn Entertainment, launching the ESPN Bet app, despite internal debates and concerns over brand image. This move marked a significant pivot from Iger's earlier stance against gambling, driven by the potential to attract younger audiences and secure a financial future for ESPN, amidst declining traditional TV viewership and increasing online sports gambling revenue.{{Cite web |last=Whelan |first=Robbie |date=October 13, 2023 |title=Disney Agonized About Sports Betting. Now It's Going All In. |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/disney-agonized-about-sports-betting-now-it-s-going-all-in-11697140295777.html |access-date=April 5, 2024 |website=mint |language=en}} In November 2023, Disney shortened the lengthy name of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products to Disney Experiences.{{Cite web |last=Brzeski |first=Patrick |date=November 16, 2023 |title=Disney's "Turbocharging" of Theme Park Business Gathers Pace With 'Frozen Land' Launch in Hong Kong |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-frozen-land-hong-kong-disneyland-resort-1235648764/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116193929/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/disney-frozen-land-hong-kong-disneyland-resort-1235648764/ |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |access-date=November 17, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

In February 2024, Debra O'Connell, a longtime executive at Disney, was appointed president of a new news division that would include ABC News and local stations. O'Connell is responsible for ABC News's signature properties, including Good Morning America and World News Tonight. It will serve as an intermediary between Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment and Kim Godwin, the ABC News president. Other online news units have similar processes.{{Cite news|language=en|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/14/business/media/debra-oconnell-news-disney.html|title=Debra O'Connell to Oversee News at Disney|work=The New York Times |date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=February 27, 2024|archive-date=February 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216211542/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/14/business/media/debra-oconnell-news-disney.html |last1=Koblin |first1=John }} In February, Walt Disney and Reliance Industries announced the merger of their India TV and streaming media assets.{{Cite web |last1=Frater |first1=Naman Ramachandran, Patrick |last2=Ramachandran |first2=Naman |last3=Frater |first3=Patrick |date=February 28, 2024 |title=Disney, Reliance Seal $8.5 Billion Deal to Merge Indian Media Businesses |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/disney-reliance-merger-deal-indian-media-1235925129/ |access-date=February 28, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

In July 2024, a hacker group called "NullBulge" allegedly stole and leaked over a terabyte of the company's Slack messages. The motive for the breach appeared to be the group's dislike of art generated by artificial intelligence.{{Cite magazine |last=Newman |first=Lily Hay |title=Hackers Claim to Have Leaked 1.1 TB of Disney Slack Messages |url=https://www.wired.com/story/disney-slack-leak-nullbulge/ |access-date=July 17, 2024 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}

Members of Generation Z were notably absent from the D23 fan event held in August 2024 in Anaheim, which was dominated by millennials representing all 50 U.S. states and 36 countries.{{cite news |last1=Beckett |first1=Lois |title=Honey, I lost the kids: is generation Z done with Disney? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/aug/18/disney-generation-z-younger-fans |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=August 18, 2024}} Disney chief brand officer Asad Ayaz pushed back against the idea that this was a symptom of a broader trend: "Our fandoms and our fans and different generations show up in different ways". Theme park experts noted that the true test of the enduring power of the Disney brand will be whether Generation Z takes Generation Alpha to Disney theme parks.

In October 2024, Disney announced James P. Gorman would replace Mark Parker as chairman in January 2025. It also announced a successor to CEO Bob Iger would be named in early 2026.{{Cite web |last=Sherman |first=Alex |date=2024-10-21 |title=Disney will name Bob Iger's replacement in early 2026; James Gorman to become board chair next year |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/21/disney-ceo-succession-plan-board-chair.html |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=CNBC |language=en}}

On May 7, 2025, Disney announced their seventh resort, Disneyland Abu Dhabi, planned for Yas Island. Similar to Tokyo Disney Resort, it will not be owned or managed by Disney, but instead by Miral Group.{{Cite web |date=7 May 2025 |title=Disney Announces Plans for New Theme Park and Resort with Miral in Abu Dhabi |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/disney-announces-abu-dhabi-theme-park/ |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=The Walt Disney Company |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Natasha |date=7 May 2025 |title=Disney announces a new theme park in Abu Dhabi, its first new resort in a generation |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/07/travel/disney-earnings-new-themepark-abu-dhabi |access-date=7 May 2025 |website=CNN |language=en}}

{{Main list|List of assets owned by the Walt Disney Company|List of libraries owned by the Walt Disney Company}}

The Walt Disney Company operates three primary business segments:

• Disney Entertainment oversees the company's full portfolio of entertainment media and content businesses globally, including the Walt Disney Studios, Disney General Entertainment Content, Disney Streaming and Disney Platform Distribution. The division is led by Alan Bergman and Dana Walden.
• ESPN is responsible for the management and supervision of the company's portfolio of sports content, products, and experiences across all of Disney's platforms worldwide, including its international sports channels. The division is led by James Pitaro.
• Disney Experiences is responsible for theme parks and resorts, cruise and vacation experiences, and consumer products such as toys, apparel, books, and video games. The division is led by Josh D'Amaro.

File:Teamdisneyburbankbuilding.jpg

;Board of directors{{Cite web |title=Disney – Leadership |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/about/#leadership |access-date=August 14, 2022 |website=The Walt Disney Company}}

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• James P. Gorman (Chairman)
• Mary Barra
• Amy Chang
• Jeremy Darroch
• Carolyn Everson
• Michael Froman
• Bob Iger
• Maria Elena Lagomasino
• Calvin McDonald
• Derica W. Rice

{{div col end}}

;Executives

• Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer
• Asad Ayaz, Chief Brand Officer
• Alan Bergman, Co-Chairman, Disney Entertainment
• Sonia Coleman, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer
• Tinisha Agramonte, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer
• David Bowdich, Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer
• Josh D'Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences
• Horacio Gutierrez, Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer
• Jolene Negre, Deputy General Counsel – Securities Regulation, Governance & Secretary
• Hugh Johnston, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• Carlos A. Gómez, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Head of Investor Relations
• Brent Woodford, Executive Vice President, Controllership, Finance and Tax
• James Pitaro, Chairman, ESPN
• Kristina Schake, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer
• Dana Walden, Co-Chairman, Disney Entertainment

• Executive chairmen
• Bob Iger (2020–2021)
• Chairmen
• Walt Disney (1945–1960)
• Roy O. Disney (1964–1971)
• Donn Tatum (1971–1980)
• Card Walker (1980–1983)
• Raymond Watson (1983–1984)
• Michael Eisner (1984–2004)
• George J. Mitchell (2004–2006)
• John E. Pepper Jr. (2007–2012)
• Bob Iger (2012–2021)
• Susan Arnold (2022–2023)
• Mark Parker (2023–2025)
• James P. Gorman (2025–present)
• Vice chairmen
• Roy E. Disney (1984–2003)
• Sanford Litvack (1999–2000){{efn|His official title was co. vice chairman.}}{{Cite news |last=Verrier |first=Richard |date=October 16, 2000 |title=Disney Executive Resignation Come As No Surprise |work=Orlando Sentinel |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2000-10-16-0010160068-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=August 4, 2022 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810153119/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2000-10-16-0010160068-story.html |url-status=live }}
• Presidents
• Walt Disney (1923–1945)
• Roy O. Disney (1945–1968)
• Donn Tatum (1968–1971)
• Card Walker (1971–1980)
• Ron W. Miller (1980–1984)
• Frank Wells (1984–1994)
• Michael Ovitz (1995–1997)
• Michael Eisner (1997–2000)
• Bob Iger (2000–2012)
• Chief executive officers (CEO)
• Roy O. Disney (1929–1971)
• Donn Tatum (1971–1976)
• Card Walker (1976–1983)
• Ron W. Miller (1983–1984)
• Michael Eisner (1984–2005)
• Bob Iger (2005–2020; 2022–present)
• Bob Chapek (2020–2022)
• Chief operating officers (COO)
• Card Walker (1968–1976)
• Ron W. Miller (1980–1984)
• Frank Wells (1984–1994)
• Thomas O. Staggs (2015–2016)

{{See also|List of Academy Awards for Walt Disney}}

As of 2022, the Walt Disney Company has won 135 Academy Awards, 32 of them were awarded to Walt. The company has won 16 Academy Awards for Best Animated Short Film, 16 for Best Original Song, 15 for Best Animated Feature, 11 for Best Original Score, 5 for Best Documentary Feature, 5 for Best Visual Effects, and several others as well special awards.{{Cite web |title=Academy Awards |url=https://d23.com/a-to-z/academy-awards/#:~:text=As%20of%202021%2C%20Disney%20has,Guinness%20Book%20of%20World%20Records. |access-date=August 5, 2022 |website=D23 |publisher=Disney |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822021006/https://d23.com/a-to-z/academy-awards/#:~:text=As%20of%202021%2C%20Disney%20has,Guinness%20Book%20of%20World%20Records. |url-status=live }} Disney has also won 29 Golden Globe Awards, 51 British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards, and 36 Grammy Awards as of 2022.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Zach |date=March 15, 2021 |title=The Walt Disney Company Earns 15 Oscar® Nominations |url=https://d23.com/the-walt-disney-company-earns-15-oscar-nominations/ |access-date=August 5, 2022 |website=D23 |publisher=Disney |archive-date=August 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806021329/https://d23.com/the-walt-disney-company-earns-15-oscar-nominations/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Sarto |first=Dan |date=January 10, 2022 |title=Encanto Wins for Best Animated Feature at 79th Golden Globe Awards |work=Animation World Magazine |url=https://www.awn.com/blog/encanto-wins-best-animated-feature-79th-golden-globe-awards |access-date=August 5, 2022 |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822021006/https://www.awn.com/blog/encanto-wins-best-animated-feature-79th-golden-globe-awards |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=April 12, 2021 |title=The Walt Disney Company Wins 6 BAFTA Awards |work=Disney |url=https://thewaltdisneycompany.eu/the-walt-disney-company-wins-6-bafta-awards/ |access-date=August 5, 2022 |archive-date=August 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804125706/https://thewaltdisneycompany.eu/the-walt-disney-company-wins-6-bafta-awards/ |url-status=live }}{{efn|List of references for Grammy Awards:{{Cite web |title=1964 Grammy Winners |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/7th-annual-grammy-awards |access-date=August 7, 2022 |website=Grammy Awards |archive-date=July 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160715220243/http://www.grammy.com/awards/7th-annual-grammy-awards |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Moy |first=Suelane |date=March 8, 2001 |title=Another Victory for The Little Mermaid |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |url=https://ew.com/article/1991/03/08/another-victory-little-mermaid/ |access-date=August 7, 2022 |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822021011/https://ew.com/article/1991/03/08/another-victory-little-mermaid/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Considine |first=J.D. |date=February 25, 2022 |title=Grammys, Not Tears For Clapton Beauty and the Beast Music Also Wins Big For Songwriters, Vocalists |work=The Baltimore Sun |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1993-02-25-1993056193-story.html |url-access=limited |access-date=August 7, 2022 |archive-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621074707/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1993-02-25-1993056193-story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Pareles |first=Jon |date=March 2, 1994 |title=Top Grammy to Houston; 5 for Aladdin |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/02/movies/top-grammy-to-houston-5-for-aladdin.html |url-access=limited |access-date=August 7, 2022 |archive-date=June 2, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090602224016/http://www.nytimes.com/1994/03/02/movies/top-grammy-to-houston-5-for-aladdin.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=1994 Grammy Winners |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/37th-annual-grammy-awards |access-date=August 7, 2022 |website=Grammy Awards |archive-date=March 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303194245/https://www.grammy.com/awards/37th-annual-grammy-awards |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=1995 Grammy Winners |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/38th-annual-grammy-awards |access-date=August 7, 2022 |website=Grammy Awards |archive-date=March 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313001003/https://www.grammy.com/awards/38th-annual-grammy-awards |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=1999 Grammy Winners |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/42nd-annual-grammy-awards |access-date=August 7, 2022 |website=Grammy Awards |archive-date=March 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308120651/https://www.grammy.com/awards/42nd-annual-grammy-awards |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2000 Grammy Winners |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/43rd-annual-grammy-awards |access-date=August 7, 2022 |website=Grammy Award |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714000403/https://www.grammy.com/awards/43rd-annual-grammy-awards |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Baisley |first=Sarah |date=February 24, 2003 |title=Monsters, Inc. Records Win At The Grammys |work=Animation World Magazine |url=https://www.awn.com/news/monsters-inc-records-win-grammys |access-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808220037/https://www.awn.com/news/monsters-inc-records-win-grammys |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2006 Grammy Winners |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/49th-annual-grammy-awards |access-date=August 8, 2022 |website=Grammy Awards |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703180133/https://www.grammy.com/awards/49th-annual-grammy-awards |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2008 Grammy Awards |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/51st-annual-grammy-awards |access-date=August 8, 2022 |website=Grammy Awards |archive-date=February 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208174157/http://www.grammy.com/awards/51st-annual-grammy-awards |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2009 Grammy Winners |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/52nd-annual-grammy-awards |access-date=August 8, 2022 |website=Grammy Awards |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822021016/https://www.grammy.com/awards/52nd-annual-grammy-awards |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2010 Grammy Winners |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/53rd-annual-grammy-awards |access-date=August 8, 2022 |website=Grammy Awards |archive-date=July 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220701234906/https://www.grammy.com/awards/53rd-annual-grammy-awards |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2011 Grammy Winners |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/54th-annual-grammy-awards |access-date=August 8, 2022 |website=Grammy Awards |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619061125/http://www.grammy.com/awards/54th-annual-grammy-awards |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=David |first=Bloom |date=February 8, 2014 |title=Frozen Slips In Two More Grammy Wins |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2015/02/frozen-slips-in-two-more-grammy-wins-1201369199/ |access-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808220037/https://deadline.com/2015/02/frozen-slips-in-two-more-grammy-wins-1201369199/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Shepherd |first=Jack |title=John Williams wins 23rd Grammy Award for work on Star Wars: The Force Awakens just days after 85th birthday |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/grammy-awards-2017-john-williams-star-wars-the-force-awakens-a7578276.html |url-access=limited |access-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808220037/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/grammy-awards-2017-john-williams-star-wars-the-force-awakens-a7578276.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=2017 Grammy Winners |work=Grammy Awards |url=https://www.grammy.com/awards/60th-annual-grammy-awards-2017 |access-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715024133/https://www.grammy.com/awards/60th-annual-grammy-awards-2017 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=White |first=Abbey |date=February 10, 2019 |title=Black Panther Wins Two Grammys |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/black-panther-album-soundtrack-win-at-2019-grammys-awards-1185173/ |access-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808220037/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/black-panther-album-soundtrack-win-at-2019-grammys-awards-1185173/ |url-status=live }}}}

The Walt Disney Company is one of the world's largest entertainment companies and is considered to be a pioneer in the animation industry, having produced 790 features, 122 of which are animated films.{{Cite web |title=List of Disney Films |url=https://d23.com/list-of-disney-films/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |website=D23 |publisher=The Walt Disney Company |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822021006/https://d23.com/list-of-disney-films/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Cohen |first=Karl |date=January 1, 2000 |title=Milestones of the Animation Industry in The 20th Century |work=Animation World Magazine |url=https://www.awn.com/animationworld/milestones-animation-industry-20th-century |access-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-date=January 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120010217/http://www.awn.com/animationworld/milestones-animation-industry-20th-century |url-status=live }} Many of their films are considered to be the greatest of all time, including Pinocchio, Toy Story, Bambi, Ratatouille, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Mary Poppins.{{Cite news |date=April 30, 2012 |title=100 best films of all time, according to critics |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/featured/sns-stacker-best-films-all-time-20210430-sd3hxsnsjrhu3ngv4tbyovc32q-photogallery.html |url-access=limited |access-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822021007/https://www.chicagotribune.com/featured/sns-stacker-best-films-all-time-20210430-sd3hxsnsjrhu3ngv4tbyovc32q-photogallery.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=March 15, 2022 |title=The 100 Best Movies of All Time |url=https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g226/best-movies-ever-0609/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |url-access=limited |website=Esquire |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815181009/https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/movies/g226/best-movies-ever-0609/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |date=July 11, 2013 |title=Movies: Top 100 |url=https://ew.com/gallery/movies-top-100/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815181009/https://ew.com/gallery/movies-top-100/ |url-status=live }} Disney has also created some of the most influential and memorable characters of all time, such as Mickey Mouse, Woody, Captain America (MCU), Jack Sparrow, Iron Man (MCU), and Elsa.{{Cite web |date=August 10, 2020 |title=The 100 Greatest Movie Characters |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/100-greatest-movie-characters/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |website=Empire |archive-date=December 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213002250/http://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/100-greatest-movie-characters/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=D'addario |first=Daniel |date=December 3, 2014 |title=The 15 Most Influential Fictional Characters of 2014 |magazine=Time |url=https://time.com/3612615/influential-characters-2014/ |url-access=limited |access-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815235035/https://time.com/3612615/influential-characters-2014/ |url-status=live }}

Disney has been recognized for revolutionizing the animation industry; according to Den of Geek, the risk of making the first animated feature Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs has "changed cinema".{{Cite web |last=Lambie |first=Ryan |date=February 8, 2019 |title=Disney's Snow White: The Risk That Changed Filmmaking Forever |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/disneys-snow-white-the-risk-that-changed-filmmaking-forever/ |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=Den of Geek |archive-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215180427/https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/disneys-snow-white-the-risk-that-changed-filmmaking-forever/ |url-status=live }} The company, mainly through Walt, has introduced new technologies and more-advanced techniques for animating, as well as adding personalities to characters.{{Cite news |last=Dakks |first=Brian |date=November 1, 2006 |title=Walt Disney: More Than 'Toons, Theme Parks |work=CBS News |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/walt-disney-more-than-toons-theme-parks/ |access-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-date=February 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214142344/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/walt-disney-more-than-toons-theme-parks/ |url-status=live }} Some of Disney's technological innovations for animation include invention of the multiplane camera, xerography, CAPS, deep canvas, and RenderMan. Many songs from the company's films have become extremely popular, and several have peaked at number one on Billboard's Hot 100.{{Cite magazine |last=Unterberger |first=Andrew |date=April 6, 2022 |title='We Don't Talk About Bruno' From Encanto Now Tops Billboard's Greatest of All Time Disney Songs Chart Ranking |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/biggest-disney-hits-all-time-1235018081/ |access-date=August 16, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=August 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808015332/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/biggest-disney-hits-all-time-1235018081/ |url-status=live }} Some songs from the Silly Symphony series became immensely popular across the U.S.

Disney has been ranked number 48 in the 2023 Fortune 500 list of the largest United States corporations by total revenue and fourth in Fortune's 2022 "World's Most Admired Companies".{{Cite web |title=World's Most Admired Companies |url=https://fortune.com/worlds-most-admired-companies/ |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=Fortune |archive-date=July 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723171932/https://fortune.com/worlds-most-admired-companies/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited }} According to Smithsonian Magazine, there are "few symbols of pure Americana more potent than the Disney theme parks", which are "well-established cultural icons", with the company name and Mickey Mouse being "household names".{{Cite news |last=Bemis |first=Bethanee |date=January 3, 2017 |title=How Disney Came to Define What Constitutes the American Experience |work=Smithsonian Magazine |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-disney-came-define-what-constitutes-american-experience-180961632/ |access-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-date=May 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509102456/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/how-disney-came-define-what-constitutes-american-experience-180961632/ |url-status=live }} Disney is one of the biggest competitors in the theme park industry with 12 parks, all of which were the top-25 most-visited parks in 2018. Disney theme parks worldwide had over 157 million visitors, making it the most-visited theme-park company in the world, doubling the attendance number of the second-most-visited company. Of the 157 million visitors, the Magic Kingdom had 20.8 million of the guests, making it the most-visited theme park in the world.{{Cite news |last=Jordan |first=Adrienne |date=May 23, 2019 |title=These are the world's most-visited theme parks |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2019/05/23/disney-world-magic-kingdom-world-most-visited-theme-park/1206310001/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816005326/https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/news/2019/05/23/disney-world-magic-kingdom-world-most-visited-theme-park/1206310001/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Craven |first=Scott |date=May 24, 2019 |title=Yes, Disney theme parks are getting more crowded. See which one got the most visitors |work=The Arizona Republic |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/destinations/california/2019/05/24/disneyland-disney-world-more-crowded-as-attendance-increases/1207004001/ |url-access=limited |access-date=August 15, 2022 |archive-date=August 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220822021103/https://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/destinations/california/2019/05/24/disneyland-disney-world-more-crowded-as-attendance-increases/1207004001/ |url-status=live }} When Disney first entered the theme park industry, CNN stated: "It changed an already legendary company. And it changed the entire theme park industry."{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Forrest |date=October 2, 2022 |title=Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary: See historical pics and how WDW is celebrating |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/walt-disney-world-florida-50th-anniversary/index.html |access-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816123828/https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/walt-disney-world-florida-50th-anniversary/index.html |url-status=live |ref=none}} According to The Orange County Register'', Walt Disney World has "changed entertainment by showing how a theme park could help make a company into a lifestyle brand".{{Cite news |last=Niles |first=Robert |date=September 28, 2021 |title=Niles: 50 years later, it's all Walt Disney's world |work=The Orange County Register |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2021/09/28/niles-50-years-later-its-all-walt-disneys-world/ |url-access=limited |access-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816231911/https://www.ocregister.com/2021/09/28/niles-50-years-later-its-all-walt-disneys-world/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Criticism of the Walt Disney Company}}

The Walt Disney Company has been criticized for making purportedly sexist and racist content in the past, putting LGBT+ elements in their films, and not having enough LGBT+ representation. There have been controversies over alleged plagiarism, poor pay and working conditions, and poor treatment of animals. Disney has also been criticized for filming in the autonomous region of Xinjiang, where human rights abuses are taking place.{{Cite news |last=Wintour |first=Patrick |date=April 28, 2021 |title=Disney unapologetic over Mulan credit thanking Chinese Communist party |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2021/apr/28/disney-unapologetic-over-mulan-credits-thanking-chinese-communist-party |access-date=August 24, 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}

Several of Disney's films have been considered to be racist; one of the company's most-controversial films Song of the South was criticized for portraying racial stereotypes. For that reason, the film was never released to home video in the U.S. or Disney+.{{Cite news |last=Tobias |first=Scott |date=November 19, 2019 |title=Song of the South: the difficult legacy of Disney's most shocking movie |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/nov/19/song-of-the-south-the-difficult-legacy-of-disneys-most-shocking-movie |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731003853/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/nov/19/song-of-the-south-the-difficult-legacy-of-disneys-most-shocking-movie |url-status=live }} Other characters that have been called racist are Sunflower, a black centaurette who serves a white centaurette in Fantasia; the Siamese cats in Lady and the Tramp, who are considered to be overexaggerated as Asians, stereotypes of Native Americans in Peter Pan; and crows in Dumbo, who are depicted as African Americans who use jive talk, with their leader being named Jim Crow, believed to be in reference to racial segregation laws in the U.S.{{Cite news |last=Summers |first=Alicia |date=November 13, 2019 |title=Disney+ warns that some of its older movies may include racist stereotypes |work=CBS8 |url=https://www.cbs8.com/article/entertainment/movies/disney-plus-has-advisory-warnings/509-8ed0da4d-cdbb-4c95-a711-e2d1d46d79ed |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731003853/https://www.cbs8.com/article/entertainment/movies/disney-plus-has-advisory-warnings/509-8ed0da4d-cdbb-4c95-a711-e2d1d46d79ed |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Disney adds content warning to Peter Pan, Dumbo, Fantasia |work=Today |publisher=Variety |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/disney-adds-content-warning-peter-pan-dumbo-fantasia-t195034 |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731003854/https://www.today.com/popculture/disney-adds-content-warning-peter-pan-dumbo-fantasia-t195034 |url-status=live }} When watching a film on Disney+ considered to have wrongful racist stereotypes, Disney added a disclaimer before the film starts to help avoid controversies.{{Cite news |last=Pietsch |first=Brian |date=October 18, 2020 |title=Disney Adds Warnings for Racist Stereotypes to Some Older Films |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/18/business/media/disney-plus-disclaimers.html |url-access=limited |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-date=October 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028142257/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/18/business/media/disney-plus-disclaimers.html |url-status=live }}

Disney has also been accused a number of times of plagiarizing already existing works in its films. Most notably, The Lion King has many similarities in its characters and events to an animated series called Kimba the White Lion by animator Osamu Tezuka.{{Cite news |last=Keeley |first=Pete |date=July 22, 2019 |title=Big Little Lions: Disney's New Lion King Dodges the Kimba Similarity Issue |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lion-king-kimba-white-lion-does-disney-need-come-clean-1225822/ |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731010947/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/lion-king-kimba-white-lion-does-disney-need-come-clean-1225822/ |url-status=live }} Atlantis: The Lost Empire also has many similarities to the anime show Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water that were considered so prevalent the latter show's creator Gainax was planning to sue Disney but was stopped by its series' network NHK.{{Cite web |last=Bricken |first=Rob |date=April 20, 2022 |title=Evangelion Creator Hideaki Anno's First TV Series Nadia Comes to 4K |url=https://gizmodo.com/evangelion-hideaki-anno-director-nadia-secret-of-blue-w-1848818184 |access-date=July 30, 2022 |website=Gizmodo |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731013024/https://gizmodo.com/evangelion-hideaki-anno-director-nadia-secret-of-blue-w-1848818184 |url-status=live }} Kelly Wilson, creator of the short The Snowman (2014), filed two lawsuits, one which came after the first was rescinded, against Disney for copyright infringement in Disney's animated film Frozen. Disney later settled the lawsuit with Wilson, allowing the company to create a sequel to Frozen.{{Cite magazine |last=Li |first=Shirley |date=June 25, 2015 |title=Disney settles Frozen copyright lawsuit over short film The Snowman |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |url=https://ew.com/article/2015/06/25/disney-frozen-lawsuit-the-snowman-settlement/ |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731015159/https://ew.com/article/2015/06/25/disney-frozen-lawsuit-the-snowman-settlement/ |url-status=live }} Screenwriter Gary L. Goldman sued Disney over its film Zootopia, claiming he had earlier pitched an identical, same-titled story to the company. A judge dismissed the lawsuit, stating there was not enough evidence to prove any plagiarism.{{Cite news |last=Pedersen |first=Eric |date=July 11, 2017 |title=Judge Throws Out Zootopia Copyright Suit Against Disney |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2017/07/zootopia-copyright-suit-dismissed-disney-gary-l-goldman-1202126800/ |access-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-date=July 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220731015159/https://deadline.com/2017/07/zootopia-copyright-suit-dismissed-disney-gary-l-goldman-1202126800/ |url-status=live }} Disney itself is very protective about characters created by Walt Disney, and require every licensee to put the '© Disney' mark on their products or packaging.

Disney has been criticized for both putting LGBT+ elements into its films and for having insufficient LGBT+ representation in its media. In the live-action film Beauty and the Beast, director Bill Condon announced LeFou would be depicted as a gay character, prompting Kuwait, Malaysia, and a theater in Alabama to ban the film, and Russia to give it a stricter rating.{{Cite news |last=Lawler |first=Kelly |date=March 20, 2017 |title=Beauty and the Beast's 'gay moment' may have been much ado about nothing |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2017/03/20/beauty-and-the-beast-gay-moment-audience-reaction/99407168/ |access-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-date=September 10, 2017 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170910204317/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/entertainthis/2017/03/20/beauty-and-the-beast-gay-moment-audience-reaction/99407168/ |url-status=live }} In Russia and several Middle Eastern countries, the Pixar movie Onward was banned for having Disney's first openly lesbian character Officer Specter, while others said Disney needed more representation of LGBT+ persons in its media.{{Cite news |last=Heller |first=Emily |date=March 6, 2020 |title=Onward's openly gay character still leaves Disney miles behind its competitors |work=Polygon |url=https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/6/21167960/onward-gay-character-pixar-disney-lgbtq |access-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-date=August 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801133703/https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/6/21167960/onward-gay-character-pixar-disney-lgbtq |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Wiseman |first=Andreas |date=March 6, 2020 |title=Disney/Pixar's Onward Banned In Multiple Middle East Countries Due To Lesbian Reference |work=Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2020/03/disney-onward-banned-multiple-middle-east-markets-lesbian-lgbt-reference-1202876168/#comments |access-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-date=March 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307021916/https://deadline.com/2020/03/disney-onward-banned-multiple-middle-east-markets-lesbian-lgbt-reference-1202876168/#comments |url-status=live }} Because of a scene featuring two lesbians kissing, Pixar's Lightyear was banned in 13 predominantly Muslim countries.{{Cite news |last=Gambrell |first=Jon |date=June 16, 2022 |title=Disney's Lightyear banned in Muslim world for lesbian kiss |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-uzo-aduba-middle-east-united-arab-emirates-chris-evans-81287eaf972f70517137b58c1f1d1e93 |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730031520/https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-uzo-aduba-middle-east-united-arab-emirates-chris-evans-81287eaf972f70517137b58c1f1d1e93 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |title=Lightyear (2022) |work=The Numbers |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Lightyear-(2022)#tab=summary |access-date=July 29, 2022 |archive-date=July 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723030352/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Lightyear-(2022)#tab=summary |url-status=live }} In a leaked video of a Disney meeting, participants talked about pushing LGBT+ themes in the company's media, angering some people, who say the company is "trying to sexualize children", while others applauded its actions.{{Cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Michelle |author-link=Michelle Goldberg |date=April 1, 2022 |title=The Right's Disney Freakout |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/01/opinion/disney-dont-say-gay.html |url-access=limited |access-date=August 2, 2022 |archive-date=August 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801105405/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/01/opinion/disney-dont-say-gay.html |url-status=live }}

Some Disney Princess films have been considered to be sexist toward women. Snow White is said to be too worried about her appearance while Cinderella is deemed to have no talents. Aurora is also said to be weak because she is always waiting to be rescued. In some of the princess films, men have more dialogue, and there are more speaking male characters than female. Disney's more-recent films are considered to be less sexist than its earlier films.{{Cite news |last=Guo |first=Jeff |date=January 25, 2016 |title=Researchers have found a major problem with The Little Mermaid and other Disney movies |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/01/25/researchers-have-discovered-a-major-problem-with-the-little-mermaid-and-other-disney-movies/ |url-access=limited |access-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518023213/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/01/25/researchers-have-discovered-a-major-problem-with-the-little-mermaid-and-other-disney-movies/ |url-status=live }}

In 1990, Disney paid $95,000 to avoid legal action over 16 animal-cruelty charges for beating vultures to death, shooting at birds, and starving some birds at Discovery Island. The company took these actions because the birds were attacking other animals and taking their food.{{Cite news |last=Levenson |first=Bob |date=January 6, 1990 |title=Disney Settles 16 Animal Cruelty Charges Attraction Will Pay $95,000 To Avoid Going To Court |work=Orlando Sentinel |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1990-01-06-9001064744-story.html |access-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-date=August 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817011604/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1990-01-06-9001064744-story.html |url-status=live }} When Animal Kingdom first opened, there were concerns about the animals because several of them died. Animal rights groups protested but the United States Department of Agriculture found no violations of animal-welfare regulations.{{Cite news |date=April 16, 1998 |title=New Disney Kingdom Comes With Real-Life Obstacles |pages=14 |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/16/us/new-disney-kingdom-comes-with-real-life-obstacles.html |url-access=limited |access-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-date=August 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817012024/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/16/us/new-disney-kingdom-comes-with-real-life-obstacles.html |url-status=live }} Disney has been accused of having poor working conditions. A protest by 2,000 workers at Disneyland in 2022 accused the company of poor pay at an average of $13 an hour, with some saying they were evicted from their homes.{{Cite news |last=Sanders |first=Bernie |author-link=Bernie Sanders |date=June 7, 2018 |title=Disneyland workers face ruthless exploitation. Their fight is our fight |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jun/07/disneyland-workers-living-wage-disney-inequality |access-date=August 16, 2022 |archive-date=July 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724034829/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/jun/07/disneyland-workers-living-wage-disney-inequality |url-status=live }} In 2010, at a factory in China where Disney products were being made, workers experienced working hours three times longer than those prescribed by law, and one of the workers committed suicide.{{Cite web |last=Chamberlain |first=Gethine |date=August 27, 2011 |title=Disney factory faces probe into sweatshop suicide claims |url=https://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/aug/27/disney-factory-sweatshop-suicide-claims |access-date=August 16, 2022 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=August 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817013904/https://www.theguardian.com/law/2011/aug/27/disney-factory-sweatshop-suicide-claims |url-status=live }}

{{reflist|group="Rev"}}

{{Portal|Disney|Animation|Film|Los Angeles|Companies|United States}}

• Buena Vista
• Disney University
• Disneyfication
• Mandeville-Anthony v. Walt Disney Co., a federal court case in which Mandeville claimed Disney infringed on his copyrighted ideas by creating Cars
• List of acquisitions by Disney
• List of conglomerates
• List of Disney television series
• Lists of films released by Disney

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Refbegin|40em}}

• {{Cite book |last=Barrier |first=Michael |author-link=Michael Barrier |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xt5k08yuAXIC |title=Hollywood Cartoons: American Animation in Its Golden Age |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2003 |isbn=0-19-516729-5 |language=English |access-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430183140/https://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN9780195167290 |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite book |last=Barrier |first=Michael |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w7IwDwAAQBAJ |title=The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney |publisher=University of California Press |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-520-25619-4 |language=English |access-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430183140/https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Animated_Man/w7IwDwAAQBAJ?hl=en |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite book |last=Bergan |first=Ronald |author-link=Ronald Bergan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f8YeCNSBiOcC |title=The Film Book: A Complete Guide to the World of Cinema |publisher=Penguin Books |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-7566-9188-2 |language=English |access-date=May 7, 2022 |archive-date=May 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508233258/https://books.google.com/books?id=f8YeCNSBiOcC&dq= |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite book |last=Brown |first=Noel |title=The Oxford Handbook of Children's Film |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2022 |isbn=978-0-19-093935-9 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CdNSNNvTFy8C |title=Giants of Tourism |publisher=CABI |year=2010 |isbn=978-1-84593-652-5 |editor-last=Butler |editor-first=Richard |language=English |editor-last2=Russell |editor-first2=Roslyn A. |access-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143201/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Giants_of_Tourism/CdNSNNvTFy8C?hl=en&gbpv=0 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite book|last=Canemaker|first=John|title=Walt Disney's Nine Old Men and the Art of Animation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YxYRAQAAMAAJ|year=2001|publisher=Disney Editions|location=Burbank, CA|isbn=978-0-7868-6496-6|access-date=May 13, 2022|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126040429/https://books.google.com/books?id=YxYRAQAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JruzDwAAQBAJ |title=Discussing Disney |publisher=Indiana University Press |year=2019 |isbn=978-0-86196-961-6 |editor-last=Davis |editor-first=Amy |language=English |access-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427015941/https://books.google.com/books?id=JruzDwAAQBAJ&source=gbs_navlinks_s |url-status=live |ref={{sfnref|Davis, Amy|2019}} }}
• {{Cite book |last=Feilding |first=Raymond |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=86JXA-G2ovsC |title=A Technological History of Motion Pictures and Television: An Anthology from the Pages of the Journal of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers |publisher=University of California Press |year=1967 |isbn=0-520-03981-5 |language=English |access-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430183139/https://www.google.com/books/edition/A_Technological_History_of_Motion_Pictur/86JXA-G2ovsC?hl=en |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite book |last=Gabler |first=Neal |author-link=Neal Gabler |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=41e-Ru0wRkEC |title=Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination |publisher=Vintage Books |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-679-75747-4 |language=English |access-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430183140/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Walt_Disney/41e-Ru0wRkEC?hl=en |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite book |last=Goldberg |first=Aaron H. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h91XDwAAQBAJ |title=The Disney Story: Chronicling the Man, the Mouse, and the Parks |publisher=Quaker Scribe |year=2016 |isbn=978-0-692-76636-1 |language=English |access-date=June 25, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143152/https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Disney_Story/h91XDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0 |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite book |last=Griffin |first=Sean |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bo4UCgAAQBAJ |title=Disney Company from the Inside Out Tinker Belles and Evil Queen: The Walt Disney Company from the Inside Out |publisher=NYU Press |year=2000 |isbn=978-0-8147-3122-2 |language=English |access-date=May 19, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143201/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Tinker_Belles_and_Evil_Queens/bo4UCgAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0 |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite book |last1=Hollis |first1=Tim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jGdpWCTdb-IC |title=Mouse Tracks: The Story of Walt Disney Records |last2=Ehrbar |first2=Greg |publisher=University Press of Mississippi |year=2006 |isbn=978-1-61703-433-6 |language=English |access-date=May 12, 2022 |archive-date=May 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514231721/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Mouse_Tracks/jGdpWCTdb-IC?hl=en&gbpv= |url-status=live }}
• {{cite book |last1=Kaufman |first1=J.B. |last2=Gerstein |first2=David |author-link1=J.B. Kaufman |author-link2=David Gerstein |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9fKmtwEACAAJ |title=Mickey Mouse: The Ultimate History |date=2018 |publisher=Taschen |location=Cologne |isbn=978-3-8365-5284-4 |language=English |access-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430183141/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Walt_Disney_s_Mickey_Mouse/9fKmtwEACAAJ?hl=en |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite book |last=Krasniewicz |first=Louise |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lZ3vTgpHgFoC |title=Walt Disney: A Biography |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-313-35830-2 |language=English |access-date=April 28, 2022 |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430183141/https://books.google.com/books?id=lZ3vTgpHgFoC&dq= |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite book |last=Lucas |first=Christopher |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Si2GDwAAQBAJ |title=Top Disney: 100 Top Ten Lists of the Best of Disney, from the Man to the Mouse and Beyond |publisher=Lyons Press |year=2019 |isbn=978-1-4930-3772-8 |language=English |access-date=May 22, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143153/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Top_Disney/Si2GDwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0 |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite book |last1=Madej |first1=Krystina |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xFIEEAAAQBAJ&q=disney+launches+website+in+1996 |title=Disney Stories: Getting to Digital |last2=Newton |first2=Lee |publisher=Springer Nature |year=2020 |isbn=978-3-030-42738-2 |edition=2nd |language=English |access-date=June 30, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143154/https://books.google.com/books?id=xFIEEAAAQBAJ&dq=disney+launches+website+in+1996&source=gbs_navlinks_s |url-status=live }}
• {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ISBN0195119274|title=Television: The Critical View|last=Newcomb|first=Horace|year=2000|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=0-19-511927-4|language=English|access-date=May 14, 2022|archive-date=May 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220514231721/https://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0195119274|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite book |last=Rockefeller |first=J. D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yjZ5DQAAQBAJ |title=The Story of Walt Disney |publisher=CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-5404-0120-5 |language=English |access-date=April 26, 2022 |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430183141/https://books.google.com/books?id=yjZ5DQAAQBAJ&source=gbs_navlinks_s |url-status=live }}
• {{Cite book |last=Rutherford |first=Stephanie |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h65Jy1avFIIC |title=Governing the Wild: Ecotours of Power |publisher=University of Minnesota Press |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4529-3281-1 |language=English |access-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706143156/https://www.google.com/books/edition/Governing_the_Wild/h65Jy1avFIIC?hl=en&gbpv=0 |url-status=live }}
• {{cite book|last=Saunders|first=Aaron|title=Giants of the Seas: The Ships that Transformed Modern Cruising|year=2013|publisher=Seaforth Publishing|isbn=978-1-84832-172-4|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DeCZBgAAQBAJ&q=dISNEY+mAGIC&pg=PA76|access-date=July 2, 2022|archive-date=May 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523125939/https://books.google.com/books?id=DeCZBgAAQBAJ&q=dISNEY+mAGIC&pg=PA76|url-status=live}}
• {{Cite book |last=Susanin |first=Timothy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OgwbBwAAQBAJ |title=Walt before Mickey: Disney's Early Years, 1919–1928 |publisher=University Press of Mississippi |others=Diane Disney Miller |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-62674-456-1 |language=English |access-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-date=April 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427001732/https://books.google.com/books?id=OgwbBwAAQBAJ& |url-status=live }}
• {{cite book|last1=Williams|first1=Pat|last2=Denney|first2=James|last3=Denney|first3=Jim|title=How to Be Like Walt: Capturing the Disney Magic Every Day of Your Life|url=https://archive.org/details/howtobelikewalt0000will|url-access=registration|year=2004|publisher=Health Communications, Inc.|location=Deerfield Beach, FL|isbn=978-0-7573-0231-2}}

{{Refend}}

{{Refbegin|40em}}

• {{Cite book |last=Bryman |first=Alan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LoHVOCFJprgC |title=The Disneyization of society |publisher=SAGE Publishing |year=2004 |isbn=978-0-7619-6765-1 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Caroselli |first=Henry |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5PTywAEACAAJ |title=Cult of the Mouse: Can We Stop Corporate Greed from Killing Innovation in America? |publisher=Ten Speed Press |year=2004 |isbn=978-1-58008-633-2 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Dave |first=Smith |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TDBtjwEACAAJ |title=Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia |publisher=Disney Editions |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-4847-3783-5 |edition=5th |language=English |author-link=Dave Smith (archivist)}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Dorfman |first1=Ariel |last2=Mattelart |first2=Armand |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wl4nAQAAIAAJ |title=How to Read Donald Duck: Imperialist Ideology in the Disney Comic |publisher=International General |year=1984 |isbn=978-0-88477-023-7 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Dunlop |first=Beth |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hOZAYgEACAAJ |title=Building a Dream: The Art of Disney Architecture |publisher=Disney Editions |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-4231-2918-9 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Eisner |first=Michael |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QL09DwAAQBAJ |title=Work in Progress: Risking Failure, Surviving Success |publisher=Disney Publishing Worldwide |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-7868-7091-2 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Foglesong |first=Richard |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DwyxTvqgpdQC |title=Married to the Mouse: Walt Disney World and Orlando |publisher=Yale University Press |year=2001 |isbn=978-0-300-09828-0 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Green |first1=Katherine |last2=Greene |first2=Richard |last3=Barret |first3=Katherine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gMFWAAAAYAAJ |title=The Man Behind the Magic: The Story of Walt Disney |publisher=Viking |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-670-88476-6 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Grover |first=Ron |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hWccAQAAIAAJ |title=The Disney Touch: Disney, ABC & the Quest for the World's Greatest Media Empire |publisher=Irwin Professional Publisher |year=1997 |isbn=978-0-7863-1172-9 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Hiaasen |first=Carl |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dtBB2IyZKe4C |title=Team Rodent: How Disney Devours the World |publisher=Random House Publishing Group |year=2010 |isbn=978-0-307-76488-1 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Iger |first=Robert |author-link=Bob Iger |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FIKMDwAAQBAJ |title=The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company |publisher=Random House Publishing Group |year=2019 |isbn=978-0-399-59210-2 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Iwerks |first=Don |author-link=Don Iwerks |title=Walt Disney's Ultimate Inventor: The Genius of Ub Iwerks |publisher=Disney Editions |others=Contributions from Leonard Maltin |year=2019 |isbn=978-1-4847-4337-9 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Johnson |first1=Mindy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Yoo2MQAACAAJ |title=Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney's Animation |last2=Disney |first2=Walt |publisher=Disney Editions |others=Contributions from June Foray and Walt Disney Productions |year=2017 |isbn=978-1-4847-2781-2 |language=English |author-link2=Walt Disney}}
• {{Cite book |last=Koenig |first=David |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=C7QrAAAACAAJ |title=Mouse Tales: A Behind-the-Ears Look at Disneyland, Golden Anniversary Special Edition |publisher=Bonaventure Press |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-9640605-4-8 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Masters |first=Kim |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sji-T_HeMV8C |title=The Keys To The Kingdom: The Rise of Michael Eisner and the Fall of Everybody Else |publisher=HarperCollins |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-06-186024-9 |language=English}}
• {{Cite web |last=Polsson |first=Ken |title=Chronology of the Walt Disney Company |url=http://kpolsson.com/disnehis/ |access-date=December 15, 2013}}
• {{Cite book |last=Price |first=David |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6ium9aok5yMC |title=The Pixar Touch: The Making of a Company |publisher=Vintage Books |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-307-27829-6 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Schikel |first=Richard |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9RSKDwAAQBAJ |title=The Disney Version: The Life, Times, Art and Commerce of Walt Disney |publisher=Simon & Schuster |year=2019 |isbn=978-1-982115-23-4 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last1=Schweizer |first1=Peter |last2=Schweizer |first2=Rochelle |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lZNZAAAAMAAJ |title=Disney: The Mouse Betrayed: Greed, Corruption, and Children at Risk |publisher=Regnery Publishing |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-89526-387-2 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Shale |first=Richard |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2RS1AAAAIAAJ |title=Donald Duck Joins Up: The Walt Disney Studio During World War II |publisher=University of Michigan Press |year=1982 |isbn=978-0-8357-1310-8 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Stewart |first=James |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=O6dQVvEY2fUC&q=disney%20war |title=Disneywar: The Battle for the Magic Kingdom |date=December 9, 2008 |publisher=Simon & Schuster UK |isbn=978-1-84739-689-1 |location=2008 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Taylor |first=John |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gXtuvwEACAAJ |title=Storming the Magic Kingdom: Wall Street, the Raiders, and the Battle for Disney |publisher=Ballantine Books |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-345-35407-5 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Thomas |first=Bob |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zpRZAAAAMAAJ |title=Building a Company: Roy O. Disney and the Creation of an Entertainment Empire |publisher=Disney Editions |year=1998 |isbn=978-0-7868-6200-9 |language=English}}
• {{Cite book |last=Thomas |first=Bob |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l51NDwAAQBAJ |title=Walt Disney: An American Original |publisher=Disney Books Group |year=2017 |isbn=978-1-368-02718-2 |language=English}}

{{refend}}

{{Commons}}

{{Wikinews category}}

{{Wikivoyage|Disney tourism}}

• {{Official website}}
• {{OpenCorp|Disney}}

{{Finance links

| name = Disney

| symbol = DIS

| sec_cik = 1744489

| google = DIS:NYSE

| yahoo = DIS

| reuters = DIS.N

| bloomberg =DIS:US

}}

{{Disney}}

{{Dow Jones Industrial Average companies}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Walt Disney Company}}

Category:1923 establishments in California

Category:1940s initial public offerings

Category:American companies established in 1923

Category:Companies based in Burbank, California

Category:Companies in the Dow Jones Industrial Average

Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange

Category:Conglomerate companies established in 1923

Category:Conglomerate companies of the United States

Category:Entertainment companies based in California

Category:Entertainment companies established in 1923

Category:Culture of Hollywood, Los Angeles

Category:Mass media companies established in 1923

Category:Mass media companies of the United States

Category:Multinational companies headquartered in the United States