Comprehensive SWOT Analysis of Walt Disney – World’s Most Famous Entertainment Company

Previously, we decoded the success of Amazon by conducting a SWOT analysis. This time, we will look at another entertainment giant and understand more about it and the reasons they are succeeding, ie., we are going to tackle the SWOT analysis of Walt Disney.

The Walt Disney Company is one of the most well-known companies in the entertainment, media, and amusement park industry. The case of Disney exemplifies excellent management of internal and external elements, and the being a constant crowd favourite by being bold in its business moves.

Marketing is a part of a company’s DNA that can either make it or break it. As users across the world go digital, marketing has followed them to the digital realm as well. If you are interested in new-age digital marketing, then you should definitely check out IIDE’s Free MasterClass on Digital Marketing 101 by our CEO and Founder, Karan Shah.

In this blog, we will focus on the SWOT Analysis of Walt Disney, covering its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Yet, before we simplify the company’s position into 4 aspects, let us learn more about Walt Disney –  the company, its history, services, competitors and financials.

About Walt Disney

The Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio was formed on October 16, 1923, by brothers Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney. It started with the release of its first animated short-lived series called Alice Comedies. In 1929, the company launched Steamboat Willie, where the most famous mythical character Mickey Mouse was first introduced to the world. Before extending into live-action film production, television, and theme parks, these endeavours established the company as a leader in the American animation business.

The company is most famous for the legendary cartoon characters they created, especially by its founding storyteller, Walt Disney. Mickey Mouse is synonymous with the company and even considered their mascot. He’s a children’s favourite and still continues to be one of the entertainment sector’s more recognisable characters.

Mickey Mouse - SWOT Analysis of Walt Disney - IIDE

The Disney Company also operated under the names The Disney Studio and then Disney Productions. Currently, it expanded its existing operations and also started divisions focused upon Over The Top (OTT) Web series, theatre, radio, music & publishing.

Quick Stats About Walt Disney
ChairmanWalt Disney, Roy O. Disney
Year FoundedOctober 16, 1923
OriginBurbank, California, U.S.A.
No. of Employees223,000 (2019)
Company TypePublic
Market Cap$292.62 billion (2021)
Annual Revenue$67.42 billion (2021)
Net Profit$1.99 billion (2021)

What’s new with Disney?

Here’s what was buzzing around Disney recently:

  • TRON Lightcycle Run: TRON Lightcycle Run is a new roller coaster that opened at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World on April 4, 2023. It is the fastest and longest roller coaster at Magic Kingdom.
  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a new dark ride that opened at Disneyland Park in Disneyland Resort on January 27, 2023. It is the first Mickey Mouse-themed dark ride at Disneyland.
  • Avengers Campus: Avengers Campus is a new themed land that opened at Disney California Adventure Park in Disneyland Resort on June 4, 2021. It is themed to the Marvel Cinematic Universe and features attractions, dining, and shopping experiences.
  • Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser: Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is a new two-night immersive experience that opened at Walt Disney World on March 1, 2022. It allows guests to live out their own Star Wars adventure.
  • Disney Genie: Disney Genie is a new personalized planning service that launched at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort in October 2021. It helps guests plan their day and make the most of their time in the parks.
  • Disney Wish: Disney Wish is a new cruise ship that will debut in July 2023. It is the first new Disney Cruise Line ship in over a decade.
  • Disney+ Day: Disney+ Day is an annual event that celebrates the Disney+ streaming service. It was first held on November 12, 2021, and it will be held again on November 12, 2023.
  • Disney100: Disney100 is a year-long celebration of the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. It will begin in January 2023 and end in December 2023.
  • New movies: Disney is releasing a number of new movies in 2023, including “The Little Mermaid” (live-action), “Elemental,” and “Oppenheimer.”
  • New TV shows: Disney is releasing a number of new TV shows in 2023, including “Obi-Wan Kenobi” (season 2), “Andor,” and “Ms. Marvel.”
  • New theme parks: Disney is building a number of new theme parks around the world, including Shanghai Disneyland Resort Phase 2, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in Thailand, and Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs.

Let’s now understand the target audience of Disney better with the help of a buyer persona.

Aditya Shastri

Lead Trainer & Head of Learning & Development at IIDE

Updated on: Oct 24, 2023

Listen to this blog

Audio Wave

Courses Recommended for you

Author's Note:

My name is Aditya Shastri and I have written this case study with the help of my students from IIDE's online digital marketing courses in India.

Practical assignments, case studies & simulations helped the students from this course present this analysis.

Building on this practical approach, we are now introducing a new dimension for our online digital marketing course learners - the Campus Immersion Experience.

If you found this case study helpful, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Aditya Shastri

linkedin

Lead Trainer & Head of Learning & Development at IIDE

Aditya Shastri leads the Business Development segment at IIDE and is a seasoned Content Marketing expert. With over a decade of experience, Aditya has trained more than 20,000 students and professionals in digital marketing, collaborating with prestigious institutions and corporations such as Jet Airways, Godrej Professionals, Pfizer, Mahindra Group, Publicis Worldwide, and many others. His ability to simplify complex marketing concepts, combined with his engaging teaching style, has earned him widespread admiration from students and professionals alike.