Disney is a multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate that has its hands in numerous industries. The company is responsible for producing some of the most beloved films, TV shows, theme parks, and merchandise in the world. However, what many people may not realize is that Disney also owns a vast array of other companies that operate in a variety of sectors.

In this article, we will take a closer look at seven of the most notable companies owned by Disney. These companies range from media giants to sports broadcasters and beyond. By exploring these companies, readers will gain a better understanding of just how far-reaching Disney’s influence is and the diverse range of industries in which it operates.

Walt Disney Studios

Walt Disney Studios is a major division of the Disney Entertainment segment of the Walt Disney Company. Founded in 1923, it is the fourth-oldest and one of the “Big Five” major film studios. The studio is best known for its multifaceted film divisions.

Disney Animation Studios

Disney Animation Studios is a division of Walt Disney Studios that creates animated feature films. The studio has produced many successful films, including “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” “The Lion King,” and “Frozen.” The studio is also known for its shorts, such as “Steamboat Willie” and “The Three Little Pigs.”

Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar Animation Studios is a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios that produces computer-animated feature films. The studio has produced many successful films, including “Toy Story,” “Finding Nemo,” and “Inside Out.” Pixar is also known for its shorts, such as “Luxo Jr.” and “Geri’s Game.”

Marvel Studios

Marvel Studios is a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios that produces superhero films based on characters from Marvel Comics. The studio has produced many successful films, including “Iron Man,” “The Avengers,” and “Black Panther.” Marvel Studios is also known for its post-credits scenes, which often tease future films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Overall, Walt Disney Studios is a major player in the film industry, with its divisions producing some of the most successful and beloved films of all time.

Media Networks

Disney Media Networks is a business segment of The Walt Disney Company that oversees the company’s television networks, cable channels, television production and distribution studios, and owned-and-operated television stations. The segment’s primary divisions were Walt Disney Television and A&E Networks (50% stake).

ABC

ABC is an American commercial broadcast television network that is owned by the Disney Media Networks division of The Walt Disney Company. The network is headquartered in Burbank, California, on Riverside Drive, directly across the street from Walt Disney Studios and adjacent to the Roy E. Disney Animation Building. ABC has eight owned-and-operated stations and over 232 affiliated stations throughout the United States and its territories.

ABC’s programming includes news, daytime talk shows, game shows, and primetime dramas and comedies. Some of its most popular shows include Grey’s Anatomy, The Bachelor, and Modern Family.

ESPN

ESPN is an American multinational basic cable sports channel owned by ESPN Inc., which is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company (which owns a controlling 80% stake) and the Hearst Communications (which owns the remaining 20%). ESPN broadcasts primarily from studio facilities located in Bristol, Connecticut.

ESPN’s programming includes live sporting events, sports news, and talk shows. Some of its most popular shows include SportsCenter, Monday Night Football, and First Take. ESPN also operates a number of international channels, including ESPN Brasil, ESPN Latin America, and ESPN Australia.

Overall, Disney’s Media Networks division is a major player in the television industry, with a wide range of programming and channels that appeal to a variety of audiences.

Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products

Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products is one of the three main segments of the Walt Disney Company. It is responsible for the operation and management of theme parks, resorts, and other vacation experiences. The segment is divided into three sub-sections: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, and Disney Cruise Line.

Disneyland Resort

The Disneyland Resort is located in Anaheim, California, and consists of two theme parks: Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. Disneyland Park is the original Disney theme park, which opened in 1955. It features classic Disney attractions such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “It’s a Small World.” Disney California Adventure Park is a newer park, which opened in 2001. It features attractions based on California’s history, culture, and landmarks, as well as popular Disney franchises.

The Disneyland Resort also includes three hotels: Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, and Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. These hotels offer a variety of accommodations, dining options, and recreational activities for guests.

Walt Disney World Resort

The Walt Disney World Resort is located in Orlando, Florida, and is the largest Disney resort in the world. It consists of four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Magic Kingdom is the most popular park and features classic Disney attractions such as “Space Mountain” and “Haunted Mansion.” Epcot is a park that celebrates human achievement and features attractions based on science, technology, and culture. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a park that celebrates the magic of movies and television. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a park that celebrates the natural world and features attractions based on animals and conservation.

The Walt Disney World Resort also includes over 25 hotels, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations. In addition to the theme parks and hotels, the resort also includes two water parks, several golf courses, and a shopping and dining district called Disney Springs.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is a cruise line that offers family-friendly cruises to various destinations around the world. The cruise line currently has four ships: Disney Magic, Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, and Disney Fantasy. Each ship features Disney-themed entertainment, dining, and activities for guests of all ages.

Disney Cruise Line offers a variety of itineraries, including cruises to the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, and other destinations. The cruise line also offers themed cruises, such as Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea, which feature special activities and entertainment based on those franchises.

Overall, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products is a major part of the Walt Disney Company’s business, offering guests a variety of vacation experiences that are both magical and memorable.

National Geographic Partners

National Geographic Partners is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society. The company was formed in 2015 and is responsible for overseeing all commercial activities related to the National Geographic Society, including magazine publications, television channels, and digital media.

The National Geographic Society is a non-profit scientific and educational organization that has been around since 1888. It has a long history of producing high-quality content related to science, exploration, and conservation. The Society’s partnership with Disney has allowed it to expand its reach and bring its content to a wider audience.

National Geographic Partners is divided into three main business units: National Geographic Magazine, National Geographic Studios, and National Geographic Channels. The magazine unit is responsible for producing the print and digital versions of National Geographic Magazine. The Studios unit produces films, documentaries, and other video content. The Channels unit operates the National Geographic Channels, which are available in over 170 countries around the world.

The National Geographic Channels include National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo People, and Nat Geo Mundo. These channels offer a wide range of programming related to science, nature, history, and exploration. The channels also produce original content, such as documentaries and reality shows.

Overall, National Geographic Partners has been successful in continuing the National Geographic Society’s mission of educating and inspiring people about the world around them. Its partnership with Disney has allowed it to reach a wider audience and produce high-quality content across a variety of platforms.

Hulu

Hulu is an American subscription streaming service that was launched on October 29, 2007. It offers a library of films and television series from studios such as NBC, Fox, and Disney. The service is majority-owned by The Walt Disney Company, with Comcast’s NBCUniversal holding a minority stake that is pending sale to Disney.

Hulu’s content library includes a mix of current and classic television shows, original programming, and movies. The service is known for its exclusive content, such as the critically acclaimed series “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Little Fires Everywhere.” In addition to its subscription service, Hulu also offers a free, ad-supported version of its platform.

Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019 gave the company a controlling stake in Hulu, which has allowed it to integrate the service into its larger streaming strategy. In late 2021, Disney announced plans to combine content from Hulu and Disney+ into a single app, which will make it easier for users to access all of their favorite shows and movies in one place.

Hulu has been a key part of Disney’s streaming strategy, as the company seeks to compete with other major players in the industry such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. With a growing library of exclusive content and a loyal user base, Hulu is likely to remain an important asset for Disney in the years to come.

20th Century Studios

20th Century Studios is a film studio that was founded in 1935 as 20th Century Fox. In March 2019, Disney acquired the studio as part of its $71.3 billion merger with 21st Century Fox. In January 2020, the company was rebranded as 20th Century Studios, dropping the Fox name.

The studio has produced many successful films, including the Star Wars franchise, Titanic, and Avatar. It has also produced television shows, such as The Simpsons and Family Guy. The studio is known for its iconic fanfare and searchlight logo.

Since its acquisition by Disney, 20th Century Studios has continued to produce films and television shows. Some of its recent releases include Free Guy, The King’s Man, and The Last Duel. The studio is also working on several upcoming projects, including a new Predator film and a live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid.

Overall, 20th Century Studios is an important asset in Disney’s portfolio of companies. Its history of producing successful films and television shows, combined with its talented team of creators, makes it a valuable addition to the Disney family.