Disney Mission Statement Analysis

• Company: The Walt Disney Company  
• CEO: Bob Iger
• Year founded: 1923
• Headquarters: Burbank, California, USA
• Number of Employees: 233,000
• Type: Public
• Ticker Symbol: DIS
• Market Cap (Jan 2025): $204.38 Billion
• Annual Revenue (2024): $91.4 Billion
• Profit | Net income (2024): $4.972 Billion

Products & Services: Film & Animation Studios | Streaming Platforms | Sports & News Channels | Theme Parks, Cruises, & Travel Experiences | Music | Video Games  

Competitors: Comcast NBCUniversal | Warner Bros | Sony | Netflix | ViacomCBS | Amazon Prime Video | Royal Caribbean | Six Flags | Cedar Fair | Carnival | Norwegian

Did you know? Disney Studios is the world’s first studio to surpass $5 billion since 2019. It was the No. 1 studio globally in 2024, with $5.46 billion in annual revenue.  

Disney is a global mass media and entertainment conglomerate founded in Oct 1923 by Walt and Roy Disney. Walt Disney pioneered animation films, helping his company dominate this space for over 100 years. Disney’s mission, culture & values, and environmental goals drive growth and success. In 2024, Disney’s streaming business reached profitability for the first time. The company made $47 million from Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Plus in Q3 2024. It closed Q4 2024 with 174 million Disney+ Core and Hulu subscriptions and over 120 million Disney+ Core paid subscribers, up 4.4 million from Q3. [1]

Disney is one of the world’s largest entertainment companies. It owns several valuable brands, including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, Walt Disney Animation Studios, ABC News, Pixar, Marvel Studios, and 20th Century Studios. The company also offers theme parks, cruises, and resorts via Disney Experiences. In 2024, Disney generated $91.4 billion in annual revenue, up 3% from 2023. Its yearly income before taxes increased 59% to $7.6 billion from $4.8 billion in 2023. [2]

Checkout: Disney’s Revenue

Disney’s Mission Statement

To entertain, inform, and inspire people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling.

Disney states, “Our mission reflects the iconic brands, creative minds, and innovative technologies that make us the world’s premier entertainment company.” [3]

Here is an in-depth analysis of Disney’s mission statement:

1. Entertain people globally

Disney believes it is the world’s premier entertainment company. It strives to entertain all viewers globally by offering diverse content and integrating its channels and platforms. For example, Disney launched Hulu and ESPN+ tiles and hubs on Disney+ in 2024, creating the ultimate streaming destination. Subscribers can now access sports, general entertainment, and kids and family programming in a single app. The company offered Disney+ and Star+ as standalone or combo SVOD services in certain Latin American countries. In Jul 2024, Disney merged these services into a single Disney+ product offering. [4]

Disney entertains people with films, sports, animations, TV shows, and video games. The company collaborated with Epic Games in Feb 2024 on an all-new games and entertainment universe to expand the reach of Disney stories and experiences. Its ESPN brand signed an 11-year extension with the NBA and WNBA in Jul 2024 to broadcast basketball fixtures. In Aug 2024, the company announced new expansion projects across its parks, cruise lines, and digital platforms. This plan can bolster Disney’s travel and entertainment offerings. [5]

2. Provide informative content

Disney strives to inform and educate viewers globally. It offers informative content through ABC, ESPN, National Geographic, Nat Geo Wild, and History. Consumers can watch these Disney channels to learn about current and past events, sports, nature, and wildlife. For example, ABC News delivers exceptional news coverage, providing audiences with trusted insight and analysis on local, national, and global stories. Its flagship Good Morning America program had the highest viewership of any morning show during the 2023-2024 season. In 2024, ABC News’ World News Tonight with David Muir was the most-watched evening newscast and the No. 1 program of the week for 24 weeks. [6]

3. Inspire people worldwide

Disney strives to inspire audiences of all ages. It shapes global culture and how people view the world through films and animation, from timeless fairy tales to modern narratives. From the uplifting message in Frozen to the heartwarming journey in The Lion King, each Disney story emotionally connects with the audience and influences their views. These films instill hope, resilience, courage, honesty, love, and self-discovery. One study showed that children were inspired to help their friends after watching Disney characters help one another.

Disney’s cultural impact lies in storytelling. Its stories reflect universal human experiences and aspirations for a better world. For example, Disney has advanced diversity and inclusion using films like Moana and Black Panther. These films reflect societal shifts by spotlighting cultures ignored by mainstream media. [7]

4. Deliver unparalleled storytelling

Disney tells stories that reflect today’s world, driving its evolution and relevance. Its films and animation connect and inspire people globally. In 2024, Disney earned 60 wins at the 76th Emmy Awards. Disney strives to deliver unparalleled storytelling beyond the TV screen. In 2023, Disney announced a $60 billion, 10-year expansion of its theme parks and cruise ship fleet. The company plans to expand Orlando’s Magic Kingdom, create new “Avengers” attractions in its California, Hong Kong, and Shanghai parks, and increase its cruise ship fleet from 9 to 13 by 2031. [8]

Disney’s innovative Imagineers team imagines, designs, and develops its theme parks, resorts, and cruise ships. These attractions bring iconic Disney characters to life and transport guests to magical realms inspired by beloved stories. For example, fans can adventure through Arendelle in World of Frozen, encounter their favorite Super Hero in Avengers Campus, or play with friends in Toy Story Land. “Like our stories and characters, our new lands, ships, hotels, and attractions appeal to generations of families,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. [9]

Checkout: Disney’s Revenue by Segment

Disney’s Culture & Values

Disney’s culture and values drive sustainable growth by guiding its business operations. The company advocates for diversity, equality, inclusivity, creativity, collaboration, and creating a better world. It puts the responsibility for an inclusive culture in the hands of its leaders and employees through comprehensive education and engagement efforts. [10]

How does Disney live by its values? 

1. Diversity, equality, & inclusivity

Disney strives to create inclusive work environments that inspire optimism and drive innovation for all employees. The company continually adapts to the evolving needs of its people to maintain a supportive workplace. In 2022, Disney scored 100 on the HRCF’s Corporate Equality Index for the 16th year. Disney satisfied all CEI’s criteria and earned the designation as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. [11]

2. Responsibility and integrity

Disney fulfills its promises and operates ethically. It takes responsibility for its obligations and strives to protect human rights. The company nurtures integrity organization-wide and unlocks opportunities for all employees. Undergraduates can start their careers at Disney through the Disney College Program. Then, capitalize on Disney’s Aspire initiative to expand their education and climb the corporate ladder. [12]

3. Creativity

Disney is driven by creative minds and imagination. It nurtures creativity with age-appropriate programs. For example, aspiring writers can join Disney’s Writing Program to learn from experienced DET executives and producers, participate in advanced creative workshops, and refine their skills and portfolios. Disney Imagination Campus is perfect for kids of all ages. It provides immersive learning experiences with discovery sessions at Disney theme parks and interactive games and activities, fostering creativity and imagination. [13]

4. Collaboration

Disney believes that working together increases its competitive advantage and contribution to the community. It nurtures a culture that empowers all employees to collaborate, innovate, and build each other. The media company also relies on partnerships to expand its global reach. For example, in 2024, Disney+ maintained its investment in original Korean content development and boosted collaboration with local creators. [14]

5. Create a better world

Disney is committed to improving lives and communities globally. It aims to amplify people’s voices and create a world where wildlife and people thrive. In Apr 2024, Disney and National Geographic launched the new ourHOME global cross-platform campaign to coincide with Earth Month. The campaign spotlights efforts undertaken through Disney Planet Possible to support a healthier planet for people and wildlife. Disney also helps communities thrive through volunteerism, charitable grants, and collaborations with leading organizations. [15]

Image Source: Disney’s Competitors

Disney’s Environmental Goals

Disney announced its 2030 Environmental Goals in Dec 2020. These targets focus on five critical areas: emissions, water and oceans, waste, materials, and sustainable design.

Here are Disney’s top environmental goals:

• Purchase or produce 100% zero-carbon electricity for all direct operations globally by 2030.
• Serve 100% environmentally responsible seafood in all US Disney parks and resorts from 2022.
• Achieve zero waste to landfill for all of Disney’s wholly owned and operated parks and resorts by 2030.
• By 2030, ensure all paper used in Disney-branded products and packaging contains 100% recycled content or is from a verified or certified sustainable source.
• Use recycled, certified, or sustainable wood sources in Disney-branded products by 2030.
• Use palm oil from certified sustainable sources in Disney-branded products by 2030.
• Design all Disney-branded packaging for reuse, recycling, or composting by 2030.
• Achieve 90% diversion for construction waste for US and European projects by 2030. [16]

How is Disney progressing on its environmental goals?

Disney is committed to reducing its environmental footprint, caring for wildlife and their habitats, and creating stories that inspire action. The company implements these collective efforts through Disney Planet Possible. In 2022, Disney introduced two new solar facilities to meet up to 40% of Disney World Resort’s annual electricity needs. The company installed solar arrays at Castaway Cay and Hong Kong Disneyland, diverted 61% of its operational waste from landfills, and launched plastic-free packaging for classic dolls. [17]

Disney integrated sustainability into its CSR, ensuring it operates responsibly. Its policies and practices promote safety within digital experiences. The company is streamlining its supply chain to enhance responsible sourcing, reduce the environmental footprint, and monitor the safety and integrity of products. Since launching its European and South African Nutrition Guidelines Policy, Disney has promoted and provided healthier foods and beverages to kids and families. For example, 100% of kids’ meals at Disneyland Paris combine a healthy drink and side dish, and 50% feature Disney Check. [18]

References

1. Roth, E. (2024, Aug 7). Disney’s streaming business turned a profit for the first time. The Verge
2. The Walt Disney Company (2024, Nov 14). The Walt Disney Company Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Earnings for Fiscal 2024. Business Wire
3. About Us: Our mission. TheWaltDisneyCompany.com
4. Isenberg, M. (2024, Dec 4). The ESPN Hub on Disney Plus Is Here. CNET
5. Chase-Lubitz, J. (2024, Aug 12). Disney Announces Expansion in Cruises, Gaming, and Parks. Skift
6. Disney (2025, Jan 3). 10 Big Moments from Walt Disney’s Record-Breaking 2024. TheWaltDisneyCompany.com
7. Shuler, S. (2024, Oct 8). Disney’s Evolution: How the Iconic Brand Continues to Inspire Generations. The DIS Insider
8. Gopalan, N. (2024, Aug 12). Disney announces theme parks and cruise expansion at D23. Investopedia
9. Disney (2024, May 20). Disney Experiences: Immersing global audiences in stories they love. DisneyConnect.com
10. Life at Disney: Culture & Values. Disney.com
11. Disney (2022, Jan 28). Disney Earns Top Score in HRC Foundation Corporate Equality Index. TheWaltDisneyCompany.com
12. Disney (2024, Jul 10). Elevating Disability Pride: Meet Rachel. Disney.com
13. Disney Campus (2023, Nov 8). 7 Ways Disney Imagination Campus Inspires Learning through Fun. DisneyCampus.com
14. Jae-Yeon, W. (2024, Mar 12). Disney+ expands Korean slate for 2024 following creative success. Yonhap News
15. Disney (2024, Apr 1). The Walt Disney Company and National Geographic celebrate Earth Month with the new Global Cross-Platform Campaign, ourHOME. Business Wire
16. Disney (2022, Jan 1). Impact: 2030 Environmental Goals. Disney.com
17. Disney (2024, Apr 14). Disney Planet Possible: Sharing the actions we’re taking to protect the planet. TheWaltDisneyCompany.com
18. Disney (2023, Jun 30). Operation Responsibility. TheWaltDisneyCompany.com
19. Featured Image by Jayme McColgan