Welcome to Fintastic Females, where we embark on a journey to discover the mythical island of freedom. I’m Kalyani, one of your finance expert hosts, and I’m joined by Rupali. Today, we have an exciting episode in store for you as we discuss a business that has had a profound impact on me recently. During my two-week visit to Disney World in Orlando, I was completely amazed by the experience and I can’t wait to share the business and investment aspects of it with you. Initially, I had some reservations about Disney, thinking it was just for kids and a place filled with cartoons and Mickey Mouse. However, my perception completely changed after experiencing it firsthand. Let’s start with some interesting facts. Disney owns various companies like National Geographic, ABC Entertainment, Pixar, and many Hollywood studios. Surprisingly, their theme park business generates the most revenue for the company. In Orlando alone, Disney has two parks, one on the West Coast in LA called Disneyland and the other on the East Coast in Orlando called Walt Disney World.

The Orlando park, which I visited, is enormous, spanning an area equivalent to the size of San Francisco. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Walt Disney World consists of four major parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. Additionally, there are around 25 to 30 hotels and a shopping area called Disney Springs, all designed to provide a magical and joyful experience for both adults and children.

During my visit, I was captivated by the attention to detail and the dedication to creating a happy atmosphere for guests. The entire team, referred to as cast members, ensures that every touchpoint is exceptional. I stayed at a Disney resort and the level of customer service was extraordinary. It truly felt like a place where happiness and satisfaction were paramount. Moreover, each park has the capacity to accommodate around 130,000 to 140,000 visitors daily, and the total revenue generated is a staggering $19.6 million per day. The scale of the operation and the investment required is mind-boggling. Walt Disney World alone cost $400 million to build back then, equivalent to a significantly higher amount today. It employed over 9,000 construction workers during its development.

One key lesson I learned from Disney is the power of storytelling. The entire business model revolves around creating an emotional impact on visitors. From their digital assets to movie production and the theme parks, the focus is on making people happy and providing an unforgettable experience. Disney’s ability to convey its story and connect with people’s emotions is a crucial factor in its success. It’s also worth mentioning that Disney is the largest single-site employer in the world, with 75,000 employees as of 2021. The impact they have on employment and the number of families they support is truly inspiring. One of the most significant takeaways from Disney’s journey is their perseverance through failures and challenges. They didn’t let setbacks deter them from pursuing their vision. Even when faced with difficulties, such as the initial struggles of Disneyland Paris, they continued to innovate and expand their offerings. Their consistency and bravery in the face of failure is a valuable lesson for all of us. Finally, I’d like to highlight Disney’s acquisition of the Star Wars franchise. When we think of Disney, we often associate it with Mickey Mouse and cartoons. However, they have successfully incorporated the Star Wars brand into their portfolio, further diversifying their offerings.

My visit to Disney World opened my eyes to the incredible business and investment aspects behind the magic. From the immense attention to detail to the financial scale of the operation, it’s evident that Disney has created a unique and profitable business model. Their commitment to storytelling and emotional connection sets them apart and leaves a lasting impression on visitors. So, if you ever have the chance to visit a Disney park, I highly recommend immersing yourself in the enchantment and wonder they have to offer. It’s not just a place for children, but a world where dreams come true for people of all ages. And as investors, it’s fascinating to see how Disney has transformed its magical experiences into a thriving and profitable business.

Remember, behind the scenes of the fairy tales and beloved characters, there lies a company that has mastered the art of storytelling, customer service, and creating lifelong memories. Disney’s ability to adapt, innovate, and expand its offerings is a testament to its enduring success. As we conclude our discussion on the business and investment aspects of Disney,

I hope you’ve gained a new appreciation for the magic they create and the financial prowess they possess. Join us next time on Fintastic Females as we continue to explore remarkable businesses and the women who excel in the world of finance. Until then, may your adventures be filled with joy, inspiration, and a touch of Disney magic.