Latest news with #WaltDisneyWorld
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Should Netflix Be More Like Walt Disney?
Key Points Netflix is opening Netflix Houses in select U.S. cities, which will bring its popular shows and movies to life. Disney is second-to-none when it comes to physical experiences, a segment that rakes in substantial profits. Netflix dominates the current media landscape, so a major shift in strategy isn't necessary. 10 stocks we like better than Netflix › In the past decade, Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) shares have soared 955%. Just this year (as of July 23), they are up 32%. With this type of stellar performance, it seems the business can do no wrong. However, there is one area Netflix has yet to tap: Theme parks. The company has become a dominant media and entertainment enterprise, but it's presence in the physical world is nonexistent. This puts Netflix behind a peer like Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS), which owns and operates seven of the 10 most visited theme parks on the face of the planet. Not to mention the cruise ships that Disney also has. Maybe Netflix is staring at an obvious opportunity here to grow its revenue and fan base. Should the top streaming stock become more like the House of Mouse? Here's how investors should view this situation from a strategic and financial perspective. Creating a flywheel Disney has unmatched intellectual property (IP), which helps support its flywheel. People might watch a new Marvel movie or series and immediately want to experience these characters in real life, so they visit Walt Disney World to ride the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster. They might also buy merchandise. It's a situation where all the pieces fortify Disney's competitive position, allowing it to develop deeper and longer-lasting connections with its fans. Creating physical experiences can help Netflix bolster its brand in the same way. For what it's worth, the company plans to launch Netflix Houses in Dallas and Philadelphia this year, and in Las Vegas in 2027. These are permanent, but small-format (about 100,000 square feet) setups located in shopping malls. There are interactive experiences, dining options, and retail stores. It's encouraging to see Netflix test the waters when it comes to physical experiences. It might not have the breadth and depth of IP that Disney has, especially when it comes to content for kids and families, but it has extremely popular shows and movies that people love. It's probably best that Netflix isn't going full steam ahead with building an actual theme park, as it likely won't be able to compete with Disney's dominance, or with Comcast's Universal Studios. Financial implications When making these kinds of strategic decisions, what matters most is the potential they can have for financial success. Disney's Experiences segment is its most profitable. In fiscal 2024 (ended Sept. 28, 2024), this division raked in $9.3 billion in operating income on $34.2 billion in revenue. Netflix reported $6.9 billion in free cash flow in 2024, with a forecast to bring in between $8 billion and $8.5 billion this year. Investing in building out theme parks would require huge capital expenditure commitments that would certainly dent Netflix's strong financial position. Return on invested capital is a key metric that management teams should think about when allocating cash to its best use. Developing physical experiences at Disney's level would take resources away from creating top-notch content that the company is known for. In September 2023, Disney announced that it was going to spend $60 billion over the next decade to expand its Experiences segment. That's a massive undertaking that Netflix can avoid. Netflix is doing just fine The media industry, which is now being driven by the streaming model, is extremely competitive. There are many businesses vying for viewer attention, so it's always important to figure out ways of standing out. But Netflix reigns supreme, with more than 300 million subscribers worldwide. It's operating from a position of strength with the upcoming launch of Netflix Houses. Netflix doesn't need to be more like Disney. The former continues to fire on all cylinders. The opposite argument holds more weight, with Disney needing to be more like Netflix -- at least when it comes to the House of Mouse's streaming segment that just became profitable not too long ago. Should you buy stock in Netflix right now? Before you buy stock in Netflix, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Netflix wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $636,628!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,063,471!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,041% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 183% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of July 21, 2025 Neil Patel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Netflix and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool recommends Comcast. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Should Netflix Be More Like Walt Disney? was originally published by The Motley Fool
Forbes
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Disney Ambassador Program Marks 60th Anniversary. Why It's Still Vital For Disney
Global Disney Ambassadors for the 2024-2025 season. If you were able to flashback to Disneyland in 1965, you'd be celebrating the park's 10th anniversary, but it was also a busy time for Walt Disney. Not only was he enhancing his current park in Anaheim, California, but he was also secretly buying land in Florida for what would become Walt Disney World, working on new feature films, and more. His time was spread thin. This very moment sparked an idea in Jack Lindquist, director of marketing for Disneyland at the time, to have a Cast Member (what The Walt Disney Company calls employees) represent Disney around the world, showcasing Disneyland and its 10th anniversary. This was the start of what's now known as the Disney Ambassador program, where selected Cast Members from each of Disney's theme parks around the world, plus its resort in Hawaii, Aulani, embark on a two-year temporary role at their corresponding theme park to highlight the work of Cast Members, talk to media, and make official appearances as representatives for Disney Parks. Steven Miller and Disney Legend Marty Sklar in 2002 while Miller was a Walt Disney World Ambassador. ... More According to Steven Miller, former Disney Ambassador from 2001 to 2002, and current lead of the Walt Disney World Ambassador Program, 'A lot of times the ambassador program grew out of the VIP, like tour guides or the Guest Relations team.' And in 1964, the very first rounds of interviews of Disneyland's first ambassador took place with six final candidates. In the end, Julie Reihm Casaletto became the first Ambassador of Disneyland in 1965. 'The world is introduced to Julie as Miss Disneyland tencennial on a broadcast for Disneyland's tencennial celebration,' explains Miller. 'Julie ends up spending a year, you know, going around, traveling and telling the world about all the exciting things that are going on at Disneyland. And in essence, she was representing Walt in many of those capacities.' After Casaletto's successful stint as Miss Disneyland, the program continued, though with the title of Ambassador. For years, the role was filled by a single person, but today each Ambassador team has two Cast Members, except for Aulani, which has a single Ambassador each season. Stories from a former Disneyland Ambassador Andrae Gill learning she would be a Disneyland Ambassador during the resort's 50th anniversary. Andrea Gill, director of event planning, operations and strategy at the Disneyland Resort, is a former Disneyland Ambassador during the 50th anniversary of the resort. Gill first became a Cast Member in 2000, working in food and beverage, and took on the Ambassador role from 2004 to 2006, noting it was a highlight of her Disney career. 'To be able to represent not only our cast members and put a voice for them, but also go on to community events, the business events, all of that, and be the official representative, which is, again, something completely unbelievable,' she explains. Gill recalls getting selected during a ceremony at the train station at Disneyland Park. 'I remember that day, so it's a big moment, Mickey and the characters all come out, and it was almost like a Miss America moment, where all the candidates are up on stage, and then our president comes out, the current ambassador, they invite all the former ambassadors to come out, and then on stage, it's revealed.' Andrae Gill with executives for The Walt Disney Company in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at ... More Disneyland. Meeting people and learning about all the facets of the company was a highlight for Gill. Her Ambassador role also opened new career doors for her, and she feels like being an Ambassador even helps her with her current job in event planning. 'We do a lot of events company-wide, and I feel I know a lot of how the company operates because of my experience as an Ambassador.' One of Gill's lasting legacies as Disneyland Ambassador was creating a program called Ambassador 101, a training program for Cast Members interested in becoming an Ambassador. It still runs 20 years later. 'It's a five-week program where Cast Members can come in and learn how to build a resume, do mock interviews with recruiters to get comfortable with the interviewing process, and meet with show directors to teach them about poise and how to speak in front of people,' she explains. Disney Ambassadors today Steven Miller with current Walt Disney World Ambassadors at EPCOT. Today, Disney Ambassadors talk to media, fan sites, and bloggers, represent the company at events around the country, take to social media to highlight the work of individual Cast Members, and take what's known as 'Walt Walks,' where they walk the park to observe and talk to guests and Cast Members about the day. Each Ambassador role is a two-year position. 'I think it works out great, because that first year they're just figuring out what's going on, trying to get their feet, and then by the second year, they're really making some significant impact with our cast and our company,' explains Miller. The program encourages all types of Cast Members to apply. The only limitations are that you must be at least 18 years old and have worked for Disney for at least two years in a part-time or full-time role. There's also no limit to how many times someone can apply to be an Ambassador until they are picked. For Miller, along with his current role as the lead for the Walt Disney Ambassador Program, he's also on the corporate social responsibility team. He can see that his Ambassadorship from 2001 to 2002 was a foundation for elevating his career. 'I can trace back to the foundation of the ambassador program, being able to deliver on key messages in a succinct manner, being able to write, being able to have the confidence to just pick up the phone and call somebody you know, and and having a big picture view of all the different pieces and parts of how Disney works.' Even after 60 years of the Disney Ambassador program, the role is just as important today as it was in 1965. 'Your job is to shine the light on everybody else, [to] recognize and celebrate our Cast Members, bring that Disney magic into our community, and to create happiness for people who need it,' Miller says.
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Travel + Leisure
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
This Iconic Disney World Attraction Just Reopened With New Tech, Scenes, and Thrills—What to Know
Following an extensive refurbishment, Walt Disney World's Test Track has reopened with all new show scenes, on-board narration, vehicles, and queue. The high-speed thrill attraction has been an Epcot staple since 1999, and one of the Orlando destination's most popular rides. And now park goers can race to what Disney has called an all-new 'reimagined experience' that celebrates 'today's innovation while highlighting the past, present, and future.' The new Test Track is a collaboration between General Motors and Walt Disney Imagineering. Riders will first walk through a queue featuring six distinct exhibits that 'celebrate the vehicles—and people behind the vehicles—that push the envelope and help get people to our next chapter in our motion journey.' On display are futuristic, concept cars. Once on board, riders will journey through various show scenes that depict 'technological advances and how our lifestyles and relationships to mobility connect everyone.' The attraction taps into the spirit of the open road while showcasing the unique vantage point of how vehicles 'see' the world around us. To create this effect, Walt Disney Imagineering utilized over 29,000 points of light. And fans need not worry: The popular scenic outdoors portion where riders are thrust to an exhilarating 65 miles per hour remains. Guests will then exit into a sprawling Vehicle Showcase displaying the latest innovations from General Motors. The newly-refreshed ride also pays tribute to the early days of Epcot and its legacy. Longtime visitors will notice an all-new musical score featuring the 'It's Fun To Be Free,' theme song for World of Motion, the attraction that once occupied the space where Test Track sits today. And its exterior has also been given a refresh, inspired by the original pavilion's design. Test Track will operate with a standard queue and a single rider line. The attraction is also available to book through Disney World's paid expedited line system, Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Walt Disney World is currently celebrating 'Cool Kid Summer' with new experiences that include two all-new stage shows at Disney's Hollywood Studios, 'The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure' and 'Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,' and a brand-new evening parade at Magic Kingdom Park, 'Disney Starlight: Dream The Night Away.' And later this year, guests can look forward to a brand-new Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern, The Beak and Barrel, at the Magic Kingdom Park.
Forbes
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Disney World's New Nighttime Parade Highlights The Past While Showcasing The Future Of Evening Entertainment
From singing with Miguel and dancing with Mirabel to joining Mickey and friends aboard Whimsy, ... More 'Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away' brings beloved characters to life under the stars. The brand new nighttime parade debuts July 20 in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Walt Disney World's new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream The Night Away, has officially debuted at Magic Kingdom. The new parade is the first to make its way down Main Street, U.S.A. since 2016, when The Main Street Electrical Parade finished its run at the park before moving back to the Disneyland Resort. The new nighttime entertainment offering features 10 floats, has a new musical score and dozens of characters and performers that bring the parade to life. What makes Disney Starlight unique is that it highlights parades of the past through music and theatrics while showcasing new technology. New technology in Disney Starlight From singing with Miguel and dancing with Mirabel to joining Mickey and friends aboard Whimsy, ... More 'Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away' brings beloved characters to life under the stars. The brand new nighttime parade debuts July 20 in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Disney World's new nighttime parade features all-new floats themed to classic Disney animated movies like Pinocchio and Peter Pan, plus new favorites like Encanto and Frozen 2. But hidden beneath the twinkling lights is a powerhouse of technology that brings Disney Starlight to life. Katie Marks, producer at Disney Live Entertainment, said, 'We really wanted to look at some of those new technologies and understand how they could work for the storytelling." The use of video is a large part of Disney Starlight, which is partially inspired by other nighttime parades at Disney Parks around the world, like Paint The Night at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. One area where video truly shines during Disney Starlight is during the Encanto-themed float. Right in the middle of the float is a larger-than-life version of the 'Magic Candle' that holds the blessing of the Madrigal family. The candle is actually a 360-degree screen, which is quite impressive. Besides screens, there are thousands of lights on each float to make them shine along the parade route from Main Street, U.S.A. to Frontierland. 'One of the great features of this parade is that we're really able to control every single pixel that you see on every single float, which is a real milestone for us in terms of electrical parades at the Magic Kingdom,' explained Marks. And the same programmability for the floats exists for the performer's costumes as well. Highlighting eras of the past during Disney World's new nighttime parade From singing with Miguel and dancing with Mirabel to joining Mickey and friends aboard Whimsy, ... More 'Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away' brings beloved characters to life under the stars. The brand new nighttime parade debuts July 20 in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World. Disney Starlight features nods to past Magic Kingdom parades. 'The last time that we built [a parade]Just before the parade makes its way around the park, there's an announcement that includes the start of the music from The Main Street Electrical Parade, which some fans may recognize. The biggest, literally, nod to The Main Street Electrical Parade, though, is Disney Starlight's final float, a massive train, named Whimsy, that chugs along the parade route with Goofy as its conductor. The float features multiple characters, but has a very distinct look that nostalgia seekers will find comforting. On the last float, which boasts the logo for Disney Starlight, Jiminy Cricket appears in digital form on a screen. This is a nod to SpectroMagic, where the character appeared on the back of the final float as a small Audio-Animatronics figure. The seamless blending of technology, nostalgia, music, and characters is what makes a nighttime parade at Magic Kingdom captivating for so many guests. Starlight does this well, especially as the technology disappears into the background and all guests see are stunning floats and favorite characters.
Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Disney World is giving away FREE $100 gift cards to annual passholders… but there's a catch
If you've been thinking about finally splurging on a Disney World Annual Pass, now might be the time to do it. For a limited time, Disney is offering up to a $100 Disney Gift Card eGift when you purchase a new Annual Pass to Walt Disney World. But before you get too excited, there are a few things you should know - and yes, there's a catch. First, this offer only applies to new Annual Passes. If you're hoping to renew your current pass or stack this on top of another discount, you're out of luck. Disney specifically notes that the promotion cannot be combined with any other discount or offer, including renewal discounts. The amount you'll receive also depends on the type of Annual Pass you purchase. The highest value comes with the Disney Incredi-Pass, which includes a $100 Disney Gift Card eGift. This pass is available to everyone and has no blockout dates. If you're a Florida resident or a Disney Vacation Club Member, you can snag the Disney Sorcerer Pass and get a $75 Disney Gift Card eGift. The Disney Pirate Pass, available only to Florida residents, includes a $50 Disney Gift Card eGift. And finally, the Disney Pixie Pass - also exclusive to Florida residents - comes with a $25 Disney Gift Card eGift. Once you purchase a new pass, Disney will send the gift card via email within a few days to the address provided during checkout. So yes, you'll have to wait a bit before you start spending it on Mickey pretzels or those Minnie ears you've been eyeing. It's worth noting that these gift cards can be used pretty much anywhere on Disney property - from dining and shopping to hotel stays and even park tickets. While Disney hasn't shared an end date for the promo, it is described as a 'limited time' offer, so don't expect it to last forever. This deal might be Disney's way of encouraging more guests to invest in annual passes again after its operating income dropped drastically earlier this year. If you're not sure which pass to get, Disney's website has a comparison tool to help you figure out what's worth it based on how often you go, where you live, and what blockout dates you're okay with. The Incredi-Pass, while the most expensive, comes with the fewest restrictions and the biggest gift card bonus. For Florida locals who visit the parks often, the lower-tier passes still offer some solid perks - and the free gift card is a nice little cherry on top. Ultimately, if you've been on the fence about becoming an Annual Passholder, this promo might be the push you needed. Just remember to read the fine print and double-check that you're eligible before you buy - because once you're in, there's no turning back (or refunding that pass).
