The Walt Disney Company has added a new page on its corporate website that provides a look at its domestic economic impact. This has previously been done in Florida with Walt Disney World’s economic impact on that state.
Disney and the American Experience
The new page starts with a quote from Walt Disney on his love of America: “Actually, if you could see close in my eyes, the American flag is waving in both of them.” This continues with an explanation about how Disney is an “integral part in the American experience.” Disney goes on to explain how it contributes economically and also helps to “positively shape culture, innovation, and communities.” Disney shares that it currently employs 160,000 people in all 50 states.
A Letter From the CEO
The page continues with the following letter from Disney CEO Bob Iger:
In 1923, when Walt Disney and his brother, Roy, first set up a cartoon studio in pursuit of their American dream, few could have imagined what the future would hold. This company was built from Walt’s extraordinary ambition and boundless creativity. Many others have come and gone over the past century. And yet Disney has stood the test of time as a constant source of happiness for families and communities, and a shining example of innovation and imagination. That enduring cultural influence sets Disney apart as both a brand and business, which is a privilege we take seriously. That’s why we’ve always believed it’s important to be one of the world’s most admired companies — not only for what we create, but for the positive impact we have.
Today, we have more than 160,000 U.S. employees across all 50 states from virtually every trade and profession, from animators and accountants to zoning engineers and zoologists. We are invested in their success and the communities they call home. Major new initiatives like our $30 billion+ investment in our domestic theme parks will add some 10,000 new jobs in Florida and California. And in 2025, we’ll spend over $23 billion on production for our movies and television series and licensed content, the majority of which is spent here in the U.S. Meanwhile, we’ve invested $370 million in higher education and professional development for our hourly workers nationwide through our Disney Aspire program.
I’m particularly proud of the ways we’re able to use the power of Disney stories to lift children’s spirits when they need it most. Through our longtime relationship with Make-A-Wish, Disney is the No. 1 wish-granter in the world for children facing critical illness, and we grant a child’s wish every hour of every day. We also support children’s hospitals across the nation and internationally, and recently fulfilled our $100 million commitment to enhance the children’s hospital experience for patients and their families.
All of this ongoing work and more is part of our unwavering commitment to being a force for good in the world, especially right here in our own back yard.
The Numbers
This is followed by a section on the site called Disney, By The Numbers. It shares how Disney doesn’t contribute just by employing people in America, but how it invests financially in the USA as well. It includes the following graph:
Disney’s History of Patriotism
The new page on Disney’s website comes after it recently also shared a post about the history and importance of the Patriotic Flag Retreat ceremony at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. This is a tradition that dates back to Walt and his brother Roy Disney’s service to their country during World War I. Since the early days of the Company, Disney has had a close connection with the United States of America. Today, along with celebrating and honoring America in its parks through things like the Patriotic Flag Retreat, the American Adventure, Hall of Presidents, and Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, Disney also has a hiring program called Heroes Work Here to help hire and then set up veterans for career success at Disney.
A Smoother Path Forward?
Disney’s website update comes as the current administration has shown a strong preference for traditional patriotism and a turn towards an idealized view of what America once was. This has led to many companies changing governance policies and website content in the hopes of having a smoother relationship with the administration. It has also been announced by the Federal Communications Commission Chairman, Brendan Carr, that Disney and ABC are being investigated over their DEI practices. In a letter announcing the investigation, the FCC said it wants to “ensure that Disney and ABC have not been violating FCC equal employment opportunity regulations by promoting invidious forms of DEI discrimination.”
