Five surprising facts about Walt Disney: immerse yourself in the magical world of cinema

Founded in 1923, The Walt Disney Company (DIS) is a giant of the entertainment industry recognized all over the world. Thanks to its iconic animated films and famous theme parks, Disney has made its name in the annals of history. SSPDaily has revealed 5 interesting facts about this company that you might not know.

Disney's cable and television business brings 43% of total revenue

The company's largest revenue generator is the media network business. This segment accounts for more than 43% of Disney's total revenue. It includes broadcast and cable television networks, television production, distribution, domestic television stations, and radio networks. Some of the well-known names under the Disney cable network brand include ESPN, Disney Channels Worldwide, ABC Family, and SOAPnet. In addition, Disney owns 50% of the A&E Television Network, which is responsible for the operation of A&E, History, Bio, H2, Lifetime and LMN.

Disney is the largest single-site employer in the United States

Walt Disney World Resort, located in Orlando, Florida, is the largest single-site employer in the United States. This sprawling project employs more than 62,000 people and is home to such iconic locations as the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.

The Walt Disney World Resort covers a vast territory of 25,000 acres, which is approximately the size of San Francisco. Interestingly, Walt Disney acquired 43 square miles of swampy terrain in Central Florida for Disneyland for just $5 million, which equals about $185 per acre.

Since 1991, Disney's annual revenue has declined only twice

The Walt Disney Company has demonstrated remarkable financial stability over the years. Since 1991, Disney's annual revenue has declined only twice: in 2002 and 2009. The 2002 downturn was due to cost-cutting measures in areas such as operating expenses, labor costs, annual feature films, and Internet-related expenses.

In 2009, revenues declined by 4% due to the global economic crisis and the secular challenges faced by the company. It should be noted that only Disney's Parks and Resorts, Studio Entertainment and Interactive Media segments reported lower revenues than in the previous year.

Only 2 of the 5 highest-grossing Disney films are animated

Although Disney is synonymous with animated classics, it is surprising to note that only two of the company's five highest-grossing films are animated. The elite list includes The Avengers, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, Toy Story 3, Iron Man 3, and Frozen. Only Toy Story 3 and Frozen are animated films. Together, these five films have grossed a staggering $2.27 billion in box office receipts. Toy Story 3 managed to exceed $415 million, and Frozen crossed the $400 million mark.

Disney is closely connected with the Second World War

During World War II, Disney played an unexpected but important role in serving the governments of the United States and Canada. Commissioned by these governments, it produced numerous educational and propaganda films. By 1942, approximately 90% of the company's employees were actively involved in the creation of military-themed films, including Victory Through Air Power and Education for Death. In addition to these educational films, Disney also created several anti-Hitler short films aimed at boosting morale on the home front.