The Walt Disney Company Disney Media Networks, and Walt Disney Direct-to-Consumer and International. Disney also owns and operates the ABC broadcast network; cable television networks such as Disney Channel, ESPN, A&E Networks, and Freeform; publishing, merchandising, music, and theater divisions; and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, a group of 14 theme parks around the world. The company has been a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average since 1991. Mickey Mouse was created in 1928 and is the signature mascot and emblem for Disney and one of the world's most recognizable characters. On December 14, 2017, Disney announced an agreement to acquire 21st Century
Walt Disney World Company and Resorts U.S., Inc. in March 2009. Walt Disney World Company Walt Disney World Company was created in 1967 as the company that owned and operated Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida. The resort opened in 1971 and the land was owned by Walt Disney World Company, Walt Disney Travel Company, and Walt Disney World Hospitality and Recreation Corporation. In 2009 the name was changed to Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., a subsidiary of Walt Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, and is based in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Reedy Creek