Disney's Strategy: My Take

During a strategy module in 2022, my partner and I presented an analysis of Disney's performance and strategic shifts over the years. We highlighted Disney's historical success but I raised concerns about their new CEO's approach and strategic direction at the time.

Fast forward to today. The scenario has changed; The former CEO has returned to help steer the company, yet Disney faces ongoing challenges. Here are some key points from my analysis:

• Content is King, But Where is the Investment?

Disney's strength lies in its content, yet there is a noticeable lack of new and original material. This gap is particularly glaring given the company's vast resources and creative potential. Investing in high-quality, original content is crucial for sustaining engagement and growth.

• Integration of Acquisitions: A Missed Opportunity

One example is of Disney's most successful recent production, The Mandalorian. It suffers from production quality issues. Leveraging expertise across their acquisitions, such as Marvel's production prowess, could significantly enhance the quality and consistency of their content.

• Streaming Strategy: A Costly Misstep

Disney's venture into streaming has not yielded the expected returns. Instead of trying to compete directly, they might benefit from partnering with established platforms like Amazon, focusing on content creation rather than the complexities of running a streaming service.

• Park Attendance: Reflecting Broader Issues

The decline in park attendance is a symptom of broader strategic missteps. The issue isn't with park attractions themselves but with the lack of new content like movies that draw people to the Disney brand. Today's kids need to see Disney the way my generation did—captivated by magical stories and dreaming of visiting the parks. Revitalizing content is essential to rekindling that magic.

Reflecting on these points, it’s evident that strategic misalignments have significant repercussions. Disney’s future success hinges on focusing on their core strengths: creating compelling, high-quality content and effectively integrating their vast array of acquisitions.

What are your thoughts on Disney's direction? Do you agree with my analysis?

#Disney #Strategy #ContentCreation #BusinessAnalysis