The Walt Disney Company (DIS) MoffettNathanson Media, Internet and Communications Conference summary

Global expansion and market opportunity

• Identified significant untapped demand for experiences, with Abu Dhabi chosen for its strategic location and access to a large population within a four-hour flight radius.

• Estimated 500 million consumers in the region with the right affinity and income for themed experiences, supporting the decision to enter the UAE market.

• Partnership with Miral Group leverages local expertise, with Miral funding and operating the project under creative and operational oversight.

Business models and investment strategy

• Utilizes a variety of partnership and ownership models globally, adapting to market and capital allocation needs.

• Recent $60 billion, 10-year global investment roadmap targets new attractions, hotels, ships, and digital initiatives.

• Every investment is subject to strict return thresholds, with a focus on high confidence in future returns based on past performance.

Brand ecosystem and creative integration

• Physical experiences drive brand engagement, creating ambassadors who interact with multiple business lines.

• Close collaboration between creative teams and studios ensures new IP is rapidly integrated into experiences.

• The "flywheel" effect is amplified by linking content, merchandise, and experiences, increasing brand stickiness.