Page 286 - Harnessing the Management Secrets of Disney in Your Company

Epilogue

The Magic

Continues

Well, after 40 some odd years in the business, my greatest reward,
I think, is I’ve been able to build this wonderful organization . . . also
to have the public appreciate and accept what I’ve done all these
years—that is a great reward. 110
Walt Disney

rom a young boy’s doodling to a worldwide empire with a host of
magical characters that are instantly recognizable by both children
Fand adults—this is The Walt Disney Company’s legend and legacy.
Would Walt recognize his brainchild as it is today? The physical plant has
greatly expanded, of course. Disneyland now offers The California Adventure;
and Walt Disney World, which didn’t open until after Walt died, is now
composed of four separate parks, including the newest and highly celebrated
Animal Kingdom. And Disneyland Paris, Walt Disney Studios Park, Tokyo
Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea, and Hong Kong Disneyland illustrate the
company’s international reach. The Disney Cruise Line, Disney Vacation
Club, ABC, and Broadway stage shows exemplify the variety of business activi-
ties that make up today’s Walt Disney Company.
Yet chances are that Walt would feel right at home. That’s because the
culture and traditions he established—his dreams, his beliefs, his goals, and
his style of managing the business — provided the direction that makes The
Walt Disney Company one of the most admired companies in the world.
The “good show” mentality, which dictates pulling out all the stops to exceed

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