Disney’s soul is arguably its animation studio, which has a 100-year track record of creating iconic characters and stories, and a distinct brand centered around “once upon a time.” Not so long ago, Disney produced films like "The Little Mermaid" and "The Lion King," catapulting animation into the mainstream while burnishing Disney's own brand as the premier animated film studio. But lately, those movies have felt lost and often, distinctly, "un-Disney." Recent box office flops like “Wish” are costly missteps that have a huge impact on Disney’s bottom line. With more studios producing animated films, and Disney having acquired Pixar, it’s not always clear what’s a Disney film anymore. So what makes a film a Disney film today, and why does it matter? This episode hosted by Bilge Ebiri (@BilgeEbiri) From Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

These days the Walt Disney Company is mostly a theme parks company. About 70 percent of its operating income comes from its parks and other experiences like Disney Cruises. But the parks do something else: they help the company attach itself to our emotions, memories, and identities. How can Disney continue to strengthen this relationship in an era where data - not whimsy, fantasy, or even original IP - shapes so much of how we experience the world? This episode hosted by Rebecca Alter (@ralter) From Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When you think about Disney, your first thought isn’t “cable television giant.” But Disney’s broadcast and cable television holdings, especially ESPN, helped turbocharge Disney’s growth over the last 30 years. It was a formula that worked extremely well – until now. As more and more consumers cut the cable cord, Disney must reckon with declining assets and the hit to its bottom line. Hosted by Joe Adelian (@TVMoJoe) From Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the past 100 years, the Walt Disney Company has grown from a small animation studio to become one of the largest companies in the world, with an enviable history of creative and financial success. But as it's grown and acquired companies like Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm, can its winning streak continue? What has Disney lost in the process of getting so big, and can it sustain its high quality and brand loyalty at this enormous scale?  From Vulture and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Episodes drop every Wednesday beginning July 10th.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices