Why Is Walt Disney An American Icon

As we all know Walt Disney is an American icon, and has been since the 1930s (Ferrell, Hirt, & Ferrell). With the popularity of the company in American, that made the company want to expand to other countries. The two Walt Disney parks were started first in California and second in Florida (Ferrell, Hirt, & Ferrell). Walt Disney seen how well they were doing, and decided to spread the business to Paris and France 10 years later. There was also a Disney that opened in Hong Kong in 2005 (Ferrell, Hirt, & Ferrell).The Disney parks that were opened in the other countries were not performing well. The company based there success on Mickey Mouse being a household name and being so popular, that they forgot about other factors when running a business
Because it was an American icon did not mean it will automatically make it overseas. When they opened the park in France the main objection that was made by French citizens was an aversion to allowing an American icon and symbol culture to become a focal point in France (Ferrell, Hirt, & Ferrell). This was a big issue because it was interfering with their culture and what they believe in. Disney had to realize how when dealing with business globally you have to worry about the challenges that come along with it. The challenges they face are economic, legal, political, social, and cultural barriers. That is what led to another issue in France at the Walt Disney park and it was the admission price to the park was high. When reconstructing, Disney wanted to come up with ways that made the people comfortable, and want to come back. The changes they initiated was they reduced the price, change the name, and they started to focus on the culture differences in
They are going to have to pay close attention to cultural and social variances in different global markets such as China. Since Disney has learned with the mistakes they made with France and Hong Kong, they can be sure not to make those same mistakes. They will need to first plan ahead on the culture they are following, price depending on economic factors, and also familiarize with the people around to see what they like and what it is they want to see. A global business’s decision to make a foreign investment is contingent upon economic and political factors (Matuaizt, 2011). Disney must factor all of this before opening in China. Everything down to the food will have to be what the people of china prefer. If they want to attract people, they have to give them what they want. It is about satisfying the customer. Customers will be what determine the success of your business, because without them a company will not be prosperous. A lot of research should be conducted to find out what it is they need to