In a recent employee town hall held in New York, Disney CEO Bob Iger shared his plans for the company's growth in 2024, highlighting three key priorities. Joined on stage by Disney executives Josh D'Amaro, Jimmy Pitaro, Dana Walden, and Alan Bergman, Iger expressed his enthusiasm for "building again" after a year of focusing on areas that required attention.

During the town hall, Iger emphasized that building is a more enjoyable phase than fixing and reflected on the recent efforts to address challenges within the company. The event, held at New York's Amsterdam Theater, saw Iger interviewed by ABC News anchor David Muir, providing insights into Disney's plans for the future.

Iger recalled how he kickstarted an era of growth with the acquisitions of Pixar and Marvel earlier in his tenure as CEO. However, this time, Iger intends to focus on expanding Disney's theme parks, developing a comprehensive ESPN streaming service, and revitalizing the studio business. These priorities aim at further strengthening Disney's position in the entertainment industry and engaging with a younger audience.

One of the major announcements was a $60 billion commitment to expanding Disney's theme parks over the next decade. This significant investment reflects Disney's commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for visitors. Additionally, Iger and Pitaro expressed their desire to launch an enhanced ESPN direct-to-consumer platform, incorporating advanced statistics and integration with fantasy sports to attract a younger demographic. Pitaro stated that extensive research is being conducted to determine the platform's cost and optimal launch timing.

The town hall also acknowledged the importance of movies for Disney as a whole, despite acknowledging that the quality of recent releases has suffered. Iger emphasized the power of movies in shaping the perception of the company among investors, the audience, consumers, and employees. The success of films like "Frozen" not only elevates the company's brand but also has a ripple effect on other areas of the business, including Disney's streaming service, theme park attractions, and consumer products.

While Disney's stock has seen a modest increase of 6.8% this year, Iger is optimistic about the company's growth prospects for 2024. However, some analysts suggest that more significant changes, such as divesting declining linear businesses or seeking strategic partners for ESPN, may be necessary to further boost investor confidence. Iger acknowledged that these options are still under consideration, but no decision has been made yet on the way forward.

Overall, the employee town hall provided valuable insights into Disney's strategic priorities for 2024. With a strong focus on expanding theme parks, developing a robust ESPN streaming service, and revitalizing the studio business, Disney is set to continue captivating audiences and shaping the future of the entertainment industry.

Watch: Disney holds annual town hall amid stock declines.