Disney Continues to Drop in “Most Admired Companies” List

The Walt Disney Company has dropped once again in Fortune’s 2025 ranking of the World’s Most Admired Companies. Disney dropped to 13th on the 2025 list, falling one spot compared to the 12th spot it held in 2024.

This continues Disney’s trend of falling in the rankings, though their one-spot drop in 2025 is significantly less than the six places it fell (from 6th to 12th) between 2023 and 2024. For reference, Apple once again claimed the top spot (for the 18th year) and the remainder of the top-5 included Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia, and Berkshire Hathaway.

However, Disney’s rankings among media and entertainment companies actually improved between 2024 and 2025. Disney ranked third among entertainment and media companies, which is a one spot improvement versus 2024. Disney had held the top spot in this category prior to 2024, but they lost that to Netflix and fell to the fourth spot in 2024.

Disney’s decline in the rankings probably isn’t too surprising to most Disney fans. The company has yet to name a new CEO once Bob Iger’s tenure finally expires, the theme park experience continues to be criticized for its enormous costs, and the media side of Disney has had more misses than hits in recent years.

Things haven’t been too positive for shareholders either. Disney’s stock price has remained basically flat over the past year, and is well off its all-time high of over $200 per share set in March 2021. Disney’s stock dividends have improved recently, but the stock price is still underperforming compared to other companies.

Disney now finds itself in a critical moment in its history. Guests are finally balking at ever-increasing prices and constantly shrinking perks and amenities. Entire generations appear to be priced out, and that could have long-term impacts as families opt for different vacation destinations. Meanwhile, Disney’s biggest theme park competitor, Universal, is making a big push in Orlando through its new theme park Epic Universe. Disney has said they’re not worried about Epic Universe, but we’ll find out how much they should worry once the park opens.

This is a fascinating and frustrating time for Disney fans. While some areas of Disney continue to excel and offer high-quality offerings, like Disney Cruise Line, other areas feel creatively bankrupt. Almost every recent change at the theme parks has been met with resistance as Disney has opted to remove and replace rather than expand and enhance. Disney has been alienating both its new and most loyal fans, which is a dangerous proposition.

We hope this increase in widespread theme park criticism leads to eventual changes. We long for the day when Disney had truly magical perks (Disney Magical Express, airport check-in, etc) and guests didn’t feel like they were hit with constant upcharges. It’s all about perceived value. Disney can choose to be an expensive and premium offering, but it has to make guests feel like they’re receiving a good value. That hasn’t been the case in recent years.

Disney may be reaping short-term benefits with its current pricing strategy, but we think the erosion of trust and loyalty in a Disney vacation will be felt for years.