Universal Studios Type Founded Headquarters Founder(s) Defunct Key people Industry Products Parent Area served Website Universal Studios is a major motion picture company and former competitor to Walt Disney Studios. It is owned by NBCUniversal, which in turn is owned by Comcast. It was a former early distributor of Walt Disney cartoons, and its massive backlot at its Universal Studios Hollywood studio and theme park has served as a former filming location for Disney films. Walt Disney's poor relationship with Universal directly led to the creation of Mickey Mouse. Universal has resorts in California and Florida, which are those states' primary competitors against Disneyland and Walt Disney World, respectively.