Data Bits, Issue 1

Giving you little bits of data, more often.

Say Hello to Data Bits

Hi there, and happy [almost] new year! As 2023 wraps up, I’m excited to grow this newsletter, which includes finding ways to post more often. In addition to some of my more in-depth data analysis issues, I’m going to start a series which I’m calling Data Bits. These issues will be brief, “little bits of data” that include one or two charts of interesting data I’ve discovered.

I’ll be using Datawrapper for these data vizzes—it’s a free, online visualization tool that allows users to easily create visualizations and embed them in the Substack platform. It’s super easy to use, quick, and (in my opinion) doesn’t compromise on design.

Data Bits, Issue 1: Most Prevalent Disney Characters

I am an unabashed “Disney Adult.” I love all things Disney, especially the happiest place on earth, Disney World. Recently, I extracted data from the Disney API to find data on all Disney characters ever created and featured in film, TV shows, short films, video games, and park attractions. The following chart shows the most popular (or really, most prevalent, Disney characters in all the aforementioned types of media).

Data Takeaways

What does not surprise me: Mickey Mouse! He is Disney’s leading man and everyone’s favorite mouse for 100 years and counting.

What surprises me: Stitch coming in hot in the top 10! Had no idea that little alien had so much love behind him.

I also wanted to compare this to the most prevalent characters found in Disney park attractions. The parks have a specific business plan, and it’s interesting to see how the business has chosen to feature some characters over others. From the looks of it, Disney Princesses seem to dominate the parks. Mickey doesn’t even make the list! However, I don’t think the data counted all the “Hidden Mickeys” at the parks.

Thanks for being here, and see you in 2024!