ORLANDO, Fla. -- At his first meeting with Central Florida leaders since being named chief executive, Walt Disney Co. CEO Robert Iger said the company is poised to enter another renaissance period in animation which will eventually pay great dividends.

During the event on Walt Disney World property Thursday, Iger said he is committed to returning Disney to the glory days of animation, which many believe ended after 1995's "The Lion King," according to Local 6 News.

Iger believes the acquisition of movie company Pixar and its new movie "Cars" will once again make the Disney the industry leader.

"Over the last 10 years, our animation has been a little more erratic in its performance than I felt it needed to be," Iger said. "We really believe we are poised to enter another renaissance period for the Walt Disney Co. in animation, which is something that will pay great dividends."

"Putting quality over quantity, Iger promises that Disney will emphasize creativity more than ever before as seen on the new ride Expedition Everest," Local 6 News reporter Mike DeForest said.

"We are extremely focused on allocating our capital in that direction above all else," Iger said.

During his trip to Central Florida, Iger called Walt Disney World the company's most important business.

"He wants to continue to invest in these assets to make sure they stay long-term and robust, continue to grow and take advantage in the business opportunities that are out there," Disney President Al Weiss said.

With Iger at the helm, Disney's stock has grown nearly 20 percent in 2006 with profits continuing to climb, the report said.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the bump up in the stock price in the last quarter," Iger told the audience at Thursday's event.

Iger also met with several thousand Florida cast members and received a standing ovation after the meeting.

"One cast member tells me that she had goose bumps and a newfound pride for the company she works for," DeForest said.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.