New Report: Disney Parks Contribute $67 Billion and 400,000 Jobs to US Economy. Disney Parks continue to be a massive economic engine for the U.S. economy, generating nearly $67 billion in annual impact and supporting over 403,000 jobs nationwide. This comes almost 70 years after Disneyland first opened, a testament to the company’s enduring influence. Disney’s investment isn’t just about theme parks; it fuels vast ecosystems of small businesses, drives tourism, and creates jobs across all 50 states.
“Disney defines the themed entertainment business in America, and our presence is felt across the country,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our destinations create economies far beyond the gates of our parks, and when we invest in the groundbreaking experiences that only Disney can deliver, growth follows.”
While the report goes deep into the woods on numbers at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort, one highlight is the local business ecosystem. While not specifically written about in the report, we here at Fantasylandnews.com are one of those small local businesses. Disney’s report mentions mostly local small businesses that work directly with Disney, but there is a direct impact on the local areas.
Just look at all the Fan Sites/News Blogs, Influencers, Mom & Pop stores, local hotels and restaurants, and so many more that would not be in business if it weren’t for the bubble that The Walt Disney Company, especially its Experiences Division. We are a product of this, so we see the benefit directly.
The Big Picture: Disney’s $67 Billion Economic Footprint
By the numbers:
- Total Economic Impact: Nearly $67 billion annually (across Florida and California operations, impacting all 50 states).
- Total Jobs Supported: Over 403,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- California Impact: Disneyland Resort alone generated $16.1 billion in economic impact and supports over 102,000 jobs in Southern California in 2023.
- Florida Impact: Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Signature Experiences (Cruise Line, Vacation Club) generated $40.3 billion in economic impact and supported over 263,000 jobs in Florida (FY 2022 data).
- Future Investment: Disney plans to “turbocharge” growth, increasing U.S. capital expenditures to $30 billion.
A new report by Tourism Economics (Oxford Economics) details the profound economic impact, especially for Disneyland.
Anaheim’s Transformation
- Disneyland’s 1955 opening transformed Anaheim from a rural community to a major tourist hub.
- The resort is committed to investing at least $1.9 billion in new experiences, potentially generating $30 million annually for the city.
- This includes $30 million for affordable housing, $8 million for city parks, and $45 million for infrastructure improvements.
- Coming soon: Doubling the size of Avengers Campus, new attractions based on Coco and Avatar.
Florida’s Growth
- Walt Disney World, opened in 1971, similarly catalyzed Central Florida’s growth into a global tourist destination.
- Upcoming expansions: Largest-ever expansion of Magic Kingdom (including Cars and Disney Villains themed areas), new Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom (Encanto, Indiana Jones), and a Monsters, Inc. land at Hollywood Studios.
Beyond the gates:
- Small Business Ecosystem: Disney works with thousands of local businesses across the U.S. (e.g., Advantage ColorGraphics, a printer for Disneyland park maps).
- Community Impact: Over $263 million in charitable giving in FY 2024.
- Make-A-Wish: Disney grants half of all U.S. wishes annually, over 165,000 globally since 1980.
- VoluntEARS: Since 1983, Disney employees and cast members have collectively contributed nearly 14 million hours to their communities worldwide through the Disney VoluntEARS program.
Walt Disney’s original vision continues to spark economic prosperity, job creation, and community well-being, solidifying Disney’s role as a symbol of American ingenuity. More details available at economicimpact.disneyexperiences.com
New Report: Disney Parks Contribute $67 Billion and 400,000 Jobs to US Economy
