Just How Much Is Disney Worth to Florida? A NEW Study Has the Surprising Numbers.

It’s no secret that The Walt Disney Company is huge.

We’re talking theme parks, movies, merchandise, sports, gambling — you name it. So, it’s really no surprise that a company this large would have a pretty significant impact on the economy. But, a new study shows just how much Disney has contributed to Florida’s economy in particular — and it’s a doozy.

A new study has determined that Walt Disney World generated $40 billion in economic impact across Florida — and added more than a quarter of a million jobs in fiscal year 2022.

The study — which was commissioned by Disney and done by Oxford Economics — found that Disney generated the following throughout the year:

$40.3 billion in total statewide economic impact
263,000 direct and indirect jobs which equate to 1 out of every 32 jobs in the state
- This includes Disney’s workforce of 82,000 throughout Florida. In Central Florida, Disney supports 12% or 1-in-8 of all jobs.
- Without this impact, Florida’s unemployment would increase from 3% to 5.4% which would give the state the second-highest unemployment rate in the country instead of the 21st lowest it currently has.
$6.6 billion in tax revenue, including $3.1 billion in annual state and local tax revenue generated by Disney visitors, employees, and third-party businesses.
- This helps fund local schools, law enforcement, public safety, parks, roadways, and more in Central Florida.
2,500 Florida-based small businesses contracted to supply products and services to Disney World

Disney commissioned this study, which also shows the economic impact of Disney Signature Experiences in Florida, including Disney Vacation Club and Disney Cruise Line.

The company also notes that this study was done for Fiscal Year 2022 — before the Reedy Creek Improvement District became the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District under Governor Ron DeSantis’ appointed board’s control.

“Disney is an economic catalyst to the state of Florida generating billions in economic activity, either directly, or indirectly through its supply chain and the spending of employees,” shared Adam Sacks, who is the President of Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics.

“Disney is also vital to the funding of public services, as it generated taxes of $6.6 billion in 2022, including state and local taxes of $3.1 billion.”

Jeff Vahle, Walt Disney World Resort President, said, “I am incredibly proud of how Disney has created meaningful change and benefitted people’s lives in Florida for generations, not just in establishing our area’s theme park industry, but also in how we have worked with other sectors across the state to do the same.”

“The numbers speak for themselves on why Disney is so important to fueling jobs, the economy and tourism throughout our region, and the future investments we’re looking to make will continue to provide even more opportunities for Floridians.”

Disney works with 2,500 small businesses in Florida that employ workers who provide a range of goods and services. Over 160 third-party businesses operate on Disney property as well, including local businesses.

In fiscal year 2022, Disney paid and collected $1.1 billion in state and local taxes to both Orange and Osceola Counties in Florida, as well as to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District when it was still the Reedy Creek Improvement District.

The feud around this district began in 2022 when Disney publicly opposed and criticized a state law passed by DeSantis, banning classroom lessons and discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity in Florida schools. Shortly thereafter, DeSantis hand-appointed a new board — the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board — to replace Disney’s self-governing Reedy Creek Improvement District.

The new board immediately began making changes within the District, and there are now 2 lawsuits pending involving Disney and the Board and/or DeSantis — one in state court and one in federal court.

©Central Florida Tourism Oversight District

But, that hasn’t stopped Disney from continuing to make an impact in Florida. In addition to economic growth, the company has contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to local nonprofits, and recently announced another $1.5 million would be donated to 19 different organizations making a difference in the community.