NEWS: Data Shows $67 BILLION Economic Impact from Disney Parks

It’s been almost 70 years since the official opening of the Disneyland Resort, and there are no signs that the company plans on slowing down anytime soon.

Over the years, the Walt Disney Company has grown exponentially — and so has the impact the company has had on the United States’ economy. And, a new report has revealed just how big of an impact the Disney Parks, specifically, have made.

A new report from Disney and Oxford Economics has revealed just how the House of Mouse continues to play a vital role in driving economic growth, job creation, and small businesses across the United States. The study looked at both Disneyland and Disney World and how the parks have had direct and indirect impacts on the US economy.

Disney Parks generated a historic $67 billion in annual economic impact between the California and Florida parks, and supported more than 403,000 direct and indirect jobs in California, Florida, and 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.”

Key findings in the study revealed that Disneyland Resort generated $16.1 billion in annual economic impact across Southern California, along with supporting more than 102,000 jobs in the region.

Thomas Mazloum, President of Disneyland Resort, said, “As we celebrate 70 incredible years in Southern California, we are deeply proud of the lasting impact Disneyland Resort has made—creating thousands of jobs, fueling the local economy and welcoming the world to this extraordinary region.”

Disney and Oxford Economics have released reports like this in the past, but this is the first time that the total economic impact from both Disneyland and Disney World have been combined “to emphasize the company’s significant contributions to the US economy, across all 50 states.”

This latest report builds on previous research about the economic impact of Disney’s operations in Florida from fiscal year 2022 (which revealed a $40.3 billion economic impact in the state). Additionally, nearly 1 out of every 20 jobs in Orange County, California, and 1 out of every 8 jobs in Central Florida can be attributed to Disney.

Disney also reiterated its plans to “turbocharge” the growth of the domestic parks with increased capital expenditures in the US to $30 billion through 2033, including:

The largest-ever expansion of the Magic Kingdom, including a reimagined section of Frontierland inspired by the Pixar Animation Studios film “Cars” and a new land themed around Disney Villains from classic Walt Disney Animation Studios films
A new Tropical Americas land in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, featuring attractions based on “Encanto” from Walt Disney Animation Studios and “Indiana Jones”
The first-ever land based on Pixar Animation Studios’ “Monsters, Inc.” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Doubling the size of Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventure park
Also at Disneyland Resort: New attractions based on Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” and “Avatar”

“Disney is an iconic economic engine powering entire ecosystems of jobs, small businesses and public revenue. What began as a single destination has evolved into one of the most impressive examples of local and national economic growth — generating more than $16 billion in economic impact across Southern California alone in 2023,” said Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company.

One thing is for sure — we can’t wait to see what Disney comes up with next. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to AllEars for more Disney news!