Here's Why Guest Spending is UP in the Disney Parks

Today is The Walt Disney Company’s Q1 earnings call, which is when we usually get some important information regarding things like the Disney Parks.

©Disney

In the past, we’ve learned about park attendance, the response to Disney Genie, and even the current Disney+ subscriber numbers. And today, Disney gave an update on their first quarter earnings for their theme parks.

Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products revenues for the quarter have doubled compared to this time last year. They increased from $3.6 billion to $7.2 billion.

Magic Kingdom

Guest spending growth was due to an increase in average per capita ticket revenue, higher average daily hotel room rates, and an increase in food, beverage, and merchandise spending. So basically, people are paying more for tickets and hotel rooms, and buying more food, drinks, and merch while in the parks.

Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

The increase in average per capita ticket revenue was due to attendance and the introduction of Genie+ and Lightning Lanes. Genie+ was introduced by Disney World on October 19th, 2021 and in Disneyland on December 8th, 2021.

Disney Genie

Higher volumes were due to increases in attendance, occupied room nights, and cruise ship sailings.

Crowds

Operating income for the quarter reflected increases at the parks and experiences businesses. Higher costs were due to an increase in operating costs, due to volume growth, and higher marketing spending.