Why It Might Be a While Until We Get Disney World Park Expansion News

Disney recently had their 2024 second-quarter earnings call that brought news on how each division’s revenue was looking.

©Disney | Walt Disney Studios

We learned that Parks, Experiences, and Products along with streaming were the driving forces behind the revenue earned this quarter. Disney+ hit a huge milestone of profitability, and Disney World and the international parks saw great success. But the parks weren’t the only part of the experiences division that did well this quarter, and Iger was quick to talk about what else had elevated the revenue. He talked so much about this other aspect that we’re getting a sneaking suspicion we know what his focus might be on in the upcoming years.

Overall, the Parks & Experiences segment of The Walt Disney Company reported an increase in revenue compared to the same period last year. The domestic parks & experiences saw a 7% increase in revenue, while the international parks & experiences saw a 29% increase in revenue.

Magic Kingdom

Disney World saw an increase in revenue while Disneyland had a decrease, bringing the overall percentage down. However, it was helped by the Disney Cruise Line. Thanks to higher ticket prices, Disney Cruise Line was able to have a successful quarter. But the higher ticket prices were offset by the costs associated with building new ships, expanding the fleet, and the development of the new destination, Lookout Cay.

The Disney Wish

Speaking of building new ships and expanding the fleet, when Iger was asked about the $60 billion expansion budget for Parks, Experiences, and Products, we heard A LOT about Disney Cruise Line. He shared that “the cruise business is one that has an enormous number of opportunities for us over time.” He added that they’re “leaning more heavily” into cruises.

©Disney

Because of the margin profile and the guest satisfaction received from cruises, Disney is planning on putting more into the sector. Disney had previously shared a breakdown of the $60 billion investment, showing the cruise line receiving 20% of it. No new breakdown has been given, but these comments makes us wonder if we’ll be waiting a while to hear about Disney World expansion plans.