Disney Parks: $67B US Economic Impact
Disney Theme Parks Fuel $67 Billion U.S. Economic Impact
Updated June 7, 2025
Disney’s domestic theme parks, long considered economic drivers in Southern california and Central Florida, generate a $67 billion annual economic impact nationwide, the company reported Thursday. This figure encompasses direct spending at the parks, local spending on related services, and indirect impacts through business and employee spending.
Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, emphasized the company’s broad influence. “Disney defines the themed entertainment business in America, and our presence is felt across the country,” D’amaro said in a release. He added that investments in new experiences drive economic growth far beyond the park gates.
The report, compiled by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, analyzed data from Disneyland in California, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and associated nationwide spending.
The report arrives as Disney plans a new theme park in abu Dhabi and faces increasing competition from Universal’s Epic Universe in Florida. The company has also faced scrutiny regarding rising ticket prices.
According to Tourism Economics, Walt Disney World Resort contributed $40 billion to Florida’s economy in fiscal year 2022. Disneyland Resort generated $16 billion for Southern California in fiscal year 2023. Combined, the parks contribute $10 billion to the rest of the country’s economy annually.
“with a nationwide impact of nearly $67 billion, Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World are key economic engines, not only in their respective regional economies, but also in the nationwide economy,” said Michael Mariano, head of economic development with Tourism Economics and Oxford Economics.
The report also highlights disney’s role in job creation, supporting over 400,000 jobs across the U.S.The company accounts for 1 in 20 jobs in Orange County, California, and 1 in 8 jobs in central Florida.
“One way I often think about these studies is that we’re trying to measure what would be lost in the absence of these attractions and the numerous activities associated with the attractions,” Mariano said.
What’s next
Disney plans to invest $30 billion in domestic capital expenditures through 2033, including expansions at Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios in Florida, as well as Avengers Campus at California Adventure and new attractions at Disneyland in California.