Disney’s Economic Impact in Florida
Walt Disney World Resort generated $40.3 billion in economic impact across the state and a quarter-of-a-million total jobs in fiscal year 2022, according to a study from Oxford Economics.
$40.3 billion
in total statewide economic impact
Fueling Florida’s Economy
The study found Disney, which has fueled Florida’s economy, tourism and small businesses for more than half a century, generated the following across the year:
263,000
Direct and indirect jobs – 1 out of every 32 jobs in Florida can be attributed to Disney.
82,000
Direct jobs of Disney’s workforce across the state. Within Central Florida, Disney directly supports 12%, or 1-in-8, of all jobs. For every direct job on-site at Disney, an additional 1.7 jobs are supported across Florida.
$12.1 billion
Total labor income in fiscal year 2022, which was a result of Disney revenues and off-site visitor spending.
$6.6 billion
Tax revenue, including $3.1 billion in annual state and local tax revenue generated by Disney, visitors, employees and third-party businesses – helping to fund local schools, law enforcement, public safety, parks, roadways and more throughout Central Florida.
2,500
Florida-based small businesses contracted to supply products and services to Disney World – part of the 8,500 small businesses across the country contracted by The Walt Disney Company.
$1.1 billion
State and local taxes to Orange and Osceola Counties and the state of Florida.
The study, which was commissioned by Disney, also reflects the economic impact of Disney Signature Experiences in Florida, including Disney Vacation Club and Disney Cruise Line.
Hear From Industry Leaders
“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.”
– Jeff Vahle, President, Walt Disney World
“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. 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.”
– Adam Sacks, President, Tourism Economics
Disney Creates Jobs in Florida
Disney’s operations power a massive small business ecosystem in the state. The company works with 2,500 small businesses here in Florida and thousands more across the country who employ workers and provide a wide range of goods and services – from the painters who help maintain Cinderella Castle, to the family-run vendor who supplies some of the sweet treats served in the theme parks and more.
“Working with Disney has had a very positive impact on us. It’s opened up a lot of opportunities and now we have a need to grow and expand our operation.”
– Neal Crosier, Owner of Popcorn Junkie
“From day one, the experience and the relationship that Disney has offered us is better than anything I’ve ever seen. Our business has grown in the last three years by about 25 to 30%.
We are pushing numbers that we never expected out of fast casual.”
– James Petrakis, Owner of The Polite Pig at Disney Springs
“Hope is the most precious gift you can give another human being, and that’s the gift that Disney has helped us give.
We’ve been able to welcome in more than 190,000 wish families from 50 states and 77 countries around the world because of Disney’s support.”
– Pamela Landwirth, President & CEO of Give Kids The World Village
“Working with The Walt Disney Company is phenomenal. Disney understands the supplier’s needs to engage in a fruitful and mutually beneficial relationship.”
– Walter Pelaez, Chief Executive Officer of Sobel Westex
“Working with extremely talented chefs to create proprietary blends for all the signature restaurants on the property has been the highlight of my career, and being honored to be chosen as Disney’s official specialty coffee provider was extremely rewarding. The trust and confidence Disney placed in us makes us very proud.”
– Chris DeMezzo, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Joffrey’s Coffee and Tea Company
“We always feel that you earn the next project by delivering on the one you’re on. That’s something that we’ve built into our culture and that you earn that business. So, whenever we get repeat opportunities, we see that Walt Disney World is willing to put their trust in us.”
– James Delahanty, President of Intex Coating
Decade of Unprecedented Growth
No other theme park destination spans the size and scale of Walt Disney World, which is nearly twice the size of the island of Manhattan with four theme parks, over 25 Resort hotels, two water parks, a world-class shopping, dining and entertainment district and more. According to the Themed Entertainment Association, Walt Disney World is the most visited theme park destination in the world. The significant growth of Disney’s economic impact comes after an unprecedented period of growth and expansion across Walt Disney World Resort over the last decade.
In addition, Disney has contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to local nonprofits throughout its history and last month announced another round of donations totaling $1.5 million going to 19 organizations making a difference in the arts, education, hunger relief and other philanthropic efforts.
In FY22, Disney cast members also donated more than 233,000 volunteer hours in Florida to help nonprofit organizations fulfill their missions.
One of the Region’s Largest Taxpayers
In addition to $1.1 billion in taxes paid and collected to Orange and Osceola Counties and the state of Florida in fiscal year 2022, Disney also paid more than $143 million in taxes collected by the special district known today as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District. Oxford Economics study results are for fiscal year 2022, prior to the Reedy Creek Improvement District becoming the Central Florida Oversight District with the appointment of a new board.
Provides Municipal Services
The Florida State Legislature established this district in 1967 to help provide services, including power, water, roads and fire protection for the 47-square miles of Walt Disney World Resort.
Cost-Effective Mechanism
This district was a cost-effective mechanism throughout its history in ensuring the tax burden for these services did not fall on Orange and Osceola County residents.
Effectively Invested Tens of Billions
The district has allowed Disney to efficiently invest tens of billions of dollars in Florida over the past several decades by maintaining the highest development and service standards on Disney property.
Hear from Our Community
– Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer
“Disney’s impact goes far beyond the gates of its theme parks and positively touches our lives in nearly every corner of our community. Disney not only pioneered Orlando’s theme park industry with its own investments over the last five decades, they also paved the way for others to invest in our city and help make it the tourism destination it is today. It’s been an honor working alongside Disney as they help continue to move Florida forward.”
– Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings
“My connection with Disney World runs deep having been a cast member myself in its opening years, and what remains true after all this time, is Disney’s immense and positive impact on its employees and our community at large. In serving this community as long as I have, I can confidently say that Disney’s contributions have resulted in the progress and prosperity of Florida and all who call it home.”
Disney Turbocharges Investment in Parks
The Walt Disney Company recently announced it is developing plans to accelerate and expand investment in its Experiences segment to nearly double capital expenditures over the course of approximately 10 years to roughly $60 billion, including by investing in expanding and enhancing domestic and international parks and cruise line capacity.
