Disney Parks Generate Nearly $67 Billion for the U.S. Economy, Supporting More Than 400,000 U.S. Jobs

Nearly 70 years after Disneyland launched the modern theme park industry, Disney continues to play a vital role in driving economic growth, job creation and small businesses across the United States. 

Disney Parks & Resorts in Florida and California generated a historic nearly $67 billion in annual economic impact from coast to coast, standing as a cornerstone of America’s tourism economy and beyond, supporting more than 403,000 direct and indirect jobs in California, Florida and in 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.”

For the last 20 years, Disney has conducted studies on how it impacts local economies where it does business, and a new report prepared by economists from Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics, sheds light on the profound economic impact of the theme park that started it all.  

Key findings show that Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. generated $16.1 billion in annual economic impact across Southern California and supports more than 102,000 jobs in the Southern California region (directly and indirectly). 

“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. 

The new report arrives as Disney moves forward with plans to ‘turbocharge’ the growth of Disney’s domestic theme parks with plans to increase capital expenditures in the U.S. to $30 billion. 

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in 1955, no one could have predicted the impact it would have on Anaheim, let alone the nation. Anaheim, a once rural community known more for its oranges than anything else, would go from a small, sleepy town to a major tourist destination in less than a decade.  

“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,” said Thomas Mazloum, president, Disneyland Resort. “And we’re just getting started — the decades ahead hold even greater promise, and we look forward to growing, evolving and contributing more to the community we call home.”

As Disneyland’s popularity increased, Anaheim grew up around it, featuring motels, restaurants and other tourism-driven businesses that still line the streets around the Disneyland Resort today. 

Looking ahead, Disneyland Resort has committed to investing a minimum of $1.9 billion in new experiences which could generate up to $30 million in annual revenues for the city. This includes Disney’s investment of $30 million in affordable housing, $8 million for city parks and $45 million for street and sewer improvements.  

With the new developments, guests can look forward to Disney doubling the size of Avenger’s Campus at Disney’s California Adventure park, and the creation of new attractions at Disneyland Resort based on Disney and Pixar’s Coco and Avatar.  

Just a decade after Disneyland’s opening, in 1965, Disney officially announced the “Florida Project,” now known globally today as Walt Disney World Resort. Throughout its more than 50 years in operation, Walt Disney World has fueled Florida’s economy, tourism and small businesses.  

Like its counterpart on the west coast, Disney World catalyzed the transformation of Central Florida into the global tourist destination it is today.

Key findings from previous research about the economic impact of Disney’s operations in Florida in fiscal year 2022 show that Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., along with Disney Signature Experiences, including Disney Vacation Club and Disney Cruise Line, generated $40.3 billion in annual economic impact across the state and supports more than 263,000 jobs in Florida (directly and indirectly). 

Its impact will continue to grow as Disney moves forward with 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. 

Additionally, Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to grow with a new Tropical Americas land featuring attractions based on Encanto from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Indiana Jones. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the first-ever land based on Pixar Animation Studios’ Monsters, Inc. is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  

Disney’s operations in both Florida and California power a massive small business ecosystem across the country.  

The company works with thousands of local businesses across all 50 states, which employ workers and provide a wide range of goods and services — from the paint used on Sleeping Beauty Castle to specialty popcorn served in the theme parks, towels and linens provided for guests across Disney Resort hotels and more.

One example is Advantage ColorGraphics, a regional commercial printing firm based in Anaheim, Calif. that helps bring Disneyland’s park maps to life. The company began as a small mailbox shop over 30 years ago, and has since grown into a world class service, working with global and local companies, including Disneyland Resort. 

“The business that Disneyland provides ensures that we’re able to impact Anaheim and the local communities,” shared Tom Ling, founder, Advantage ColorGraphics. 

Beyond working with domestic suppliers, Disney prioritizes providing education and training opportunities for entrepreneurs and collaborates with local businesses to develop innovative new experiences and products through programs like Disney Accelerator.  

To visitors of all ages, Disneyland is a magical land — a place to create happy memories and spend time with family and friends. And to the local community in Southern California, Disney’s work with suppliers also enables the community and economy to prosper and grow. 

Disney’s impact on American communities extends further, bringing comfort, optimism and joy, and inspiring hope, especially for children. Every year, the company continues Walt Disney’s commitment to bringing positive, meaningful and measurable impact to communities across the country, through financial contributions, collaborations with nonprofit organizations, in-kind donations and employee volunteering. 

Since 1983, Disney employees and cast members have collectively contributed nearly 14 million hours to their communities worldwide through the Disney VoluntEARS program.  

Additionally, Disney contributed more than $263 million in charitable giving (cash and in-kind) in fiscal year 2024, and most recently, committed $15 million for initial and immediate response and rebuilding efforts related to wildfires in the Los Angeles region.

As the world’s largest wish granter for Make-A-Wish®, Disney grants half of all wishes made in the U.S. in a typical year and has granted over 165,000 wishes globally since 1980. On average, a Disney wish is granted every hour of every day — and the company is honored that wish kids choose Disney for their most heartfelt wish.  

Walt Disney’s dream of a place where families could immerse themselves in their favorite Disney stories caused a profound ripple effect, starting in Southern California, growing across the country to Florida, and around the world.  

Disney embodied the quintessential American dreamer, characterized by modest beginnings, perseverance and ultimately significant success through calculated risks. As a symbol of American ingenuity, Disney’s creations embody the optimism and innovative spirit that are hallmarks of the nation’s identity.  

The company’s impact extends beyond the realms of imagination; it also plays a vital role in supporting the U.S. economy and enhancing societal well-being. By producing captivating content and experiences, Disney not only creates happiness but also generates employment, stimulates tourism and contributes to charitable endeavors that enrich communities.  

For more details about Disney’s impact on the U.S. economy, visit economicimpact.disneyexperiences.com.