Disney Parks See Higher Guest Spending and Attendance in Q1 2026

Domestic park attendance increased 1% in the quarter ended December 27, 2025, compared to a 2% decline in the prior year period. The improvement reflects comparison to Hurricane Milton's impact on operations during the same quarter last year. Per capita guest spending at domestic parks grew 4%, matching the prior year's growth rate.

Magic Kingdom overview

International parks posted stronger attendance growth at 6%, up from 4% in the prior year quarter. Per capita guest spending at international properties increased 2%, significantly slower than the 3% growth in the prior year period.

Hotel occupancy across Disney resorts remained steady at 87% for both domestic and international properties, matching or slightly exceeding prior year levels. Domestic hotels showed 87% occupancy compared to 85% in the prior year quarter, while international properties held at 87% versus 86% the previous year.

Available hotel room nights at domestic properties increased to 2,550 thousand from 2,540 thousand, reflecting expanded capacity. International available room nights decreased slightly to 797 thousand from 798 thousand in the prior year quarter.

Per room guest spending at domestic hotels increased 4%, down from 5% growth in the prior year period. International per room guest spending grew just 1%, a significant slowdown from the 17% increase in the prior year quarter. The company notes that per capita and per room guest spending growth rates exclude foreign exchange rate impacts.

The modest domestic attendance gain of 1% represents a recovery from the prior year's 2% decline when Hurricane Milton forced operational adjustments. Disney's cruise line expansion with the launches of Disney Treasure in December 2024 and Disney Destiny in November 2025 contributed to increased passenger cruise days during the quarter.

Disney's attendance measurement counts unique daily entries at theme parks. A person visiting multiple theme parks in a single day is counted only once. The attendance count includes complimentary entries but excludes children under age three.

The Experiences segment generated record quarterly revenue of $10 billion and operating income of $3.3 billion in the first quarter. Domestic parks operating income grew 8%, driven by the combination of higher attendance, increased guest spending, and additional cruise capacity.

Looking ahead to the second quarter, Disney expects modest Experiences segment operating income growth. CFO Hugh Johnston addressed the near-term challenges and positive indicators during prepared comments before the earnings call.

"We expect modest segment operating income growth in Q2 due to a combination of factors, including international visitation headwinds at our domestic parks, pre-launch costs for the Disney Adventure at Disney Cruise Line, and pre-opening costs for World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris," Johnston said. "We continue to monitor international visitation to our domestic parks and adjust our strategy. We are pleased with the forward-looking indicators we are seeing for the balance of the fiscal year, including room bookings at Walt Disney World, which for the year are pacing up 5%, weighted to the back half of the year."

For the full fiscal year 2026, Disney projects high-single digit growth in Experiences segment operating income, weighted to the second half of the year. The guidance suggests the company anticipates continued pressure on international visitation in the near term before improvement later in the fiscal year.

The attendance and spending data shows guests are willing to spend more per visit even as volume growth remains modest at domestic properties. The 4% increase in per capita spending at domestic parks indicates successful pricing strategies and higher-margin guest behavior, including increased food, beverage, and merchandise purchases.

International parks face a different dynamic, with stronger attendance growth but slower per capita spending increases. The 6% attendance gain suggests robust demand from international guests, while the 2% spending growth may reflect different purchasing patterns or currency pressures affecting international visitors.