The Walt Disney Company has published a new report analyzing the economic footprint of its U.S. theme park operations, estimating that Disney Parks and Resorts generated $67 billion in annual economic activity and supported more than 400,000 jobs across the country. The analysis was conducted by Tourism Economics, a division of Oxford Economics, and is now available on a dedicated Disney website: economicimpact.disneyexperiences.com.
The report combines economic and employment data from both Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida for the first time, presenting a national view of the company’s contribution to local and state economies. According to the data, Disney’s presence has a broad reach, affecting all 50 states through direct employment, contracted small businesses, and off-site visitor spending.
“Our destinations create economies far beyond the gates of our parks,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “And when we invest in the groundbreaking experiences that only Disney can deliver, growth follows.”
Breakdown by State
Florida
The report estimates Walt Disney World contributed $40.3 billion in economic impact across Florida in fiscal year 2022. That includes:
- 263,000 total jobs, or 1 out of every 32 jobs in the state
- $12.1 billion in labor income
- $6.6 billion in total tax revenue, including $3.1 billion in state and local taxes
- $1.1 billion in taxes paid or collected specifically in Orange and Osceola counties
- 2,500 Florida-based small businesses contracted by Disney
Jeff Vahle, President of Walt Disney World, said, “The numbers speak for themselves on why Disney is so important to fueling jobs, the economy and tourism throughout our region.”
Tourism Economics President Adam Sacks added, “Disney is an economic catalyst to the state of Florida… It generated taxes of $6.6 billion in 2022.”
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.”
California
Disneyland Resort contributed $16.1 billion to the Southern California economy and supported more than 102,000 jobs. The report notes that nearly 1 in 20 jobs in Orange County is tied to Disney operations.
“We are deeply proud of the lasting impact Disneyland Resort has made — creating thousands of jobs, fueling the local economy and welcoming the world,” said Disneyland Resort President Thomas Mazloum.
Small Business Ecosystem and Tax Contributions
Disney’s operations extend beyond its gates through contracts with over 8,500 small businesses nationwide. These businesses provide everything from popcorn and paint to hotel linens. The company is also one of the largest taxpayers in regions where it operates. In fiscal year 2022, Disney paid over $143 million in taxes to the special district now known as the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, in addition to other local and state taxes.
Future Investments
The report comes as Disney plans to increase domestic capital spending to $30 billion through 2033. Projects in development include:
- The largest-ever expansion at Magic Kingdom, featuring new Cars- and Villains-themed areas
- A Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
- A Monsters, Inc. land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- New Coco and Avatar-themed experiences at Disneyland Resort
- A significant expansion of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure
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