Disneyland and Walt Disney World Generate $67 Billion Economic Impact

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Disneyland attracts millions, contributing significantly to local economies.

News Summary

A report reveals that Disneyland and Walt Disney World significantly bolstered the U.S. economy in 2023, contributing nearly $67 billion and supporting over 403,000 jobs. Disneyland alone contributed $16.1 billion to Southern California’s economy and employed over 102,000 people. The parks’ influence extends beyond their locations, creating an additional $10.2 billion in economic activity across the country. With upcoming expansions, Disney continues to solidify its role in job creation and taxation, showcasing the economic interconnection of tourism and local businesses.

Anaheim, California – A recent report by Oxford Economics reveals that Disneyland and Walt Disney World combined had an impressive economic impact of nearly $67 billion across the United States in 2023. This substantial impact supported over 403,000 direct and indirect jobs nationwide.

The Disneyland Resort, located in Anaheim, contributed $16.1 billion to the economic landscape of Southern California and was responsible for supporting more than 102,000 jobs in the region. Notably, approximately 75% of these jobs were situated in Orange County, making Disneyland the largest employer in that area with 36,000 workers. This translates to nearly 1 out of every 20 jobs in the county being attributed to Disneyland.

Many of the jobs connected to Disneyland are linked to local businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, showcasing the interconnected nature of tourism and local economies. The majority of Disneyland employees are unionized, with a significant union representing 14,000 employees currently negotiating a stepped wage increase to $26 per hour by 2026.

In 2023, Disneyland alone generated $2.6 billion in total tax revenues, with $279 million of that amount going directly to the city of Anaheim. This tax revenue plays a crucial role in fund allocation for community services and infrastructure improvements.

The much larger Walt Disney World Resort in Florida had an economic impact of $40.3 billion in 2022, supporting approximately 263,000 jobs in the state. Furthermore, Disney World generated $6.6 billion in total tax revenues that same year. In Central Florida, almost 1 out of every 8 jobs can be traced back to Disney World, while statewide, the resort is linked to about 1 out of every 32 jobs.

Beyond their immediate regional impacts, Disneyland and Disney World collectively created an additional $10.2 billion in economic activity outside their states, supporting 38,000 jobs across the rest of the United States.

Disney’s economic impact report comes on the heels of new construction announcements for various attractions and expansions at both parks. The company has invested over two decades in studying their economic effects on local economies. It calculated these impacts based on direct, indirect, and induced economic activities, highlighting how tourism-related jobs significantly benefit local economies through employee spending.

The company has plans to invest $30 billion in domestic capital expenditures through 2033, which will include major expansions and new attractions. Upcoming features are set to be themed around beloved franchises such as “Encanto,” “Indiana Jones,” and “Coco,” as well as notable updates to existing attractions.

These expansion efforts follow recent competitive developments, including the opening of Universal’s Epic Universe in Florida, which stresses the ongoing competitive nature of the theme park industry. The study illustrates the profound emotional connection fans have with Disney’s attractions, emphasizing the link between these emotional experiences and their significant economic contributions.

The economic influence exerted by Disneyland and Walt Disney World underscores the vital role that major tourist attractions play in bolstering local and national economies through job creation and tax revenues. As these parks continue to grow and expand, their economic footprint is expected to increase even further, benefiting a wide array of stakeholders across the country.