From working with small business to the debut of Soarin’ Across America, Disney Experiences’ economic impact affects all 50 states, the company shared in honor of America’s 250th Independence Day.

Disney Experiences’ Economic Impact

In the U.S., Disney Experiences generates nearly $67 billion in annual economic impact, supports more than 403,000 nationwide, and works with thousands of small business across all 50 states.

The small business run the gamut from family-run companies and farms to fabricators and designers, with some relationships spanning decades. These business support Disney’s parks, resorts, and experiences.

Small business that Disney has worked with include:

• Allen Marine Tours (Sitka, Alaska) — a family-owned day cruise operator helping guests explore and sightsee since Disney Cruise Line’s first Alaska sailings
• Southeast Dairy Processors (Tampa, Fla.) — a longtime dairy supplier that has supported Walt Disney World since opening day
• Rando Productions (North Hollywood, Calif.) — a design, engineering and manufacturing company collaborating on Disney showpieces and parades for more than 20 years 
• Y. Hata & Co. (Honolulu, Hawaii) — a family-owned foodservice distribution company that has supported Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa since opening day
• PGAV Destinations (St. Louis, Mo.) — a design firm supporting projects like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and contributing to the Midwest’s economy
• Richloom (New York) — a textile company that creates custom fabrics and furnishings for destinations including Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disney Cruise Line
• Grand Canyon West (Peach Springs, Ariz.) — a tourism destination that helped Disney capture footage of the Grand Canyon for Soarin’ Across America

Longstanding relationships with Disney can help companies grow, hire employees, and invest in their local communities.

“The attractions industry has a unique ability to drive economic impact at both the local and national level. When guests travel to experience destinations and attractions, that spending supports thousands of small to mid-sized businesses across hospitality, food and beverage, retail and more,” said Jakob Wahl, President and CEO, IAAPA.

Disney highlighted their impact on the local economies of Florida and California, where Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort are located respectively.

Magic Kingdom and Disneyland Park are the two most-visited theme parks in the world, drawing tens of millions of visitors annually to the states. Disney Experiences supports a significant share of local employment, including nearly 1 out of every 20 jobs in Orange County, California and 1 out of every 32 jobs in Central Florida.

Disney Experiences works directly with businesses in both states to supply goods and services used across its parks and resorts, with many of them operating as small or family-owned businesses.

“The Walt Disney Company is one of California’s greatest success stories, and its positive impact on the state cannot be overstated. The halo effect of Disneyland Resort extends far beyond the park gates — it is the beating heart of Anaheim’s tourism economy, supporting thousands of local small businesses, hotels and restaurants,” said Caroline Beteta, president & CEO, Visit California & Director of California Office of Tourism.

Disney Experiences is investing in the future of its parks and experiences across the U.S. with a $30 billion investment through 2033. New lands, attractions, and more updates are planned for Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort, including:

• The Cars-themed Piston Peak National Park in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom
• The Monsters, Inc.-inspired Monstropolis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• Tropical Americas featuring Encanto and Indiana Jones at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
• A version of Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney California Adventure
• A Coco ride at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure
• An expansion of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure with two new rides

Disney notes it will continue to create opportunities for employees, suppliers, and small business as the parks grow.

Soarin’ Across America debuted at EPCOT this summer and will open soon at Disney California Adventure. The reimagined attraction showcases U.S. landscapes and is a product of Disney’s economic reach, with its filming and production supported by a network of U.S.-based businesses, from aviation operators to tourism companies, reflecting the types of small businesses that help power Disney experiences every day.

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