What’s going on with the crowds at Disney World? Are attendance numbers UP? Or are things getting less crowded than before? We’ve got some interesting updates to share.
EPCOT
On August 6th, Disney held its earnings call and released its earnings report for Q3 of fiscal year 2025. That gave us a glimpse into the current financial situation at Disney, and just what is happening when it comes to its theme parks. So, let’s take a look at what we know!
The Disney Experiences division covers Disney’s theme parks, Disney Cruise Line, and merchandise. For Q3, Disney shared that attendance at Disney’s domestic parks and experiences garnered $2.5 billion, an increase of $294 million versus Q3 fiscal
2024. This is compared to the prior-year quarter due to growth at the parks and resorts and, to a lesser extent, Disney Cruise Line. Disney also noted an increase in guest spending due to higher spending at its theme parks.
By comparison, during Q2, segment operating income was $2.5 billion, and the Domestic Parks & Experiences’ operating income was $1.8 billion. Year over year, The Walt Disney Company reports a 5% net increase if you compare this quarter in our current year over last year’s.
Pandora
Disney had previously revealed that bookings were up for the summer and that the “outlook [was] good in that regard “. Disney emphasized this again during the Q2 earnings call when they said that they were “encouraged by the strength and resilience of our business, as evidenced…in the second-half bookings at Walt Disney World.” They also noted that bookings for Disney World for the third quarter were up 4% (at that time).
Disney has also shared, however, that international attendance at the domestic parks hasn’t gotten back to pre-COVID levels. They said there was an impact there, but that they’re “clearly more than making up for it with domestic attendance. So, attendance at the parks has been terrific.”
Tree of Life
But, interestingly, we have seen Disney running several promotions and deals, like offering gift cards for those who purchase new Annual Passes. Some big changes have already hit Disney World with the opening of the reimagined Test Track and the debut of the new nighttime parade in Magic Kingdom.
Interestingly, though, increases in attendance at Disney Cruise Line are also attributed to the rise in performance. Additional passenger cruise days reflected the launch of the Disney Treasure in the first quarter of the current year, and increased costs primarily due to new offerings, including the fleet expansion at Disney Cruise Line, were also factors.
Major changes are on the way for the Disney theme parks (especially Disney World), including a new Cars-themed area in Magic Kingdom, a Villains Land in Magic Kingdom, a Monsters, Inc.-themed land in Hollywood Studios, and Pueblo Esperanza in Animal Kingdom. Will folks potentially cancel or delay upcoming trips so that they can visit in a few years when those projects will be fully built? Or will people keep their current trips, just figuring they’ll visit again in the future? Only time will tell.
Mickey!
It’ll be interesting to see how these major changes impact attendance. We’ll be watching for updates!
In the meantime, click here to see ALL the new rides and attractions coming to Disney World in 2025 (and beyond)
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I’m taking my adult daughter to Disneyland to celebrate her graduation from college. We’re super excited as I have not been to any of the parks since 2022. I’m sure I’ll cry… I always do! : )
Less visitors at the parks is always a good thing for guest, but not for shareholders. Oh well, I don’t have any Disney stocks, so it doesn’t concern me.