As America marks its 250th anniversary, Disney Experiences is spotlighting the small businesses across the country that help bring its stories to life.
From the 2026 debut of Soarin’ Across America to longstanding relationships with small businesses in all 50 states, here’s a closer look at Disney Experiences’ economic impact.
What is Disney Experience’ economic impact in the U.S.?
Disney’s impact extends far beyond its parks. In the U.S., Disney Experiences:
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- Generates nearly $67 billion in annual economic impact
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- Supports more than 403,000 jobs nationwide
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- Works with thousands of small businesses across all 50 states
How does Disney Experiences work with small businesses?
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- Disney Experiences works with thousands of small businesses across the country to support its parks, resorts and experiences.
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- From family-run companies and farms to fabricators and designers, many of these relationships span decades and have helped the small businesses grow.
What are some examples of the small businesses Disney Experiences works with?
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- Allen Marine Tours (Sitka, Alaska) — a family-owned day cruise operator helping guests explore and sightsee since Disney Cruise Line’s first Alaska sailings
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- Southeast Dairy Processors (Tampa, Fla.) — a longtime dairy supplier that has supported Walt Disney World since opening day
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- Rando Productions (North Hollywood, Calif.) — a design, engineering and manufacturing company collaborating on Disney showpieces and parades for more than 20 years
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- Y. Hata & Co. (Honolulu, Hawaii) — a family-owned foodservice distribution company that has supported Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa since opening day
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- PGAV Destinations (St. Louis, Mo.) — a design firm supporting projects like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and contributing to the Midwest’s economy
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- 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
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- Grand Canyon West (Peach Springs, Ariz.) — a tourism destination that helped Disney capture footage of the Grand Canyon for Soarin’ Across America
Why do long-term business relationships with Disney Experiences matter?
For many businesses, working with Disney Experiences is more than a single project. Longstanding relationships 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
How does Disney Experiences impact local economies in Florida and California?
Disney’s destinations in Florida and California support local economies in several ways:
- Tourism: Magic Kingdom Park in Florida and Disneyland Park in California are the two most-visited theme parks in the world, drawing tens of millions of visitors annually.
- Jobs: Disney Experiences supports a significant share of local employment, including nearly 1 out of every 20 jobs in Orange County, Calif. and 1 out of every 32 jobs in Central Florida.
- Small businesses: 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
How is Disney Experiences investing in the future?
Disney Experiences is investing in the future of its parks and experiences across the U.S.:
- $30 billion investment: Disney plans to invest $30 billion in its domestic parks and experiences through 2033
- New attractions and experiences: This investment will support new lands, attractions and updates across Disney parks
- Jobs and business opportunities: As Disney grows, it will continue to create opportunities for employees, suppliers and small businesses
How does Soarin’ Across America connect to Disney Experiences’ economic impact?
- This summer, Disney debuts Soarin’ Across America, a reimagined fan-favorite attraction that takes guests on an immersive flight over iconic U.S. landscapes.
- The attraction itself 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.
- It is now open at Walt Disney World Resort and launches July 2 at Disneyland Resort as part of the company’s broader Disney Celebrates America initiative honoring the nation’s milestone anniversary.
Note
A version of this article originally appeared on DisneyExperiences.com