How Much Does Disneyland Make Per Day?

Since first welcoming guests in 1955, Disneyland has delighted millions of people with its sense of wonder and imagination. However, as a pivotal revenue driver for The Walt Disney Company, it’s natural to wonder: how much does Disneyland make per day?

While Disney does not publicly disclose financials for individual parks, we can estimate Disneyland’s daily figures using available data and industry benchmarks. Our research suggests:

• In 2022, Disneyland’s estimated daily revenue was approximately $17.21 million, with a daily income estimate of around $4.47 million.
• In 2023, daily revenue reached approximately $19.95 million, with a daily income of about $5.49 million.
• In 2024, daily revenue grew to approximately $20.93 million, with an estimated daily operating income of $5.70 million.

This article sheds light on these financial estimates and analyzes Disneyland’s year-over-year growth. By examining information from Disney’s SEC filings and industry comparisons, we’ll explore the key drivers of revenue and profitability, from theme park admissions to merchandise sales.

Let’s dig into the magic behind the numbers!

Putting Disneyland in Context: A Major Player in the Theme Park Industry

Sleeping Beauty Castle, the icon of Disneyland in California | Image © Disney

To understand Disneyland’s finances, it helps to view it within the broader theme park industry. The global amusement and theme parks market reached $71.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $98.7 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4%. The U.S. market alone accounts for $30.8 billion of the global total in 2024.

Within this market, Disney Parks and Resorts is the global leader in both attendance and revenue. In the United States, the Orlando and Anaheim metro areas continue to dominate as top theme park destinations.

Disneyland Resort is a major park in Anaheim. It competes with other California parks like Universal Studios Hollywood. The resort comprises two theme parks – Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure – as well as three onsite hotels, including the newly rebranded Pixar Place Hotel.

This immersive Disneyland complex keeps guests engaged with the parks and resort amenities all day and night. As a result, Disneyland Resort is a significant driver of revenue and attendance not just for Anaheim, but for Disney Parks worldwide.

Disneyland’s 2024 Attendance & Estimated Financial Performance

According to industry reports, Disney Parks worldwide welcomed approximately 130 million visitors in 2024. Of that total, about 29 million visits were to Disneyland Resort – maintaining its historical 22.37% global attendance share.

Meanwhile, Disney Parks brought in $34.15 billion in total revenue and $9.15 billion in operating income for fiscal year 2024.

Applying its 22.37% attendance split, we can estimate Disneyland Resort contributed $7.64 billion of Disney’s theme park revenue and $2.05 billion of operating income for the year.

Dividing by 365 days, we can project Disneyland Resort itself likely generated approximately $20.93 million in daily revenue and $5.70 million in daily operating income during 2024.

This underscores Disneyland’s vital role as a revenue and attendance driver for Disney Parks overall.

[Revenue Calculation = 22.37% of $34.15 billion divided by 365 days = $20.93 million per day]

[Income Calculation = 22.37% of $9.15 billion divided by 365 days = $5.70 million per day]

Analyzing 2024: Disneyland’s Diverse Revenue Streams

Mad Tea Party at Disneyland Park

Disney’s 2024 SEC filing reveals a comprehensive breakdown of revenue streams for the entire Disney Parks division. This provides valuable information about the various areas that contribute to its financial success. By considering Disneyland Resort’s estimated market share of 22.37%, we can make an approximate calculation of its contribution to each segment.

Theme Park Admissions

• Global Revenue: $10.25 billion
• Estimated Disneyland Contribution: Approximately $2.29 billion. Ticket sales remain the primary revenue driver for Disneyland.

Parks & Experiences Merchandise, Food, and Beverage

• Global Revenue: $8.54 billion
• Estimated Disneyland Contribution: Around $1.91 billion. Merchandise and dining continue to be critical components of Disneyland’s revenue.

Resorts and Vacations

• Global Revenue: $7.85 billion
• Estimated Disneyland Contribution: About $1.76 billion. The resorts and vacations Disney offers represent a significant part of its revenue mix.

Merchandise Licensing and Retail

• Global Revenue: $5.21 billion
• Estimated Disneyland Contribution: Nearly $1.17 billion. This highlights the extent of Disney and Disneyland’s brand beyond the park boundaries.

Parks Licensing and Other

• Global Revenue: $2.30 billion
• Estimated Disneyland Contribution: Approximately $0.51 billion. This includes various other income sources related to the parks and experiences.

These estimations illustrate the dynamic financial role Disneyland plays within the broader Disney Parks ecosystem. Each segment, from theme park admissions to merchandise licensing, contributes significantly to Disneyland’s overall revenue.

2024 Financial Insights: Disneyland’s Operating Costs and Net Income

World of Color at Disney California Adventure

The SEC filing provides a detailed view of the operating expenses, which are essential to understanding the net income. The total operating expenses for Disney Parks in 2024 amounted to $16.85 billion. Additional costs in selling, general, administrative, and other expenses totaled $5.12 billion, with depreciation and amortization adding another $3.03 billion.

By applying Disneyland’s estimated 22.37% share to these numbers, we can approximate its portion of these expenses:

Operating Expenses Breakdown

• Disneyland’s Share of Total Operating Expenses: Approximately $3.77 billion. This represents the expenses of managing the parks (staffing, maintenance, daily operations).
• Disneyland’s Share of Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses: About $1.15 billion. These expenses include broader administrative costs that are essential for the overall functioning of Disneyland Resort.
• Disneyland’s Share of Depreciation and Amortization Expenses: Around $0.68 billion. This represents the expenses related to depreciation and amortization, accounting for the gradual wear and tear of the park’s assets over time.

These estimates highlight the significant operating costs Disneyland incurs as part of its contribution to the Disney Parks division. They provide a clearer picture of the financial dynamics at play in maintaining and operating a world-class theme park destination.

Looking Ahead: Disneyland’s Future Growth Potential

While we have concrete data through 2024, early indicators for 2025 suggest continued growth in both revenue and operating income. Several factors are driving this positive trajectory:

Enhanced Guest Experience

• Introduction of the new Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Pass systems, replacing the former Genie+ service
• Continued investment in park infrastructure and attraction upgrades
• New entertainment offerings and seasonal events

Increased Revenue Opportunities

• Strategic pricing adjustments for tickets and annual passes
• Enhanced food and beverage offerings
• Premium add-on experiences and special events
• Expanded merchandise collections and exclusive items

Operational Efficiency

• Implementation of new technologies to streamline operations
• Improved resource management systems
• Enhanced mobile ordering and contactless payment options

Key Factors Influencing Disneyland’s Revenue Growth

The resort’s revenue continues to grow due to several factors:

• Higher attendance: Post-pandemic recovery has stabilized, with attendance numbers now exceeding pre-pandemic levels
• Increased guest spending: Average per-capita spending continues to rise, driven by premium offerings and enhanced experiences
• Strategic pricing: Dynamic ticket pricing and optimized revenue management
• Innovation: New attractions and entertainment offerings driving visitor interest

Conclusion: Disneyland’s Sustained Financial Success

Although the Walt Disney Company does not disclose financial information for individual theme parks, Disneyland’s financial performance demonstrates a solid upward trend:

• 2022: $17.21 million daily revenue, $4.47 million daily income
• 2023: $19.95 million daily revenue, $5.49 million daily income
• 2024: $20.93 million daily revenue, $5.70 million daily income

These figures highlight Disneyland’s lasting charm and its significant role in driving the financial success of Disney’s broader Experiences division. As Disney continues investing in new lands, attractions, and experiences at Disneyland, we expect the resort to drive further growth while delighting fans with magical memories for years to come.

Other Disneyland Resources

Here are some articles to help you understand the rich history and context of Disneyland Resort or to strategically plan a magical future Disneyland vacation:

• Disneyland History – Learn about the origins, Walt’s vision, and key milestones in the resort’s storied past
• Disneyland Crowd Calendar – Use park attendance predictions to plan your Disneyland trip during less busy times
• Disneyland Map – Comprehensive guide to navigating the Disneyland and California Adventure parks
• Disneyland vs. Disney World – In-depth comparison highlighting the unique attractions and experiences at both resorts
• Best Disneyland Hotels – Reviews of highly-rated onsite and nearby partner hotels close to the parks
• Best Good Neighbor Hotels at Disneyland – More budget-friendly, non-Disney-owned lodging options close to the resort
• Oldest Rides at Disneyland – Discover the classic, vintage attractions from Disneyland’s early years that guests still enjoy today
• Best Beaches Near Disneyland – Seven of the best beach destinations close to the park.