The Walt Disney Company has officially shared its fiscal 2026 second-quarter earnings results, marking a notable milestone as the first financial report under new CEO Josh D’Amaro.
Before the earnings webcast even began, Disney confirmed that its Experiences division — which includes theme parks, cruise lines, and vacation offerings — saw a 7% increase in revenue compared to the same quarter last year. Out of the company’s total $25.17 billion haul for Q2, a sizable $9.49 billion came from Experiences, up from $8.89 billion in 2025.
A key factor behind that growth? Guests are spending more when they visit the parks.
According to Disney’s report, per capita spending at domestic parks, including Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, climbed 5% year-over-year. The company broke it down clearly: “Per capita spending at our domestic parks was up 5% in the quarter, driven by growth in admissions, food and beverage, and merchandise.”
Those increases haven’t gone unnoticed by visitors. Over the past year, Disney has steadily raised prices across multiple areas, including park tickets, Lightning Lane access, and dining experiences. Just weeks ago, Disney revealed pricing for 2027 tickets, with certain dates at Magic Kingdom Park reaching record highs for a single-day admission.
Despite those rising costs, guests continue to show up — and spend.
Disney appears confident in the strength of its parks business, emphasizing the emotional and experiential pull of its offerings. In the earnings report, the company highlighted the importance of its physical destinations, stating: “Our Experiences business is an important expression of Disney’s ability to translate storytelling into high-quality, high-return physical environments that deepen loyalty and extend the reach of our brands.”
That strategy is especially evident at Walt Disney World, where significant changes are already underway. The Florida resort is in the midst of major updates and expansions that will shape its future for years to come.
Among the most talked-about projects is what Disney has described as the “largest expansion in Magic Kingdom history.” Plans include reimagining Frontierland to incorporate Piston Peak National Park, a new Cars-themed area inspired by Pixar, along with a completely new land centered on Disney Villains.
Even with the costs associated with developing new attractions and experiences, Disney Experiences still delivered strong results. The company noted: “While we incurred some pre-opening costs related to both the Disney Adventure and World of Frozen, segment operating income growth came in modestly ahead of our guidance, thanks to stronger revenue growth.”
With revenue continuing to climb, Disney’s current trajectory suggests that price increases may remain part of its long-term strategy. The company’s ability to maintain strong attendance and spending, even as costs rise, highlights the enduring appeal of its parks and resorts.
Still, the question remains: how long will guests continue to accept higher prices as part of the Disney experience?
Now under Josh D’Amaro’s leadership, the company faces a balancing act between expanding its offerings and keeping vacations accessible for families. While demand remains high for now, the coming years could reveal whether there’s a tipping point for guests.
How do you feel about the continued rise in vacation costs? Let us know in the comments down below!
