
Disney has detailed the financial impact of 2024’s devastating hurricane season.
Florida’s sunshine is often interrupted by powerful storms, and late 2024 was no exception. The state and its surrounding areas were hit hard by Hurricane Helene and the catastrophic Hurricane Milton, which made landfall as a Category 5 storm in October. The damage forced major theme parks, including Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, to temporarily close their doors. Now, Disney’s latest financial report sheds light on the full impact of these extreme weather events.
According to Disney’s Q1 fiscal report, the company saw an overall 5% revenue increase, reaching $24.7 billion compared to Q1 2024. However, its domestic theme park division experienced a 5% decline.
As The Los Angeles Times reports, “Disney’s experiences division, which includes its lucrative theme parks, cruise line and specialty travel experiences like the Aulani resort in Hawaii, reported revenue of $9.4 billion, up 3% compared to last year. The segment’s operating income was essentially flat for the quarter at $3.1 billion. Domestically, Disney’s parks and experiences reported $2 billion in operating income, a decrease of 5% compared to the previous year.”
The Q1 earnings report attributes this downturn to the disruptions caused by Hurricane Milton, as well as lingering effects from Hurricane Helene and pre-opening costs associated with the Disney Treasure cruise ship.
“Domestic parks and experiences’ operating results for the current quarter were unfavorably impacted by Hurricane Milton and, to a lesser extent, Hurricane Helene,” the Q1 report states. As a result of Hurricane Milton, Walt Disney World Resort was closed for a day and we canceled a cruise itinerary.
The report also highlights a decline in attendance at Walt Disney World and other Disney parks in Central Florida, with the financial impact of the hurricanes estimated at around $120 million. Despite these challenges, Disney executives remain optimistic, calling Q1 a “strong start to the fiscal year” and expressing confidence in future growth.
Meanwhile, Walt Disney World Resort is undergoing extensive renovations, prompting some guests to delay their 2025 visits. Significant refurbishments, closures, and reimagining projects are affecting all four theme parks—Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
One of the most transformative projects currently underway is the overhaul of DinoLand U.S.A., which is being reimagined as the Tropical Americas-themed Pueblo Esperanza. This upcoming land will introduce experiences inspired by Encanto and Indiana Jones to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with construction progressing steadily.
Are you planning a trip to Walt Disney World Resort this year, or will you wait until the changes are complete? Let us know in the comments below!