How Disney parks are bucking a travel slowdown
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- Disney's experiences segment reported nearly $10 billion in fiscal Q3 revenue, up 10% YoY, marking a quarterly record and the sixth consecutive record quarter for the division.
- Operating income in the division exceeded $3 billion, up 20% from the prior-year period, and Disney shares rose 2% on Wednesday as the report crossed.
- Disney outperformed rival Comcast, which last month reported lags in theme park attendance, particularly in Orlando, Florida — a market that D'Amaro singled out as 'very strong' for Walt Disney World.
- Domestic park attendance rose 3% and guest spending rose 4% (CFO Hugh Johnston), bucking a 6% drop in international visitors to the US (World Travel & Tourism Council data) and a flat-or-down U.S. travel backdrop.
- The company credited its 'Cool Kids Summer' promotion — featuring free water park admission for hotel guests and refreshed attractions like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and the new Muppets-themed Rock 'n' Roller Coaster — for driving urgency.
- Two new ships, the Disney Destiny and Disney Adventure, added roughly 50% stateroom capacity and pushed the resorts-and-vacations piece of the segment up 17% to $2.77 billion.
Why it matters: Disney posted 10% revenue growth and 20% operating income growth while international visitors to the U.S. fell 6% — a divergence that came alongside a 50% cruise capacity expansion and targeted family discounts. For rival Comcast, the data deepens the gap in Orlando, where Disney's attendance was called 'very strong' against a competitor seeing declines.
