Disney World Facing Massive Decline in International Travelers Due to Trump Administration’s ‘Policies and Rhetoric'

Walt Disney World does significant business with international travelers. While Disney World does not release its attendance figures, Visit Orlando does, giving us a glimpse into how many international tourists come to the Walt Disney World Resort.

Mickey Mouse stands in front of the iconic geodesic sphere at EPCOT, showcasing a charming Disney Loungefly Bag against a clear blue sky and fountains at Disney World. — Credit: Inside the Magic

In 2023, 6.13 million international visitors came to Central Florida, a 25 percent increase over 2022. According to estimates, international travelers account for 23 percent of Disney World’s visitors.

Disney does not provide numbers for its specific parks, but estimates suggest that Disney World generates roughly $36 million a day, or $13.1 billion in operating revenue per year, before expenses. Disney World also welcomes more than 50 million people into its theme parks per year.

A large crowd in Magic Kingdom with Cinderella Castle in the background at Disney World. — Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), Flickr

Based on those numbers, international visitors account for approximately $3 billion in revenue and 12 million visitors every year. However, a roadblock is coming that will greatly decrease the number of international tourists who will be heading to Disney World.

According to Tourism Economics, the group is expecting a five percent decline in international travel this year, leading to a $64 billion shortfall for the travel industry. At the start of the year, Tourism Economics projected a nine percent increase in international tourism.

Crowds at Magic Kingdom "it's a small world" — Credit: shaggyhill / Flickr

So, what caused this 14 percent swing in travel to the United States? Tourism Economics says it’s the “polarizing Trump Administration policies and rhetoric.”

Tourism Economics points to tariffs the Trump Administration levied on Canada, China, Mexico, and the European Union. In February, Canadian travel to the US fell by 23 percent compared to last year, and travel from China declined by 11 percent.

Adam Sacks, president of Tourism Economics, told the Washington Post:

There’s been a dramatic shift in our outlook. You’re looking at a much weaker economic engine than what otherwise would’ve been, not just because of tariffs, but the rhetoric and condescending tone around it.

A picturesque scene of a cultural exhibit with totem poles and wooden structures showcasing native art and architecture unfolds in Forgotten Park. In the background, a castle-like building rises, and the area is surrounded by greenery and clear blue skies. — Credit: Disney

So, what does that mean for Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and the rest of Central Florida? With 23 percent of the area’s tourists coming from overseas, a five percent decline could devastate the industry. Based on Visit Orlando’s 2023 numbers, a five percent decline would mean the loss of hundreds of thousands of tourists and millions in revenue.

This comes at a particularly bad time for the Walt Disney World Resort, as it is fighting for tourist dollars against the new Epic Universe a few miles away. With fewer attractions available while Disney World undergoes its transformations, guests planning to spend less in Florida may skip Disney World altogether.

A group of people stand in front of a large, step-pyramid structure resembling an ancient temple, surrounded by lush greenery. The building features intricate carvings and decorative details, creating an exotic, historical atmosphere. — Credit: Kwong Yee Cheng, Flickr

For now, the tariffs remain in place, but even if they were removed, the ill will they’ve caused will remain for international travelers considering coming to Disney World.