Disney CEO Bob Iger Dethrones Disney World, Announces to Millions

Anaheim might be the new capital of the theme park world.

In what might be the most under-the-radar dethroning of the decade, Disneyland Park in California is quietly closing in on a historic record: surpassing Florida’s Magic Kingdom as the most visited theme park in the world.

Yup — you read that right.

At Disneyland’s 70th anniversary event on July 17, Disney CEO Bob Iger casually dropped a line that set off alarm bells in the theme park world. He said “nearly 30 million guests” now visit Disneyland each year. That wasn’t a drill — and while it wasn’t shouted from a stage or published in a press release, the implications are major.

So Wait — Is Disneyland the #1 Park in the World Now?

Let’s break this down.

That 30 million figure Iger referenced? It includes both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure — combined. For years, Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World has reigned as the single most visited park on the planet. But recent data shows the lead between the two might be razor-thin.

According to the 2023 TEA/AECOM attendance report — widely regarded as the best we’ve got now that Disney stopped publishing guest totals — Magic Kingdom hosted 17.72 million visitors. Disneyland came in just behind at 17.25 million. That’s a difference of only 470,000 people. Basically, if two e-ticket rides had shorter lines in Anaheim that year, they might’ve pulled ahead.

And California Adventure added another 10 million in 2023. Put those together and you get 27.25 million for the entire Disneyland Resort — not quite 30, but close.

So what gives?

Florida’s Stormy Season Opened a Door

2024 had been rocky for Walt Disney World, literally. Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton both slammed Florida in late summer and early fall, leading to weather closures and dampened travel plans. Disney hasn’t officially linked the weather to its attendance, but in earlier quarterly reports, execs acknowledged a noticeable drop in visitation to the Florida parks.

Meanwhile, Disneyland in California has been riding a wave of celebration. The 70th anniversary brought out new entertainment, a flurry of media attention, and plenty of nostalgic guests eager to return. Unlike Walt Disney World, which sprawls across four theme parks, Disneyland Resort packs a huge punch with just two — meaning every guest counts just a little more toward that per-park total.

What the Numbers Might Be Saying (Even If Disney Won’t)

Disneyland’s previous all-time high was around 28.5 million visitors in 2019 (for both parks). That number was shattered during the post-COVID rebound in 2022–2023, and now, if Iger’s statement is accurate, 2024 could have finally cracked the elusive 30 million milestone.

By comparison, the Magic Kingdom’s 2019 record stood at 20.96 million, and while it led the world again in 2023, the gap is tightening fast.

Let’s not forget: Disney doesn’t release official attendance numbers anymore. So when the CEO drops a number like this, it matters — even if it’s rounded up or anecdotal. The official 2024 attendance rankings from TEA won’t come out until later this year, but based on what we know right now, Magic Kingdom’s crown is wobbling.

What This Means for the Disney Parks Arms Race

This isn’t just a bragging rights issue. Being the most visited theme park in the world brings with it a whole load of influence — especially in the internal Disney parks hierarchy. A boost in Anaheim’s performance could lead to more investment, faster expansion, and more attention from executives who traditionally focus their dollars in Florida.

It also signals something else: despite having just two parks (versus Florida’s four), Disneyland’s appeal remains sky-high. Locals, tourists, international visitors — they’re all flocking to the OG park.

So while no official “Kingdom Overthrown” banners have been flown, those who know the game are watching. Closely.

Magic Kingdom might still be holding the top slot for now, but if those numbers from Disneyland are real — and the storm-dented Florida reports continue — 2024 could be the year that changes everything.