The study noted that Disney—which has boosted Florida's economy, tourism, and small businesses for the last 50 years—has generated 263,000 direct and indirect jobs in the state. That's 1 out of every 32 jobs in Florida, including Disney's workforce of 82,000 across the state.

Disney's impact on the economy in 2026 is staggering, acting as a massive "engine" for job creation and tourism revenue in both Florida and California. In Florida, Walt Disney World generates more than $40.3 billion in annual economic impact and supports over 263,000 jobs, making it the state's largest single-site employer. This "Disney effect" extends to thousands of small businesses—from local laundries to food suppliers—that sustain the resort's operations. In California, Disneyland Resort contributes approximately $16.1 billion annually to the Southern California economy and supports over 100,000 jobs. Beyond direct employment, Disney pays billions in state and local taxes, which fund public infrastructure, schools, and emergency services. Furthermore, Disney’s 2026 "turbocharge" plan involves a $30 billion capital investment in its U.S. parks over the next decade, which economists predict will create tens of thousands of new construction and service-industry jobs. By acting as a global "anchor" for international travelers, Disney essentially subsidizes the broader tourism ecosystem, as visitors to Disney often spend additional billions on external hotels, rental cars, and local restaurants during their stay.