The The Walt Disney Company continues to expand its presence beyond film and streaming, strengthening its global portfolio of tourism and leisure assets. According to the company’s latest financial results for fiscal 2025, Disney reported total annual revenue of approximately US$94.4 billion, with strong profitability driven largely by its Experiences division, which includes theme parks, resorts and cruise operations.
Within that segment, Disney recorded around US$36.1 billion in revenue and close to US$10 billion in operating income, confirming the strategic importance of parks, tourism and experiential products to the company’s overall financial performance.
As part of its long-term growth strategy, Disney has announced plans to develop a new theme park destination in Abu Dhabi. The project is intended to expand the company’s footprint in a region where a large share of the global population can reach the destination within a relatively short flight. Unlike many of Disney’s existing parks, the Abu Dhabi development is expected to operate under a licensing and management structure. Under this model, Disney will provide intellectual property, creative design and operational expertise while a regional partner finances and constructs the resort, allowing the company to expand its brand presence while limiting capital investment and financial exposure.
The Experiences division has become one of Disney’s most consistent drivers of growth. Increased guest spending, higher hotel occupancy rates and the expansion of retail and dining offerings have supported rising revenues across the company’s park and resort portfolio. New attractions and themed experiences have also contributed to improved visitor engagement and higher per-guest spending, reinforcing the importance of the segment within Disney’s wider entertainment ecosystem.
The company is also expanding its maritime tourism operations through DCL-Disney Cruise Line. The cruise division currently operates a fleet of 6 vessels, but Disney plans to introduce additional ships over the coming years. Two new vessels are scheduled to enter service in 2026, followed by 4 more ships between 2027 and 2031. The programme would effectively double the size of the fleet within the decade and strengthen cruise operations as a core component of the company’s experiences portfolio.
The cruise business has already demonstrated positive momentum, with an increase in passenger cruise days recorded during 2025. This growth has contributed to higher revenues within the broader experiences segment and reflects rising demand for themed vacation products that combine entertainment brands with travel experiences.
Disney’s intellectual property portfolio continues to play a central role in this strategy. Film and television franchises are increasingly integrated into attractions, live entertainment, themed environments and merchandise across both parks and cruise ships. Popular characters and stories are incorporated into onboard shows, themed dining concepts and retail products, creating cross-platform revenue opportunities that link Disney’s media and tourism businesses.