Disneyland, the iconic theme park in Anaheim, California, has reached a remarkable milestone, surpassing 900 million visitors since its opening in 1955. The park, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022, has become a global destination, drawing millions of guests from around the world to experience its enchanting attractions and immersive entertainment.
Disneyland’s Milestone: 900 Million Visitors
Disneyland, the iconic tourist destination that transformed the entertainment landscape in Southern California, has reached a new milestone: 900 million people have visited the park since its opening in 1955. This remarkable achievement is chronicled in a new documentary called ‘Disneyland Handcrafted,’ which will stream on Disney+. The film includes footage from the Walt Disney Archives, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of this beloved theme park.
In 2024, the most recent year for which data is available, Disneyland’s attendance ticked up 0.5% to 17.3 million, according to a report from the Themed Entertainment Association. While Disney does not release internal attendance figures, the company’s theme parks, cruise ships, and vacation resorts have been a key economic driver for the Burbank media and entertainment company.
Last year, almost 57% of Disney’s operating income was generated by the tourism and leisure segment, known as the company’s ‘experiences’ business. This sector reported revenue of $36.2 billion for fiscal year 2025, a 6% increase compared to the previous year, with operating income rising 8% to nearly $10 billion. Disney has stated that it will invest $60 billion into its experiences segment, underscoring the importance of this business to the company.
Disneyland’s Evolving Landscape
Over its 70 years, Disneyland has undergone many changes and expansions. While some of the park’s original attractions still exist, including Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and the Mark Twain Riverboat, the park has evolved to align more with its Hollywood cinematic properties.
In 2019, Disneyland expanded to include a ‘Star Wars’-themed land, further integrating the park’s offerings with the company’s popular film franchises. This expansion is part of a larger investment strategy, with the company planning at least $1.9 billion in development projects at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, including an expansion of the Avengers Campus and a ‘Coco’-themed boat ride at Disney California Adventure.
Disneyland’s Reliance on Local Visitors
As the tourism industry continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, Disneyland Resort has increasingly relied on local visitors to maintain its attendance levels. In a recent report, it was noted that Disneyland Resort’s attendance has been buoyed by a surge in domestic tourism, as international travel has yet to fully recover.
To further attract local visitors, Disneyland has introduced a range of initiatives, including a $50 kid ticket deal for the 2025 holiday season and the upcoming ‘Bluey’ stage event. These efforts aim to make the park more accessible and appealing to families in the surrounding region, ensuring that Disneyland remains a beloved destination for generations to come.
※ This article summarizes publicly available reporting and is provided for general information only. It is not legal, medical, or investment advice. Please consult a qualified professional for decisions.