The Walt Disney Company has released its second-quarter 2026 earnings report, and once again, it’s the theme parks and cruise line doing the heavy lifting.
Disney reported total revenue of $25.2 billion for the quarter, up 7% year over year. But the real headline for Disney fans sits inside the Experiences segment, which includes theme parks, resorts, and Disney Cruise Line.
That division brought in $9.5 billion in revenue, marking a new record for the second quarter.
Parks Keep Spending Strong
Guest spending continues to climb. Per-person spending at domestic parks rose 5%, driven by higher prices on tickets, food, and merchandise.
Attendance was a bit softer in the U.S., dipping slightly compared to last year, partly due to fewer international visitors. Even so, Disney says demand remains strong and expects attendance to rebound in the next quarter.
International parks performed better, with steady growth helping offset domestic softness.
Disney Cruise Line Expansion Pays Off
Disney Cruise Line played a big role in the quarter’s success.
Revenue gains were helped by an increase in passenger cruise days, thanks to newer ships like the Disney Destiny and the recently launched Disney Adventure.
The Disney Adventure, based in Singapore, is already off to a strong start with bookings performing well. Disney sees this ship as a major step in reaching new audiences across Asia.
At the same time, the company continues to invest heavily in its cruise fleet, which is one of the biggest drivers behind rising costs in the Experiences segment.
New Experiences and Big Investments Ahead
Disney isn’t slowing down.
The company confirmed it is continuing work on a new theme park resort in Abu Dhabi. This project follows a “capital-light” model, meaning Disney partners with local operators rather than fully funding the project itself.
It’s a long-term play, but one that Disney believes will expand its global footprint in a major way.
Other recent additions, like World of Frozen at Disneyland Paris, are already seeing strong guest response and show how Disney continues to turn popular stories into real-world experiences.
A Bigger Push to Connect Everything
There’s also a clear shift in how Disney is thinking about its future.
Leadership is focused on tying everything together. Streaming, parks, gaming, and products are no longer separate lanes. The goal is one connected system, with Disney+ at the center.
That means what you watch at home could shape what you experience in the parks, what you play in games, and what you buy in stores.
Disney is also doubling down on both franchise hits and new stories, aiming to create characters that live across movies, cruises, theme parks, and beyond.
Looking Ahead
Even with strong results, Disney is keeping a close eye on the economy and how it might affect travel and spending.
Still, the message from this quarter is clear. Parks and cruise ships remain the backbone of Disney’s business, and the company is investing heavily to keep that momentum going.
From new ships to new lands and even a brand-new park on the horizon, Disney’s Experiences segment isn’t just growing. It’s leading the way.
