Walt Disney is poised to deliver robust first-quarter results as peak demand days at its theme parks and streaming platforms drive revenue growth. The company's performance is expected to outpace prior-year levels, bolstered by high attendance and subscriber momentum.
- Theme park attendance averaged over 145,000 daily guests in early 2026, up 12% YoY
- Disney+ subscribers reached 157 million globally as of January 2026
- Q1 EPS estimates revised upward to $1.45 per share
- Pre-market stock gain of 7.3% following operational updates
- Operating income from Parks segment expected to grow 14% YoY
- Strong ad revenue and subscriber growth on Disney+ driving streaming performance
Walt Disney is entering the first quarter of 2026 with strong momentum, driven by a series of peak demand days across its domestic theme parks and streaming services. Attendance at Walt Disney World and Disneyland reached near-record levels during late December and early January, with daily park visitation averaging over 145,000 guests—a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This surge in foot traffic has translated into elevated operating income from its Parks, Experiences and Products segment, which accounts for approximately 38% of the company’s total revenue. Streaming platform Disney+ continues to show positive trends, with subscription growth reaching 157 million globally as of January 2026, up from 151 million in July 2025. The service recorded a 9% year-over-year increase in average monthly active users during the holiday season, contributing significantly to recurring revenue streams. These figures underscore improving monetization strategies and content-driven engagement. Analysts are revising upward their Q1 EPS estimates for DIS, now projecting $1.45 per share—up from $1.32 in late 2025 forecasts. This reflects improved cost control, higher ancillary spending by visitors, and stronger ad revenue on Disney+ due to expanded live sports and premium content offerings. The stock has already responded, gaining 7.3% in pre-market trading following the latest operational data release. Investors and sector peers in the consumer discretionary and entertainment industries are closely watching Disney’s trajectory, as its performance often sets benchmarks for broader market sentiment. The company’s ability to capitalize on seasonal demand cycles could influence expectations for other major leisure and media firms during the upcoming earnings season.