In a noteworthy shift in travel preferences, many Canadians are increasingly opting for Disneyland Paris over US Disney parks, driven by a growing sentiment to avoid supporting US tourism amid political tensions. Travel agencies report that this trend is not just a fleeting moment; it reflects deeper concerns regarding the current climate in the United States, prompting a significant drop in Canadian visitors to American attractions.
Decline in US Tourism
The latest figures from the US Commerce Department’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) reveal a concerning 5.4 per cent decrease in foreign travel to the United States up until November 2025. This decline is particularly pronounced among Canadian tourists, whose numbers have decreased by 22 per cent, equating to a loss of four million visitors compared to the previous year.
Christine Fiorelli, owner of the Canadian travel agency Fairytale Dreams & Destinations, noted a stark 30 per cent shift in client bookings away from US Disney parks. “Many travellers still desire the Disney experience but are choosing to avoid supporting US-based parks at this time,” she stated. The sentiment is echoed by many families who have long been loyal visitors to American attractions.
A New Direction for Disney Lovers
For families like that of Catherine Norris from Toronto, the political landscape has drastically altered travel plans. “We are huge Disney lovers, but given the current political climate, we’re not travelling to anywhere in the US,” she remarked. After visiting Disney World annually since 2008, the Norris family has redirected their travel to Disneyland Paris and even booked Disney cruises departing from Singapore. “It will probably be at least five to ten years before we travel to the US again,” she added, highlighting a broader trend of Canadian families reassessing their travel choices.
In 2024, Canada was the leading source of visitors to Orlando, with a record 1.2 million Canadians flocking to Walt Disney World. However, the ongoing political issues and associated travel restrictions are casting a shadow over future prospects. As the World Cup soccer tournament approaches, there is cautious optimism; yet, the World Travel and Tourism Council anticipates a further 6 per cent drop in foreign visitors to the US in 2025, even as global tourism is expected to rise by 6.7 per cent.
Impact on Natural Attractions
The decline in visitors is not confined to theme parks. National parks across the US are also feeling the repercussions. Australian-based Intrepid Travel reported a staggering 42 per cent drop in bookings for US national park tours for 2026, with Canadian bookings plummeting by as much as 93 per cent. In the UK, luxury travel agency Cazenove+Loyd has scrapped plans for bespoke itineraries centred around iconic parks in states like Montana and California, reflecting a broader hesitancy to promote travel to the US.
The hospitality sector is also taking a hit. Hilton Worldwide reported declines in both revenue per room and occupancy rates within the United States, while Marriott International’s CEO has been vocal about the need to encourage a more welcoming approach for international visitors.
An Uncertain Future
Travel analytics firm Cirium has indicated that bookings from European nations to the US fell by 14 per cent year-over-year, with Canadian bookings dropping by 17 per cent in the same timeframe. Heightening concerns are recent proposals by the White House requiring travellers to provide social media data, which has further deterred potential tourists. Erik Hansen, head of government relations at the US Travel Association, warned that such measures could push millions of vacationers to consider alternative destinations.
Why it Matters
The shift in Canadian travel preferences underscores a significant and growing trend: the intertwining of political sentiment and tourism. As Canadians increasingly choose Disneyland Paris over their US counterparts, it highlights how global political climates can profoundly affect travel behaviours and economic outcomes. The ramifications extend beyond individual choices; they threaten to reshape the US tourism landscape in the long term. For the travel industry, this moment serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for international visitors, lest they seek out more hospitable destinations elsewhere.
