When Disney fans gathered in Anaheim this April, they were treated to an unforgettable spectacle—Spider-Man soaring through the sky at Avengers Campus, while Star Wars enthusiasts packed Rise of the Resistance at Galaxy’s Edge. The excitement surrounding Disney’s newer franchises is undeniable, but even classic characters like Mickey & Minnie continue to draw massive crowds.

Overseeing this expansion is Josh D’Amaro, Disney’s chairman of experiences, who is spearheading a remarkable $60 billion investment into the company’s parks and resorts over the next decade. With over 1,000 acres of undeveloped land across six resorts, Disney sees major opportunities to grow its beloved worlds and tap into its vast intellectual property (IP).

However, the path ahead is not without challenges. Universal is making bold moves, with a new Florida theme park set to open in 2025, while Disney also navigates labor negotiations concerning wages and unionization. Despite these hurdles, D’Amaro’s division achieved a record-breaking $8.9 billion in revenue in 2023, a 23% increase, helping to offset the financial struggles of Disney’s streaming business.

Most of the $60 billion investment—about 70%—will go toward new rides and experiences, with the remaining funds dedicated to enhancing tech, infrastructure, and park maintenance. Major projects are in the works, including a $1.9 billion upgrade to Disneyland, new expansions in Florida featuring Avatar, Frozen, Indiana Jones, and Encanto, and international additions such as Zootopia and Frozen lands in Paris, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Shanghai.

In addition to physical parks, Disney is doubling down on digital experiences. A $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games will help create a virtual universe where fans can interact with Disney’s characters in exciting new ways. As gaming becomes an increasingly important part of entertainment, Disney is positioning itself at the forefront of the next evolution in storytelling.

With competition from Universal intensifying, Disney’s strategy remains clear: continue innovating, expanding, and delivering immersive experiences that fans can’t find anywhere else.