Looking for Disney magic elsewhere: Canadians lead declines in travel to US

SelfRugger · 2026-03-08T07:04:32+00:00

Canadians are increasingly opting for Disney experiences in Europe instead of the U.S., driven by political tensions and a desire for less stressful vacations. This shift has resulted in a notable decline in Canadian travel to the U.S. and a rising interest in destinations like Disneyland Paris.

SelfRugger

2026-03-08 07:04:32

Abstract generation in progress

Looking for Disney magic elsewhere: Canadians lead declines in travel to US

Reuters Videos

Fri, February 13, 2026 at 12:55 AM GMT+9

STORY: More Canadians are seeking out Disney magic across the Atlantic Ocean — even as global travel trends remain strong and fewer foreign visitors head to the United States.Travel agencies and companies specializing in Disney vacations say many Canadians are following through on promises to boycott travel to the U.S.Christine Fiorelli owns Canadian travel agency Fairytale Dreams & Destinations.“Most are just open and honest. They don’t want to step foot in the United States right now. They don’t feel welcomed in the US anymore, they want low stress for a vacation and see going to the states might be a little stressful.”The agency has seen a 30% shift among clients who would normally choose a U.S. Disney destination.Now many are turning to Disneyland Paris, which has become a different kind of holiday.“For us, when we’re going to Walt Disney World, it’s a week-long destination, it’s a vacation in itself. When we’re going to Paris and maybe staying one or two days in Paris, and then we’re making other stops in Europe as well. So it’s become this European vacation with a dose of Disney magic.”Some travel agents say the political backdrop — including President Donald Trump’s trade war, his threats to seize Greenland, and aggressive immigration enforcement — has made the U.S. a less desirable destination.“It’s so different than last time. We had an idea before he won that it might affect our business, but we never thought it would affect it this much.”For 2025, foreign travel to the U.S. was down 5.4% through November, led by 4 million fewer visits from Canadian travellers — a 22% drop from the previous year.That includes travellers like Catherine Norris from the Toronto area, who has visited Disney World regularly with her family since 2008.She and her husband have now booked a Disney vacation in Europe and back-to-back Disney cruises departing from Singapore.

Terms and Privacy Policy

Privacy Dashboard

More Info

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.