Canadians Shift Travel Away from US Amid Political Climate

Disney destinations across the Atlantic Ocean see rise in Canadian visitors as foreign travel to the US declines.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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More Canadians are choosing to visit Disney destinations outside the United States, such as Disneyland Paris, as foreign travel to the US has declined by 5.4% through November 2025. Travel agencies report a 30% shift in Canadian clients away from booking US Disney vacations, citing President Trump's trade policies, comments about Greenland, and stepped-up immigration enforcement as factors leading some travelers to reconsider US trips.

Why it matters

The decline in foreign visitors, especially from Canada which was the top market for Orlando's Disney World in 2024, could have significant economic impacts on the US tourism industry. Travel agencies, hotels, and theme parks are adjusting their strategies to cater more to domestic travelers as international bookings drop.

The details

Travel agencies and Disney vacation specialists say some Canadians are following through on plans to reduce or avoid travel to the US. This shift comes as total foreign travel to the US was down 5.4% through November 2025, including 4 million fewer visits from Canadian travelers, a 22% drop from the previous year. Disney has reported less visibility into international bookings and has shifted marketing efforts to focus more on domestic travelers.

  • In 2024, Canada was the top market for visitors to Orlando, home of Walt Disney World, with a record 1.2 million visitors.
  • For 2025, total foreign travel to the United States was down 5.4% through November, according to the U.S. Commerce Department's National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO).

The players

Christine Fiorelli

Owner of Canadian travel agency Fairytale Dreams & Destinations.

Hugh Johnston

Walt Disney CFO.

Catherine Norris

A 57-year-old Toronto-area resident who has visited Disney World with her family every year since 2008.

Anna Kelly

White House deputy press secretary.

Erik Hansen

Head of government relations at the U.S. Travel Association.

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What they’re saying

“Many travelers are still eager for that magical Disney experience but prefer to avoid supporting U.S.-based parks at this time. It still holds a place in their heart, but not now.”

— Christine Fiorelli, Owner of Canadian travel agency Fairytale Dreams & Destinations

“We're huge Disney lovers, but given the current political climate, we're not traveling to anywhere in the U.S. It will probably be at least five to ten years before we will travel to the U.S. again.”

— Catherine Norris

“President Trump has done more for American tourism than anyone. His America First agenda has restored our country's place as the leader of the free world once again – making it the best place to live or visit.”

— Anna Kelly, White House deputy press secretary

“When you look at the data, the number of phone searches by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the number of denied entries has not gone up compared to previous administrations.”

— Erik Hansen, Head of government relations at the U.S. Travel Association

What’s next

The outlook could shift with the World Cup soccer tournament set to start in June, which may draw more international visitors to the US.

The takeaway

The decline in Canadian and other foreign visitors to the US, driven by political factors, highlights the potential economic impact on the US tourism industry. Travel companies are adjusting their strategies to cater more to domestic travelers as international bookings drop.