The economic recession has had profound effects on nearly every major business, and Disney theme parks are no exception. With more Americans struggling just to make ends meet, many have chosen to stay home rather than travel long distances to ride Space Mountain and clash with Caribbean pirates.

But things may be looking up for Disney, according to Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Rasulo told the Orlando Sentinel that “we recently have seen a lot more lookers on the Internet.” And while that may or may not result in actual sales, it is a positive and encouraging sign after what has been a very difficult year for the company. Operating profit has fallen a whopping 28 percent at Disney’s parks division during the first nine months of the fiscal year, which has forced Disney to use deep discounts to stimulate travel.

However, Rasulo expressed confidence that the company’s new cruise ship, The Disney Dream, will encourage people to travel once again.

“Obviously, as a company we are not completely immune from the realities of the economy,” he said. “But we think there’s going to be an incredible amount of excitement. We think that the family cruise market is one that we have just skimmed the surface of.”

“People like vacationing with Disney. They like everything we stand for. And we think it’s time to be in more places that families vacation.”

image credit