Theme Park Attendance at Disney: Troublesome Signs
The Global Attractions Index Report was recently released by the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and the Economics Practice at AECOM. We look at how Disney has fared in the last four years from 2018 to 2021. This includes both Disneyland and Walt Disney World. And we compare those numbers how Universal is doing. Of course COVID played a big role in every park dropping attendance, but how are they faring as they come out the other side? And what is causing those gains and losses as they emerge? We’ll look at all that and more as we look st some troubling signs at Disney theme parks.
Park Numbers
Attractions Since 1998
Magic Kingdom:
October 1st, 2021: 50th Anniversary Castle and Enchantment Fireworks
Disneyland:
May 31st, 2019: Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge & Millennium Falcon
January 17th, 2020: Rise of the Resistance
Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
October 1st, 2021: Kite Tails
Epcot:
October 1st, 2021: Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure
October 1st, 2021: Harmonious
May 27th, 2022: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
August 29th 2019: Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge & Millennium Falcon
December 5th, 2019: Rise of the Resistance
March 4th, 2020: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Universal Studios Florida:
June 30th, 2020: The Bourne Stuntacular
Disney California Adventure:
June 4th, 2021: Avengers Campus
Islands of Adventure
June 13th, 2019: Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
June 19th, 2921: VelociCoaster
Universal Studios Hollywood:
July 12th, 2019: Jurassic World: The Ride
April 15th, 2021: The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash
Contributors to Attendance Declines:
COVID
- Park Closures–Especially Disneyland
- Social & Spatial Anxiety
- Mask Requirements: February 2022/Universal; April 2022/Disney
Group Business Down
- Convention/Trade Shows Down
- School Trips Down
- Weddings Down
Disappointing Offerings
- Delays in Return of Offerings Since COVID: Parade at Disneyland/Enchanted Tales
- Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
- Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary
- Avengers Campus
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom–Kite Tails and Nothing Else
Labor Market
- International Program Impact
- Shortages in F&B, Housekeeping & More
Frustrating Processes
- Resort Availability
- Availability of an Annual Pass
- Making a Reservation
- Park Hopping
Cost
- Complimentary Airport Transportation
- Increase Hotel Costs on Disney Property
- Genie+
- Both Starting from $109
- Universal Orlando 1 Day: $139 on November 1st/$159 December 25th
- Disney 1 Day: $140 on November 1st/$159 December 25th (No MK Availability
- Universal Orlando 1 Day/2 Parks: $164
- Disney 1 Day/Park Hopper: $205
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Ready to Visit the Disney Parks?
Hopefully this podcast has made you realize you need help and support in planning your next trip to Disney. David and Leah with Out the Door Travel know Disney in ways few do and they can make your next trip on land or sea an exciting one–or at least less stressful! Be sure to contact them as you explore your next vacation, whether it is a Disney theme park vacation, a cruise, or an Adventure by Disney. There is no charge to utilize their services, but it will save you enormous time getting all the details right, and with their insight you can be assured you’re going to experience the best trip possible. Contact them today!
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zanolla@otdtravel.com
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