Report: Disney has slight visitor declines at parks

ORLANDO, Fla. – Disney parks in North America had slight attendance declines last year due to increased ticket prices, while Harry Potter rides helped Universal show strong increases in visitors.

A new report released this week by the Themed Entertainment Association and the firm AECOM says Disney’s domestic parks declined by about 1 per cent. Despite the declines, revenue was up about 5 per cent due to increased guest spending. Disney officials have said they are comfortable trading smaller crowds for higher prices.

Attendance at Universal parks in the United States was up almost 7.5 per cent thanks to the Harry Potter rides as well as a new Walking Dead attraction at its California park.

Six Flags parks had a 4 per cent increase in attendance, and Cedar Fair parks were up 2.7 per cent in visitors.