2012 Themed Entertainment Association park attendance figures show increase over 2011

[BryceM]

I just have to say that I love what Potter has done for Islands of Adventure. It's my favorite park, and I always felt that it deserved a higher attendance. It actually makes me happy to see The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man with a 160 minute wait, or the masses of people swarming through the Port of Entry.

That's all. Hahaha.

 

[coolbeans14]

Here is some reality. What if Potter has appealed to the people its going to appeal to?

What does that mean?

First off, Potter has been huge for Universal, I cannot deny that, but the interest in the whole Potter franchise is waning, the media does not talk about anything Potter unless its mentioning Emma Watson. But what if the first phase of Potter truly brought out the people who will be coming to see it? Do you honestly think the second phase of Potter is going to push IoA into 10 million visitors? 9 million? I doubt it. Right now, the economy is getting people hopeful, people are feeling secure in their jobs, people are spending money, if there was more money to squeeze out of Potter, people would have spent it. Potter phase 2 puts IoA in the 8-8.5 million range, and that's where it tops out at, unless...

I thought this was an interesting idea actually. I also wonder if perhaps the announcement of potterland in Hollywood and -was it Singapore or Japan, one of them- may stop people from those regions coming over to UNI.

furthermore, the Warner Bros. studio tour in London is insanely popular, and a heck of a lot cheaper. why would many UK or European people feel the need to spend thousands to get over to Florida, when millions of Europeans can now go to the studio, visit all the sets, see the actual stuff. as far as I am aware the UK and European ads don't specify that there are rides in Florida. speaking of which...

the studio tour has the permission to apply for rides in the future. that, if they choose to do it, could be a massive factor in UK visitors to Florida, alongside the paramount studios resort in Kent. eventually the kinds of experiences once only available at Disneyland Paris and USA are going to be on the doorsteps of us Brits.

So whilst I would agree with those who disagree with the idea that 4% isn't good enough, I will say that by the next decade Disney and even more so UNI will need to work hard on bringing experiences not available in Europe.


EDIT: this could just be crazy talk by the way

 

[GLaDOS]

I thought this was an interesting idea actually. I also wonder if perhaps the announcement of potterland in Hollywood and -was it Singapore or Japan, one of them- may stop people from those regions coming over to UNI.

furthermore, the Warner Bros. studio tour in London is insanely popular, and a heck of a lot cheaper. why would many UK or European people feel the need to spend thousands to get over to Florida, when millions of Europeans can now go to the studio, visit all the sets, see the actual stuff. as far as I am aware the UK and European ads don't specify that there are rides in Florida. speaking of which...

the studio tour has the permission to apply for rides in the future. that, if they choose to do it, could be a massive factor in UK visitors to Florida, alongside the paramount studios resort in Kent. eventually the kinds of experiences once only available at Disneyland Paris and USA are going to be on the doorsteps of us Brits.

So whilst I would agree with those who disagree with the idea that 4% isn't good enough, I will say that by the next decade Disney and even more so UNI will need to work hard on bringing experiences not available in Europe.

Universal numbers from the UK and Europe haven't been hurt by the studio tour one bit. They're two completely different attraction draws.

And the numbers at UOR from the west coast and Asia are minimal, so neither the WWoHP in Osaka or LA will affect numbers all that much. Besides, Gringotts will be exclusive to Orlando for a good long while, not to mention all the other expansions and additions on their way in the next few years.

 

[celluloid]

The studio tour of Harry Potter exhibit has no impact because as mentioned they are two totally different audiences and purposes.

It is like comparing Halloween Horror Nights to Horror Conventions to where the movie stars of those horror movies are. Try comparing a tour of the Walt Disney Musuem to any Disney theme park.

The real stuff is neat and has appeal for its historical value, but to be immersed in those worlds surrounded by the reasons we wanted to be immersed is what makes the difference.

IOA's attendance is still seeing results from expanding and the resort is still benefiting in guest spending growth from merch of popular properties and additions. People don't all make that trip in the first three years of opening. It will continue to grow as is the incentive under construction and in planning.

 

[KJC]

Welcome to WDWMagic with your first post!

Thanks! I've been reading forever, but finally got around to registering and commenting. It's a great community.

 

[OFTeric]

Since I write a lot about the non Disney Parks, let's look at Attendance in Orlando pre Potter in 2009 vs. today to show growth at all the major Central Florida theme parks.

IOA
Attendance 2009: 4,627,000
Attendance 2012: 7,981,000
Difference: 3,354,000
% of Growth: +72%

USF
Attendance 2009: 5,530,000
Attendance 2012: 6,195,000
Difference: 665,000
% of Growth: +12%

MK
Attendance 2009: 17,233,000
Attendance 2012: 17,536,000
Difference: 303,000
% of Growth: +1.7%

Epcot
Attendance 2009: 10,990,000
Attendance 2012: 11,063,000
Difference: 73,000
% of Growth: +0.7%

DHS
Attendance 2009: 9,700,000
Attendance 2012: 9,912,000
Difference: 212,000
% of Growth: +2.1%

DAK
Attendance 2009: 9,590,000
Attendance 2012: 9,998,000
Difference: 408,000
% of Growth: +4.2%

SW
Attendance 2009: 5,800,000
Attendance 2012: 5,358,000
Difference: -442,000
% of Growth: -7.6%

So when you look at growth since 2009 at all the major Central Florida parks, you see that not only is IOA's growth incredible, but the fact that they have been able to maintain that growth... this year it is up 72% from 2009. Where as Disney has been roughly flat.

 

[asianway]

Since I write a lot about the non Disney Parks, let's look at Attendance in Orlando pre Potter in 2009 vs. today to show growth at all the major Central Florida theme parks.

IOA
Attendance 2009: 4,627,000
Attendance 2012: 7,981,000
Difference: 3,354,000
% of Growth: +72%

USF
Attendance 2009: 5,530,000
Attendance 2012: 6,195,000
Difference: 665,000
% of Growth: +12%

MK
Attendance 2009: 17,233,000
Attendance 2012: 17,536,000
Difference: 303,000
% of Growth: +1.7%

Epcot
Attendance 2009: 10,990,000
Attendance 2012: 11,063,000
Difference: 73,000
% of Growth: +0.7%

DHS
Attendance 2009: 9,700,000
Attendance 2012: 9,912,000
Difference: 212,000
% of Growth: +2.1%

DAK
Attendance 2009: 9,590,000
Attendance 2012: 9,998,000
Difference: 408,000
% of Growth: +4.2%

SW
Attendance 2009: 5,800,000
Attendance 2012: 5,358,000
Difference: -442,000
% of Growth: -7.6%

So when you look at growth since 2009 at all the major Central Florida parks, you see that not only is IOA's growth incredible, but the fact that they have been able to maintain that growth... this year it is up 72% from 2009. Where as Disney has been roughly flat.

Which is why you can say with 100% certainty, market share plays ZERO into any WDW ops/TDO execs bonus plan.

 

[Californian Elitist]

Oh, and by the way, Universal Hollywood being up so much has absolutely nothing to do with the Transformers ride, and everything to do with DCA, and people going the DL and DCA running out of things to do.

False.

 

[cheezbat]

I look at Sea World numbers on your list and notice they are the only park down...but ironically 2009 they got a big boost with the addition of Manta. I'm sure this year will be a bigger year too with Antarctica.

Non Disney parks need that occasional big addition to keep people coming back. I wish the same held true for WDW, because we would still be seeing new stuff added often...not one E ticket every decade.

 

[wdwfan4ver]

I see Jimmy thick being his usually self toward Universal.

A 4 percent increase in attendance at IOA was great for 2012 based on when Potter Phase 1 opened based Universal is focusing on improving the attendance at their other park in Orlando despite what Jimmy Think said. The fact is the next major thing for IOA is a Jurassic Park Expansion, I am not sure when work is going start for that.

The 2nd Phase of Potter opening in 2014 is for making attendance at USF closing to IOA. I am saying that because since 2009 USF attendance went up by 12 percent and IOA's attendance went up by 72 percent. That shows Harry Potter Phase 1 didn't affect the attendance at USF a lot compare to IOA.

Jimmy Think is completely wrong about DCA is completely responsible for Universal Hollywood having a big attendance increase. People already mentioned the decrease of Knott's Berry Farm and the percentages of other theme parks in California also shown DCA didn't cause other theme parks to get the increase Universal Hollywood got either.

 

[celluloid]

One just had to read Jimmy Thick's post with intense sarcasm. If you read in-between the lines you will notice that almost every post he actually slams Disney. He really likes Universal. Notice at the end of his post he made sure to include because people ran out of things to do at DCA.

He is notorious for slamming Disney this way.

 

[Pixiedustmaker]

Either way, I wish WDW's attendance numbers were flatter. Not that I want to see WDW struggling, but 2% gains don't feel warranted for any of the parks (except maybe MK, and even that's a stretch). We all know TDO has been acting complacent over the last few years, and I'd hate to see them stall further because attendance is okay right now.

Be Our Guest, Enchanted Tales w/Belle, Princess FairyTale Hall, and Mermaid, will pull in some guests in 2013, and when 7DMT opens, it is likely that MK can sustain its attendance level, and WDW is benefitting from Potterland. Almost anyway you look at it, when Potterland 2.0 opens it will bring in more tourists to Orlando, and WDW will get a percentage of these.

I get that WDW has had maintenance problems, though happily they did a good job on refurbing Splash, but while the fan in me wants to see DHS get a new ride/land, and/or Backlot upgraded into something new (maybe a fictional 1930's backlot), the realist in me knows that if DHS's attendance goes up 2.2% then there is no urgency to "fix" something which isn't broken and which is pulling in more guests.

Superficially, some folks look at DHS and figure that the park needs a Carsland, and has space for a full-sized Carsland (I doubt Lasseter would go with half a Carsland). DHS pulled in 9.9 million . . . Carsland added about 1.5 million guests, so in half a year it bumped DCA attendance from 6.3 to about 7.8 million . . . so maybe for 2013 DCA's attendance will be 9.3 million, which would still be less than DHS!

DHS has this Hollywood vibe, and despite fans wanting something new/more, there are logistical issues at DHS. Despite fans dislike of LMA, Backlot . . . they are sorely needed attractions for this park, especially with the attendance growth, though I think Backlot should be totally remade. If they do Carsland at WDW, I could see them doing it at a fifth park, the current four parks are already bursting at the seams.

 

[Pixiedustmaker]

Parkscope Michael on twitter alluded to this and started down the line of, "if everyone's up 2.2% why did they start the differential pricing now?"

Something doesn't seem right

Normally you'd see a theme park increase prices if there are a lot of guests in the parks. Supply and demand. If they increase ticket prices 3%, and this only decreases the number of guests visiting by 2% . . . then they win when you look at the ticket price times the number of guests over a year. Plus, the parks would be less crowded and you wouldn't have guests being upset with not being able to get on the rides.

 

[asianway]

Normally you'd see a theme park increase prices if there are a lot of guests in the parks. Supply and demand. If they increase ticket prices 3%, and this only decreases the number of guests visiting by 2% . . . then they win when you look at the ticket price times the number of guests over a year. Plus, the parks would be less crowded and you wouldn't have guests being upset with not being able to get on the rides.

This is speaking of why didnt all 4 parks go up to $95, not just the MK. Its a signal of weakening the brand - if MK was up 2 and the others down 2, that might make sense.

 

[Pixiedustmaker]

IOA
Attendance 2009: 4,627,000
Attendance 2012: 7,981,000
Difference: 3,354,000
% of Growth: +72%

USF
Attendance 2009: 5,530,000
Attendance 2012: 6,195,000
Difference: 665,000
% of Growth: +12%

MK
Attendance 2009: 17,233,000
Attendance 2012: 17,536,000
Difference: 303,000
% of Growth: +1.7%

Epcot
Attendance 2009: 10,990,000
Attendance 2012: 11,063,000
Difference: 73,000
% of Growth: +0.7%

DHS
Attendance 2009: 9,700,000
Attendance 2012: 9,912,000
Difference: 212,000
% of Growth: +2.1%

DAK
Attendance 2009: 9,590,000
Attendance 2012: 9,998,000
Difference: 408,000
% of Growth: +4.2%

SW
Attendance 2009: 5,800,000
Attendance 2012: 5,358,000
Difference: -442,000
% of Growth: -7.6%

So when you look at growth since 2009 at all the major Central Florida parks, you see that not only is IOA's growth incredible, but the fact that they have been able to maintain that growth... this year it is up 72% from 2009. Where as Disney has been roughly flat.

That's not factually correct.

If you look at the long term trend, and the absolute numbers you get a different picture:

1. WDW absolute increase in guests over this time frame is about 1 million more guests coming to WDW. Uni added about 4 million guests with new offerings. Remember that WDW has four parks, and a percentage increase at MK means more guests than the same percentage increase at a smaller park.

2. Reedy Creek forecasts about a 1% increase over the next ten years . . . so, a 2% increase in a given year would be a bumper, even more so if that would be the average over a decade. With "just" 1% growth a year, WDW's 48.5 million guests a year would increase by about 4.8 million guests in a decade, this is good number of guests.

The real issue, IMHO, is not that the four parks are unpopular, but that Disney isn't addressing capacity issues by building a de novo land (NOT redevelopment of existing infrastructure with little new net gain in guest capacity), or by building a fifth park.

It's not so much that New Fantasyland was built to draw in more guests (though it will do that very well), but its kinda housekeeping function in that these new attractions/restaurants will be sorely needed over the coming years.

 

[Pixiedustmaker]

This is speaking of why didnt all 4 parks go up to $95, not just the MK. Its a signal of weakening the brand - if MK was up 2 and the others down 2, that might make sense.

Most guests purchase multi-day/park hopper passes . . . so, effectively, prices for going to all four parks have gone up.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Jimmy Thick- Back to chemo...

uh-oh...buddy...are you alright?

 

[asianway]

Most guests purchase multi-day/park hopper passes . . . so, effectively, prices for going to all four parks have gone up.

If thats the case, then why erode the brand? Single day ticket price is the yardstick that the mass media always picks up on.

 

[The Empress Lilly]

Since I write a lot about the non Disney Parks, let's look at Attendance in Orlando pre Potter in 2009 vs. today to show growth at all the major Central Florida theme parks.

IOA
Attendance 2009: 4,627,000
Attendance 2012: 7,981,000
Difference: 3,354,000
% of Growth: +72%

USF
Attendance 2009: 5,530,000
Attendance 2012: 6,195,000
Difference: 665,000
% of Growth: +12%

MK
Attendance 2009: 17,233,000
Attendance 2012: 17,536,000
Difference: 303,000
% of Growth: +1.7%

Epcot
Attendance 2009: 10,990,000
Attendance 2012: 11,063,000
Difference: 73,000
% of Growth: +0.7%

DHS
Attendance 2009: 9,700,000
Attendance 2012: 9,912,000
Difference: 212,000
% of Growth: +2.1%

DAK
Attendance 2009: 9,590,000
Attendance 2012: 9,998,000
Difference: 408,000
% of Growth: +4.2%

SW
Attendance 2009: 5,800,000
Attendance 2012: 5,358,000
Difference: -442,000
% of Growth: -7.6%

So when you look at growth since 2009 at all the major Central Florida parks, you see that not only is IOA's growth incredible, but the fact that they have been able to maintain that growth... this year it is up 72% from 2009. Where as Disney has been roughly flat.

Thanks for that! For the sake of fun, let's add one more year!

In 2008:
MK 17,063,000
EPCOT 10,935,000
DHS 9,608,000
DAK 9,540,000
IoA 5,297,000
USF 6,231,000
SEA 5,926,000

WDW had a fine increase from 08 to 09. This increases the gain overall the past five years.
Both IoA and USF went down enormously from 08 to 09. Possibly because of guests postponing ahead of Potter. This has a strong dampening effect on the overall Potter growth, depending on choosing a pre-Potter IoA attendance of either 2008's 5,3 or 2009's 4,6 million.
SEA went down from 08 to 09, meaning it was hurt even more. Nobody suffered more from Potter than SEA, competing as it does with UNI for non-Disney days.

 

[OFTeric]

WDW had a fine increase from 08 to 09. This increases the gain overall the past five years.
Both IoA and USF went down enormously from 08 to 09. Possibly because of guests postponing ahead of Potter. This has a strong dampening effect on the overall Potter growth, depending on choosing a pre-Potter IoA attendance of either 2008's 5,3 or 2009's 4,6 million.
SEA went down from 08 to 09, meaning it was hurt even more. Nobody suffered more from Potter than SEA, competing as it does with UNI for non-Disney days.

And we could go back to the 90's to see how MK's attendance has decreased lol

I was simply showing the 1 year pre-potter to today.