The new Potter land, Comcast Chief Executive Officer Brian Roberts told analysts, “shattered attendance records” at Universal Studios Hollywood.
The theme-park division’s fourth-quarter revenue increased 32.1 percent year over year to $1.3 billion. Much of that was because of the majority stake it bought in Universal Studios Japan, but even without that, revenue increased 13.2 percent.
Operating cash flow increased 41.9 percent to $640 million. Higher revenue was partially offset by an increase in operating expenses, including costs to support new attractions.
For the full year, theme park revenue increased 48.2 percent to $4.9 billion compared to the previous year. Operating cash flow increased 49.6 percent to $2.2 billion.
Looking forward, Comcast executives said they expect 2017 to be a strong year, with the opening of Jimmy Fallon: Race Through New York and the Volcano Bay water park at Universal Orlando. Universal has set up high expectations for Volcano Bay, consistently referring to it in marketing materials as a theme park. Executives referred to it Thursday as a “third gate.” In the industry, a “gate” has typically meant a traditional theme park.
Executives said Volcano Bay will be the world’s best water park.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-comcast-earnings-20170126-story.html
