Theme Park attendance on upswing

by Leah Zanolla
Mar 14, 2008

The independent Economic Research Associates and the Themed Entertainment Association released the results of their 2007 Florida theme park attendance records.

According to their study, Disney enjoyed a stong year with Universal also faring well while Sea World had limited growth.

As in 2006 when Disney's Animal Kingdom had an 8.6% attendance increase, 2007 also had it top ranked in growth with a 6.5% upturn.

The group estimates that Disney's overall attendance at the Magic Kingdom exceeeded 17 million and has not been impacted by current economic downturns.

None of the theme parks provide the group with attendance details, which was cited in a complaint made by Busch Entertainment. They claim that the ERA/TEA numbers fall well below the actual figures.

John Robinett, senior vice president of ERA, disputes questions regarding the accuracy of their reports. Robinett stated "You know how our numbers can get more accurate? If the operators give us a little help. And many of them do."

Robinett further commented "I think it was business as usual. Orlando did quite well this year. Southern California was a little slow. The Midwest was modest. You add it up, and it was a year of modest and healthy growth, which is to be expected at this point in our industry."

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• Last Updated: Feb 8, 2012 - 9:40:38 AM