Universal theme park attendance softens as travel costs bite
Comcast says Orlando attendance has weakened as consumers pull back and higher fuel prices make trips more expensive.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
3 min read
Universal theme park attendance is feeling the pinch in Orlando, where Comcast executives said weaker consumer mood and pricier travel have kept crowds softer through the start of the third quarter.
On Comcast’s earnings call, co-CEO Mike Cavanagh said the company saw attendance pressure in Orlando during the second quarter and that the trend has carried on. He attributed the slowdown to softer consumer sentiment and higher travel costs, while saying Comcast is monitoring the shift closely.
Cavanagh told analysts the company does not view the slowdown as a lasting change in the parks business. He said Comcast still sees strong guest interest and satisfaction around its parks, including enthusiasm for Universal’s attractions.
Why is Universal theme park attendance down?
Comcast pointed to a mix of consumer caution and rising travel expenses. Deadline reported that Brent crude moved above $100 a barrel for the first time in months, with attacks on vessels in the Red Sea adding pressure to oil markets during the escalating U.S.-Iran war.
Higher oil prices can show up in gasoline and jet fuel costs, making road trips and flights more expensive for families planning park vacations. Deadline also reported that fuel pressures are adding costs for consumers and businesses more broadly.
The Orlando slowdown comes after Universal opened Epic Universe in May 2025, a major new park that Comcast executives said they remain happy with. Epic Universe is Universal’s new Orlando park, and its launch was meant to expand the company’s theme park draw in one of the world’s biggest tourist markets.
Cavanagh said the weakness is affecting Orlando more broadly, not just Comcast’s parks. He told analysts Comcast expects attendance to recover when economic conditions and consumer demand settle.
What is happening at Universal parks outside Orlando?
Comcast executives said Universal Studios Osaka is still being affected by China-related travel restrictions to Japan. Deadline reported that tensions followed comments last fall by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about Taiwan, which drew a backlash from Beijing and led China to restrict travel to Japan.
Foreign ministers from China and Japan met this week at a regional conference for the first time since the November dispute, Deadline reported.
Cavanagh also said Universal Beijing is dealing with a difficult macroeconomic backdrop. At Universal Studios Hollywood, CFO Jason Armstrong said results improved as the park began comparing against pressure from last year, but he does not expect a bigger lift until the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift roller coaster opens later this year.
For the quarter that ended in June, Comcast reported parks revenue of $2.4 billion, up 2.7%, while parks profit fell 5% to $609 million.
Cavanagh said the company’s long-term view of the parks business has not changed. He cited Universal’s brands, locations and attraction investment strategy, along with Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas, now open and a planned U.K. park moving toward construction.
Disney’s next theme park update is expected when the company reports quarterly results on August 5.
This story draws on original reporting from Deadline.