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Universal Says Orlando Attendance Softened as Epic Universe Holds Strong

Comcast links a June-starting drop in visits to higher travel costs plus weak consumer sentiment, raising questions about the summer recovery for Central Florida tourism.

Overview

  • Comcast told investors on July 23 that attendance across the broader Orlando market began softening in June and stayed pressured into the third quarter.
  • The parks segment posted roughly $2.413 billion in Q2 revenue, up about 2.7 percent, while adjusted EBITDA fell to $609 million, down about 5.1 percent.
  • Company executives said Epic Universe is performing as expected and driving higher per-capita spending but declined to provide park-by-park attendance figures.
  • Independent posted wait-time analyses for Walt Disney World in June and July showed unusually low waits, which industry trackers say supports the view of a market-wide slowdown.
  • Comcast attributed the near-term weakness to higher fuel and travel costs, weaker consumer sentiment and China-related limits on travel to Japan, and said it will monitor Q3 while pursuing long-term projects in Texas and the U.K.