If Epcot was a park on it's own, not in a resort, would it see the amount of guests entering as it does now...no.
If Epcot had no festival, even tough it is in a resort, would it see the amount of guests entering as it does now...no.
Would Universal Studio's ever had survived without HHN...hell no.
Events in a park are great to bring people to a dead park. It's the reason Sea World is doubling down on it. But in the end a theme park is a combination of themes and rides. That should be the main pull.
If Epcot had no festival, even tough it is in a resort, would it see the amount of guests entering as it does now...no.
Would Universal Studio's ever had survived without HHN...hell no.
Events in a park are great to bring people to a dead park. It's the reason Sea World is doubling down on it. But in the end a theme park is a combination of themes and rides. That should be the main pull.