Attendance Tracker

[quinnmac000]

Comcast had a great quarter with theme park growth. Exactly how much wasn't stated but Comcast is very happy.

 

[Mad Dog]

The Comcast report didn't break down individual resort growth, but it was very strong overall. The third quarter also was stronger than the first two quarters of 2016, as reflected in the reports numbers.
Theme Park Revenue:
Revenue 2015 3rd quarter..Revenue 2016 3rd quarter..% Increase...Pro Forma ................................................................................................................Growth %
896 million................................1.440 billion............................60.6%..............16.1%
...................................................................................2016 total 55.2%.............12.5%
2016 Revenue through the first three quarters increased to 3.602 Billion from 2015's 2,320 Billion through three quarters (see above percentage increase)

The real increase to look at here is the pro forma revenue percentage since it reflects the acquisition of the 51% interest of Universal Studios Japan. The acquisition wasn't final yet during the third quarter of 2015. That's why the 60.6% increase is so high. But the pro forma increase of 16.1% adjusts that. That's a very healthy increase and is significantly higher than the first and second quarter results. The pro forma for all of2016 to date is 12.5%. Universal's statement said these numbers "reflecting higher attendance and higher capital spending at the parks,driven by the successful opening of Harry Potter expansion in Universal Hollywood".........Operating cash flow also had a higher percentage increase during the third quarter than the year to date average. So, it looks like July, August, September was very good for Universal theme parks overall.

 

[Teebin]

I wouldn't be surprised if I-4 travelers to Disney are given pause when they pass by VB these days. Can they resist?

 

[Nick]

I wouldn't be surprised if I-4 travelers to Disney are given pause when they pass by VB these days. Can they resist?

I pass by it daily on my way to work. Heading to Disney isn't actually a good view of it at all. The best view is when you're on International Drive near the McDonalds. It's a straight shot down the road in clear sight. It'll be sure to draw A LOT of attention on that busy road.

 

[Galaxy Defender]

The annoying thing about the report is it cited Hollywood and Japan for the growth but left out Orlando. That's not good.

 

[Nick]

The annoying thing about the report is it cited Hollywood and Japan for the growth but left out Orlando. That's not good.

We all knew Orlando had a bad Summer though and that's what this quarter covered. Universal, by all accounts, did the best of everyone in Orlando, however.

 

[Galaxy Defender]

We all knew Orlando had a bad Summer though and that's what this quarter covered. Universal, by all accounts, did the best of everyone in Orlando, however.

I believe WDW just had an abysmal quarter for attendance, bringing everyone else down. Although it is likely they will have at least a couple more quarters of attendance decline this quarter will be the worst of it. It should get better from here, which should stop dragging down the other parks.

 

[Mad Dog]

Those numbers were pretty high. I would doubt there was an attendance decline at any resort, since it would have brought those percentages down. That 16.1 % increase was almost twice the percentage increase of the 9.8 % in the second quarter. They didn't specifically refer to Japan's attendance either. The comment on Japan referred to a favorable yen exchange rate, not attendance per se. The attendance comment was what I quoted above. That was it.

 

[Galaxy Defender]

Disney has been seeing attendance declines at almost all their parks except for DL. An overall increase for Universal is a good thing, especially in comparison.

 

[mitchada04]

Well if domestic parks were up 16% revenue Florida can't have been poor, as I doubt Hollywood could increase it all that much even with the power of Potter. It's a shame Comcast don't have full ownership of Japan yet as they'd be laughing then. Key thing is it's all up and by a fair amount overall, so even if Orlando was sluggish it's okay, especially as they'll very much know all of Orlando had a poor summer.

 

[Teebin]

Orlando had to be good knowing that they kept filling all of these new hotel rooms as I believe has been suggested. Ticket sales could have been down and they would have been still making more money than they previously had.

 

[Mad Dog]

Orlando had to be good knowing that they kept filling all of these new hotel rooms as I believe has been suggested. Ticket sales could have been down and they would have been still making more money than they previously had.

So right. The key stat is spending per guest. And those hotel guests (me included) spend a lot of money on a daily per capita basis. When Universal puts out their quarterly reports they quote revenue & revenue growth, not attendance figures.Revenue is the king.

 

[DoubleJ]

Man, Comcast stock has taken quite a hit since the 24th, down about 6.8%. Of course, as I have said, stock market fluctuations have little correlation to actual performance.

 

[Teebin]

oops

 

[Galaxy Defender]

Orlando area hotels had a great September according to an Orlando Sentinel article. Here are some of the highlights, though there is plenty more great info at the link. Unless the theme parks had a big spike in attendance in September this is likely due to convention business or guests not staying onsite at WDW. I hope this means the Central Florida attendance slump is bottoming out.

Metro Orlando hotels posted their best September numbers in seven years last month, but their sluggish 2016 continues to trail national industry averages in key metrics.

Occupancy, average daily room rates and revenue per available room posted year-over-year gains in Metro Orlando, defined as Sanford, Orlando and Kissimmee, according to STR, which globally tracks the hotel industry.

The region's occupancy rate of 67.9 percent made for a solid September, but it was about a percentage point below the national average, according to STR.

Metro Orlando's occupancy rate typically is higher than the national average. Year-to-date, the region's average occupancy rate is 76.42 percent, above the nationwide average of 53 percent in 2015.

Metro Orlando hotels have best September in decades - Orlando Sentinel

 

[Mad Dog]

Man, Comcast stock has taken quite a hit since the 24th, down about 6.8%. Of course, as I have said, stock market fluctuations have little correlation to actual performance.

That's primarily due to a government agency (FCC)ruling that is adverse to internet providers regarding selling or using customer info without customer consent.

 

[quinnmac000]

That's primarily due to a government agency (FCC)ruling that is adverse to internet providers regarding selling or using customer info without customer consent.

And due to At&t direct-tv deal of $35 buck distribution. But don't rule out Comcast yet, one rumored merger will make theme fans excited while the other merger will make stock holders happy.

 

[Galaxy Defender]

And due to At&t direct-tv deal of $35 buck distribution. But don't rule out Comcast yet, one rumored merger will make theme fans excited while the other merger will make stock holders happy.

What rumored merger would that be?

 

[quinnmac000]

What rumored merger would that be?

CBS/Viacom and T-mobile.

Comcast already has rumours spreading about merging with CBS and Viacom and also wanting T-mobile for wireless capability.

 

[Galaxy Defender]

Universal parks might have had profit growth, but UO is about attendance growth. The resorts, high capacity new rides, Volcano Bay and the upcoming South gate are all about increased attendance and market share.

WDW is another matter. They consider themselves a mature park and are much more concerned about profit. At least they finally woke up and realized you can't price yourself as a premium experience but deliver less premium every year.

Disneyland is built more for locals. Orlando parks are more about long distance visits. To do that you need more than just a couple parks and hotels. You need at least three parks and a full resort experience. If UO is to be more or less immune from the mistakes of WDW it needs to grow to the point where they attract enough visitors on their own. This makes attendance the most important score keeper.