Theme parks are no longer a summer hotspot

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The Future. Once a post-pandemic travel favorite, American theme parks are now experiencing a slowdown as inflation and wanderlust draw visitors away. If major players like Disney, Universal, and Six Flags hope to recapture the interest of price-conscious consumers, they may need to offer more discounts and innovative attractions before the year’s end.

Roller coaster recession
Disney, Universal, and Six Flags have all reported weaker theme-park attendance and declining profits in recent quarters as Americans opt for new adventures.

  • High ticket prices and additional costs at domestic parks have pushed vacationers to seek more affordable and enriching experiences abroad, where they feel like they get better value for their money.
  • Record-breaking heat in states like Florida has also driven people to reevaluate when and if they should plan park visits at all.

From rides to flights
As more Americans prioritize global travel over expensive and often repetitive park trips, the industry is struggling to catch up.

Upcoming attractions like Universal’s Epic Universe, which will feature rides connected to such franchises as Harry Potter, Donkey Kong, and How to Train Your Dragon, might provide the spark necessary to rekindle theme-park enthusiasm among discerning consumers.

Kait Cunniff

Kait is a Chicago-raised, LA-based writer and NYU film grad. She created an anthology TV series for Refinery29 and worked as a development executive for John Wells Productions, Jon M. Chu, and Paramount Pictures. Her favorite color is orange.

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