Disney’s U.S. Park Spending Up Despite Drop in Visitors

Disney’s U.S. theme park attendance was down in the second quarter, but higher spending from guests helped fuel record second quarter results for the segment. 

Domestic park attendance was down 1% and domestic hotel occupancy slid from 92% to 89% in the quarter, with executives pointing fingers at sluggish international visitation and competition from Epic Universe, which opened last year in Orlando. 

Despite lower foot traffic, per capita spending at U.S. parks was up 5% due to growth in admissions, food and beverage, and merchandise, and per-room guest spending was up 7%. 

CFO Hugh Johnston said the company expects to report improved year-over-year attendance in the next earnings call, adding that it hasn’t seen a change in consumer behavior from elevated gas prices