Is Disney Parks Attendance Down? What Could Be Causing It.

Recent reports are painting a dire picture of Walt Disney World and Disneyland attendance, as people report lower wait times, less crowded areas, and even empty walkways. However, others are pointing out potential reasons for this, while Disney has been claiming record revenue. Can two things be true at once?

Are the parks emptier?

This is up for debate, but I can tell you that tracking does seem to indicate attendance is a bit down, but it was down in previous years, too.

October is traditionally a slow month.

That being said, Walt Disney World and Disneyland were down in September compared to the past four years,

What could be causing the drop?

There are several reasons that attendance may be down.

1. This time of year is traditionally slow

Anymore, there aren’t many predictable “slow times” at Disney parks, but late September and October are usually slower.

Still, it shouldn’t be “ghost town” levels of slow. I have noticed it depends on where you are in the parks. Some areas are busier than others, which brings me to my next point.

2. Construction is everywhere!

Right now, there are many construction areas across Walt Disney World.
EPCOT seems to be performing better, but that park isn’t walled off like the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Most of the parks have major construction going on, which has closed attractions.

The result of this should increase traffic to the open areas and create more congestion. If the parks are still “empty,” then people may be avoiding them until some of the construction is over. Because the construction usually has the opposite effect of making the parks feel more full.

3. The cost! 

Disney park pricing has far outpaced inflation over the years. Given how everything is going up in price almost weekly, people can not justify super expensive trips to the Disney resorts.
Soon, price hikes are expected to be announced for Disneyland. Traditionally, the price hikes hit in October.

Disney is outpricing their audience.

4. Boycotts

Disney has found itself in the middle of a culture war when it comes to being boycotted. Take your pick of reasons because both “sides” have had them.

But Disney claims they have record profits!

This is where two things can be true at once. Attendance could be down, and Disney could claim record profits because Disney is price-gouging for everything.

We do not yet know the financial results of Disney’s Q4/end of fiscal year, which ended on September 30. Nor do we know the results for the new quarter, which just started.

If attendance dropped from July – September, we won’t know until the earnings report/call on November 13. If attendance is down from October -December, we won’t know until next year during the Q1 report.

Based on previous quarters, some are arguing that crowds can’t be down because profit is up.

Attendance has been down sporadically over the past few years. However, profits are up because Disney keeps raising prices, charging for Lightning Lane options, and offering higher-priced “line skipping” options.

It isn’t that attendance is steady or up as much as costs are increased, and those in attendance are paying more.

Profitability is not the same as being well attended.

Trends do seem to indicate that attendance is down overall.

What do you think? Comment and let us know!