Part 8/11:
- Revenue Growth in the Face of Declining Attendance: Disney's record-breaking revenues are largely driven by inflated prices—not increased foot traffic. This financial shift signals a long-term risk where the growth may be unsustainable if consumers realize they are being misled.
The Broader Picture: What's Really Going On?
Pro hypothesizes that Disney is intentionally distorting attendance data to maintain a lucrative illusion of success. The tactics include:
Selective data reporting (e.g., only counting hotel rooms with high occupancy).
Inflated wait times via paid reservation systems.
Reducing park capacity by closing attractions.
Pricing out families to shift demand to wealthier or loyal "core" visitors.