Part 7/10:
Consumer sentiment indicates an erosion of perceived value. Articles frequently discuss families going into debt to afford Disney trips, with fewer annual repeat visitors as price elasticity sets in. Unlike Universal, which maintains more modest pricing and reports higher demand, Disney's pricing tactics seem to be pushing some customers toward the exits.
The company’s reluctance to publish specific visitation figs during earnings calls further fuels speculation. If attendance was truly healthy, they'd likely emphasize it. Instead, their comments appear carefully calibrated to avoid revealing potential declines.
Financial Performance vs. Operational Reality
While revenue and operating income figures look favorable, the real story might be different behind the scenes: