Part 8/10:
Attendees and Park Performance Amidst Market Shifts
Reports from insiders and park enthusiasts suggest declining attendance, especially for local visitors. Disney is now even offering discounts for locals and reducing hotel prices to try and lure back visitors. Meanwhile, competitors like Universal’s Epic Universe are gaining ground, further threatening Disney’s dominance.
The shift towards reliance on intellectual property (IP)—Marvel, Star Wars, Disney princesses—also reflects this change: attractions and experiences are increasingly built around marketed characters than original Disney magic, tying the parks to mega-brands rather than broad appeal.