Will the ‘credit crunch’ affect the amount of visitors to Disney?
September 26, 2008
dss asked:
Just wondering how big companies like Disney are affected with the credit crunch? Do less people visit the parks in Orlando now or are they as busy as usual? How will the credit crunch affect the Christmas holidays at Disney World? I’d be interested to read peoples thoughts and experiences.
Just wondering how big companies like Disney are affected with the credit crunch? Do less people visit the parks in Orlando now or are they as busy as usual? How will the credit crunch affect the Christmas holidays at Disney World? I’d be interested to read peoples thoughts and experiences.
Thanks! 
September 26th, 2008 at 7:54 am
We were just at Disney World in Orlando last month (we were there for a week) and the money was flowing like water. The parks were packed and people were carrying on like money was no object.
September 26th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I live in Orlando, and let me tell you…Disney isn’t going anywhere!
We get a lot of Europeans and South American visitors, and our whole economy in this area (International Drive, etc) rely on them. The stock is doing great, and we are still beating max quotas for the parks. Especially with it being this time of year. Prices of tickets are still outrageous as usual, and Disney is dominating. lol.
I work at a grocery store right near I-Drive. It’s always full of smiling kids and families that are exhausted with mickey stickers on their shirts.
Last night I went to Pleasure Island and even there was packed with tourists. They’re everywhere!!
Disney is crazy packed and I can’t see it changing
September 29th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Disney World is still bringing in customers but the demographics have changed a little. i am seeing more people from abroad and those that are from the states are modifying their plans for disney. staying off property, reducing the number of trips, making the trip the actual present. but it is a destination that the whole family can enjoy so it will continue to have crowds. don’t know if they will break attendance records but they will always have people going to their parks.
October 2nd, 2008 at 4:01 am
Based off of experience, people NEVER stop going to these parks. Its always crowded, except for work and school days
October 5th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Currently, it has not affected them a lot. Disney is still reporting strong attendance as is Universal. It is assumed by the ignorant “experts” on the stock channels (that obviously don’t read the financial reports) that the amusement parks will suffer greatly because of the credit crisis, but this is not true. Six Flags has reported profits for Q2 and Q3, and is looking to pull the largest profit in a decade. Cedar Fair has reported strong attendance for Q2, and a slower increase in Q3. Disney and Universal are essentially reporting the same thing. People will continue to go to parks because rather than travel to the beach for vacation, for example, they’ll go to their local amusement park to conserve money. Hope that helps!
October 8th, 2008 at 3:24 am
DSS,
According to the 2008 financial report attendance at the parks grew by 2% in 2008. This is a big drop from the 5% and 6% growth of the last couple of years; however it’s still growth.
Going forward, I think it’s clear Disney is expecting things to be tougher. They continue to come up with new discounts to lure people into booking a vacation next year. I don’t think it will jeopardize the long-term viability of the company.
The good news is that like most things in a recession, if you have cash, you can get great deals.