Universal’s Theme Parks Hit a Soft Patch That Began in June

Comcast’s theme park business had a weak third quarter. Revenue fell 4.4 percent to $2.59 billion and adjusted EBITDA dropped 17.1 percent to $780 million, according to Comcast’s earnings call on Thursday. The softness began in June, after weaker-than-expected attendance in the second quarter.

Co-CEO Mike Cavanagh pointed to macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds, and said competitors recognized the slowdown faster and moved more quickly with marketing responses. Efforts continue to raise capacity and ride throughput at Epic Universe, Universal’s newest Orlando park.

Cavanagh offered some context: attendance, guest spending and financial performance are all higher than they were two years ago, before Epic Universe opened. The company also made leadership changes, adding Luc Bondar as chief brand and commercial officer and moving former NBCUniversal CFO Randy Culbertson into the role of chief business officer.

Cavanagh expects the current softness to turn into growth in the second half of 2027. For visitors, a soft market can mean more promotional offers and shorter lines than a new-park launch would suggest, though the company did not announce specific discounts.

Sources: Travel Weekly