Universal’s Orlando Theme Parks Among the Most Visited in the United States in 2019

by · July 23, 2020

Things might look a little different at Universal Orlando Resort right now, but the Orlando theme parks run by Universal Parks & Resorts were some of the most visited in the United States in 2019.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure came sixth and seventh in the national rankings for the United States, as compiled by the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM.

Universal Studios Florida hosted 10.92 million visitors, while Universal’s Islands of Adventure hosted 10.38 million visitors. These figures were gains for both parks, and “IoA’s gain of 6 percent was the largest both in Central Florida and among the 20 largest attractions in the nation,” writes the Orlando Sentinel. Universal’s Volcano Bay, its themed water park, “made gains of 5 percent over 2018, notching a total of 1.81 million.”

The Themed Entertainment Association named Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure as one of the attractions that helped boost attendance at Islands of Adventure.

The Orlando Sentinel notes that the parks themselves do not release their attendance figures, however.

The figures are based on research from AECOM’s team of industry specialists, along with expert analysis and discussion of trends. The parks generally do not release attendance levels.

Additionally, the report from the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM explained that these figures are from prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is likely to affect this year’s theme park attendance.

It may take one to several years to return to pre-COVID operating levels, and the investment horizon of many owners may be altered due to cash flow loss.

At this time, we haven’t heard any updates on the status of Epic Universe, Universal Orlando Resort’s next expansion. In October 2019, it was reported to be opening in 2023, so there is still plenty of time for new developments there.

Did you visit Universal Orlando Resort last year?