Universal Orlando execs admit that park attendance has been ‘softening’ this summer

Universal Orlando is seeing a slower-than-expected summer at its theme parks, according to parent company Comcast.During a Thursday earnings call, company executives said attendance at the Orlando parks has been “softening” since June and has continued to trend lower into the third quarter. Comcast admitted the slowdown resulted in performance that was "below expectations."

Comcast co-CEO Mike Cavanagh cited surging gas prices as a possible factor behind weaker-than-expected performance. The average U.S.

gas price is $4.10, up from $3.16 a year ago, as President Donald Trump’s war with Iran continues to choke off oil supply.

"We believe there are some temporary factors at work, including higher fuel prices and weaker consumer sentiment, but we are watching these trends closely," Cavanagh said on the call, Fox 35 Orlando reports. Executives did not share specific attendance figures, the outlet reports, but they did highlight the early success of Epic Universe. open image in galleryHigher fuel prices may be contributing to slower attendance at Universal Orlando this summer, Comcast executives said (Universal Orlando)Epic Universe opened in May 2025 with five themed areas: Celestial Park, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Super Nintendo World, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.

"Epic Universe continues to perform well and is delivering the strong guest response we expected," Cavanagh said.Even amid the recent attendance slowdown, executives said they remain confident in Universal’s theme park future. Executives on the call also pointed to the recently opened Universal Kids Resort in Texas and a planned resort in the United Kingdom."

We have great brands, great locations and a proven playbook for investing behind attractions and experiences that create real consumer demand and strong returns,” Cavanagh said.open image in galleryEarlier this month, Universal Orlando rolled out a major deal for Florida residents, offering unlimited park visits through the end of the year (Getty Images/iStock)Universal’s parks business saw a small boost in revenue this spring, bringing in $2.4 billion in the second quarter, up 2.

7 percent from last year. The company said much of that growth came from the success of Epic Universe, according to Fox 35 Orlando.However, higher costs ate into profits, with the parks division’s earnings falling 5.

1 percent to $609 million compared with the same period last year.Despite the dip in attendance, Universal has plenty on the horizon. Construction is underway on Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, a new roller coaster coming to Universal Studios Florida in 2027.

Meanwhile, a recently filed permit has sparked speculation that a Zelda or Pokémon attraction could be coming to Islands of Adventure.Universal Orlando is also expanding its dining lineup at CityWalk, with new spots such as Five Guys, Luke Combs’ Category 10 and Joey Fatone’s Fat One’s Hot Dogs and Italian Ice on the way, Fox 35 Orlando reports. Earlier this month, Universal Orlando announced it is offering Florida residents a discounted unlimited-access ticket, allowing visits to Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure through December.

The “2-Park Unlimited Days Park-to-Park” ticket costs $199 before tax, just slightly more than a single-day two-park ticket.Join our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesComments