Walt Disney Company Makes a Jab at Universal
During an earnings call, the Walt Disney Company reported positive Theme Park attendance while also making a jab at Universal.
Disney Park Attendance
This morning, the Walt Disney Company shared Third Quarter 2026 Financial Results. For this quarter, domestic Theme Park attendance (Walt Disney World and Disneyland) has grown by 3%.
They attribute this increase to domestic tourists, Annual Passholders, and "effective summer promotions."
This includes Walt Disney World's "4-day, 4-park Magic Ticket" starting at $109 per day ($436 total, plus tax) for visits starting on May 26 through September 26, 2025. Along with the 2:00 pm 2-Day Ticket or a 3-Day Ticket at Walt Disney World.
Dig at Universal
During the earnings call, Disney CFO, Hugh Johnston, shared that Walt Disney World had "very strong attendance" for this quarter.
Johnston shared with CNBC that these results are "somewhat different than what you would have seen from our competitor down there."
We take this "competitor down there" to refer to Universal Orlando. Many have questioned how the opening of Universal's Epic Universe in 2025 will affect Walt Disney World.
Did Epic Universe Affect Disney World?
Back in April 2024, Disney's CEO, Bob Iger, shared that "Disney has been aware of Universal's plans for more than a decade." Later in 2024, Johnston shared that projected bookings for the summer of 2025 at Walt Disney World were positive even with the opening of Epic Universe.
Walt Disney World reports "very strong attendance" this summer.
Johnston continued that when fellow Orlando-based theme parks open new attractions, this is beneficial for Walt Disney World by bringing in additional tourists to the area.
Due to the growing park attendance this summer, the opening of Epic Universe does not appear to have any long-term negative results for Walt Disney World.
What do you think of the current Walt Disney World attendance? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Donna loved Disney from an early age. As a child, her family would joke that she lived in "Donna Land." As an adult, she enjoys planning and creating magical vacations for her family. She always brings a little faith, trust, and a little bit of Pixie Dust!
