Universal Makes Recording-Breaking Pandemic Profits as Disney Continues to Struggle

During the pandemic, theme parks have had to work had to bounce back financially as they lost the majority of their Guests for an extended period of time, and with travel still slowly returning, things are not yet back to their pre-pandemic state.

We recently discussed how Disney World led the pack in 2020, with Magic Kingdom being the most visited Park in the world with 7 million Guests. But, even with that number, the Park was 67% down from its previous year’s success. Universal Orlando Resort came in the 7th and 9th slot in terms of their 2020 rankings for the Guest count. 

Since 2020, Universal Orlando Resort has returned to full capacity and no longer requires mask wear or social distance. Although a few things are still missing, as a whole, the theme park is operating as it once did at a pre-pandemic state. Last year, the theme park division noted that it broke even, but now, even with international travel being at a standstill for the majority of 2021, it seems that money is no longer an issue.

Today, the Comcast Q3 earnings report was released, and some shocking statements were made. Reporter Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) took to Twitter to give us the key points discussed, including the note that Universal Orlando Resort has just had its most profitable quarter in history.

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts on investors call: “I would like to highlight our theme parks, especially Orlando, which just reported the most profitable quarter in its history despite having virtually no international guests due to COVID related travel restraints.”

Comcast CEO Brian Roberts on investors call: “I would like to highlight our theme parks, especially Orlando, which just reported the most profitable quarter in its history despite having virtually no international guests due to COVID related travel restraints.”

— Ashley Carter (@AshleyLCarter1) October 28, 2021

From the numbers, it seems that from 2020 to 2021, the theme park division as a whole saw more than a 118% increase in terms of profit. Considering how Disney World has not yet noted incredible profits during the pandemic, it is shocking to see that its neighborly competition, Universal, is thriving through these tough times. Now that international travel is slowly opening up once again, we may see those profits soar even higher.

Have you been to Universal Orlando Resort during the pandemic? Let us know in the comments below.