Disney and Universal Prepare for Next Top Theme Park

Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland in California, Universal Orlando Resort, and Universal Studios Hollywood have a new theme park river that doesn’t include each other.

Image of Cedar Point amusement park with large roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a tall drop tower. The park is situated beside a body of water, with clear blue skies overhead. The vibrant rides and structures stand out against the green trees and open space, a rival to a Disney theme park. — Credit: Cedar Fair Entertainment Company

Disney, Universal Parks Have a New Theme Park To Worry About

Disney and Universal, long considered the titans of the theme park industry, may soon face a formidable challenger with the potential merger of Six Flags and Cedar Fair. The merger, announced earlier this month, would create a theme park giant with nearly 50 properties across North America, boasting a combined annual attendance that could rival the industry’s leading players.

This unprecedented consolidation is expected to bring about significant changes in the competitive landscape, prompting Disney and Universal to reevaluate their strategies.

Industry analysts suggest the newly merged company could leverage its expanded resources to enhance guest experiences, introduce cutting-edge attractions, and broaden its entertainment offerings portfolio. This development may force Disney and Universal to innovate further to maintain dominance.

The merger also signals a shift in the theme park market, with regional parks potentially gaining more significant influence and attracting a broader audience.

As Six Flags and Cedar Fair unite, the combined entity might focus on expanding its presence in key markets and investing in technology and infrastructure, directly challenging Disney and Universal’s reign.

The coming years could see a more intense rivalry, with the traditional industry leaders facing increased pressure to sustain their status as global entertainment destinations. One theme park has topped all others outside of California and Florida.

A large blue sign at the entrance of Cedar Point amusement park with the text "Welcome to Cedar Point" in white. Above the sign, people are experiencing an exhilarating roller coaster ride, soaring through the air with the blue track in clear view against a bright sky as PETA advocates nearby. — Credit: Cedar Point (@cedarpoint) on X

In 2023, Cedar Point attracted over 4 million visitors, positioning it as the 12th most visited amusement park in the United States, according to the Themed Entertainment Association’s annual Theme Index.

This ranking makes Cedar Point the top amusement park outside of Florida and California and the most visited seasonal park. Although Cedar Point’s representative, Tony Clark, did not verify these figures, he acknowledged that the park typically sees over 3 million guests each summer.

The Themed Entertainment Association compiles attendance estimates by analyzing data from various sources, including parks, historical records, financial reports, and tourism organizations. Cedar Point’s estimated 4.05 million visitors in 2023 represent a 17% increase compared to 2022.

While many amusement parks, such as Cedar Point and Six Flags, do not publicly disclose their attendance figures, the association’s Theme Index is widely recognized.

Cedar Point’s attendance places it behind some of the most iconic U.S. theme parks, which dominate the top spots in the attendance rankings. For instance, Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida leads the list with 17.7 million visitors, followed closely by Disneyland in California with 17.3 million.

Other Florida-based parks, including EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, also rank highly, showcasing the continued dominance of Florida as a leading destination for theme park enthusiasts.

Snoopy dancing next to the sign at the entrance of Cedar Point. which is now a rival to Disney and its theme parks. — Credit: Cedar Fair

In comparison, other notable parks in the U.S. attendance rankings include SeaWorld Orlando, which saw 4.3 million visitors, and Knott’s Berry Farm in California, with 4.2 million.

Cedar Point’s attendance exceeds that of parks such as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Kings Island, another Ohio-based amusement park. Cedar Point and Kings Island’s presence in the top 20 underscores Ohio’s significance in the American amusement park landscape.

The attendance data reflects broader trends in the theme park industry, highlighting the appeal of significant destinations in Florida and California while emphasizing the regional draw of parks like Cedar Point. These figures provide valuable insights into the industry’s recovery and growth, particularly following the challenges posed by recent global events.

As the industry continues to evolve, attendance reports such as the Themed Entertainment Association’s Theme Index offer a glimpse into the shifting dynamics of theme park popularity, visitor preferences, and regional competition within the United States.