Disney maintained attendance gains from 2009

History will record that the strongest survive during hard times

Despite the worst recession since the great depression, Disney World’s four theme-parks continued to maintain attendance but at a high cost.

Albeit, Disney World lowered it’s premium prices on tickets and hotel accomodations, it managed to capture a larger portion of the market share while it’s rivals diminished in shares.

Using the global economic downturn to it’s advantage, Disney offered special promotions in 2009-2010 including four nights get three free, free accomodations for children, and $750 gift cards.

According to industry estimates, nearly 17 million visitors, up 1%, descended on the Magic Kingdom making it the world’s busiest theme park in 2009. Meanwhile attendance at Orland’s #2 theme-park Universal Studios declined some 10% to 5 million.

Declines were so sharp at Universal that SeaWorld rang in as Orlando’s #2 busiest theme-park of 2009.

One thing is for sure, Disney World now sees promotions as a strategy to undermine the market in order to maintain a larger portion of the market shares.

With some amazing vacation packages at Disney World including 30% off on a Deluxe Resort Reservation, 20% off on a Moderate, and 15% off on a Disney Value Resort, it’s going to be difficult weaning customers off of these promotions without experiencing a sharp decline in attendance.

But attendance boosts may shift the other way when the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opens in June combined iwth joint ticket packages with SeaWorld.

Disney World discounts do not necessarily mean that the market will be sustainable in the days to come.

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