Disney Parks Dominate 2023 TEA-AECOM Global Attendance Report, EPCOT Sees Significant Growth

The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and AECOM have today published the 2023 Theme Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report.

This industry report provides a comprehensive guide to theme park attendance worldwide, offering year-on-year estimates of attendance changes. As Disney and most other large theme parks do not provide official attendance figures, this report represents the only published estimate of global theme park attendance.

EPCOT at Walt Disney World saw a 19.8% increase in attendance for 2023, reaching nearly 12 million visitors

Key Observations

Disney Parks

In 2023, Disney parks continued to dominate the global theme park landscape, showing modest but consistent gains across most locations. The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World remains the most visited theme park in the world, with a 3.4% increase in attendance, reaching 17.7 million visitors. Disneyland Park in Anaheim also saw a slight increase of 2.2%, bringing its total to 17.25 million visitors. Shanghai Disneyland experienced a dramatic rebound with a 164.2% increase in attendance, driven by the easing of pandemic restrictions in China and the opening of the new Zootopia-themed area.

EPCOT at Walt Disney World stood out with a significant 19.8% increase in attendance, reaching nearly 12 million visitors. This growth can be attributed to the park's new additions, including Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind, refreshed fireworks shows, and Journey of Water Inspired by Moana.

However, not all Disney parks experienced growth. Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World saw a slight decline of 5.5%, while Disney's Animal Kingdom also reported a minor decrease of 2.8%.

Universal Orlando

Universal Orlando faced a challenging year in 2023, with both Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure experiencing declines in attendance. Universal Studios Florida saw a 9.3% decrease, and Islands of Adventure also reported a 9.3% drop. These declines were attributed to several factors, including the slower-than-expected return of international visitors and increased competition in the Orlando market. Despite these setbacks, Universal's investment in Epic Universe, set to open in 2025, is expected to rejuvenate the brand and draw significant attention in the coming years.

SeaWorld

SeaWorld Orlando also faced a slight decline in attendance, with a 2.5% decrease, bringing its total to 4.34 million visitors. Despite this, SeaWorld has continued to invest in new attractions, including new roller coasters and water slides, aiming to enhance the guest experience and drive future growth. The park's focus on unique experiences and animal conservation continues to be a central theme in its efforts to attract and retain visitors.

Water Parks in Orlando

Orlando’s water parks experienced mixed results in 2023. Universal’s Volcano Bay saw a slight decline in attendance, dropping by 2.7% to 1.8 million visitors. Similarly, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon experienced a minor decrease of 0.9%, with attendance just under 1.9 million.

Worldwide Theme Parks Attendance Numbers for 2023

Disney Parks

1. Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, FL - 17.72 million (3.4% increase)
2. Disneyland Park, Anaheim, CA - 17.25 million (2.2% increase)
3. Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan - 15.10 million (25.8% increase)
4. Shanghai Disneyland, Shanghai, China - 14.00 million (164.2% increase)
5. Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo, Japan - 12.40 million (22.8% increase)
6. EPCOT, Walt Disney World, FL - 11.98 million (19.8% increase)
7. Disneyland Paris, France - 10.40 million (4.7% increase)
8. Disney's Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World, FL - 10.30 million (5.5% decrease)
9. Disney California Adventure, Anaheim, CA - 10.00 million (11.1% increase)
10. Disney's Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World, FL - 8.77 million (2.8% decrease)
11. Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong SAR - 6.40 million (88.2% increase)
12. Walt Disney Studios Park, Disneyland Paris, France - 5.70 million (6.7% increase)

Universal Parks

1. Universal Studios Japan, Osaka, Japan - 16.00 million (29.6% increase)
2. Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, FL - 10.00 million (9.3% decrease)
3. Universal Studios Florida, Orlando, FL - 9.75 million (9.3% decrease)
4. Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, CA - 9.66 million (15.0% increase)
5. Universal Studios Beijing, Beijing, China - 9.00 million (109.3% increase)

SeaWorld Parks

1. SeaWorld Orlando, FL - 4.34 million (2.5% decrease)

Download the Report

View the entire 2023 edition of TEA and AECOM's global attraction attendance report, presented by Storyland Studios.