Now More Than Ever Locals Are Crucial to Disneyland’s Success
Though the reopening of the theme parks is gaining momentum on the East Coast, we are still awaiting word on a reopening plan for Disneyland Resort one thing is a given. Disney will become increasingly more reliant on its locals both day guests and passholders to ensure its future success as the Orange County Register points out!
So far several SoCal theme parks have announced their July 1st re-opening plans including:
- Six Flags Magic Mountain
- SeaWorld San Diego
- Legoland California
Disneyland Resort and Knott’s Berry Farm have yet to reveal their reopening plans. All of the parks have been closed since mid-March because of the pandemic. However, this will change when California shifts to Stage 3 under Governor Gavin Newsom’s reopening plan.
One thing is for certain when the theme parks do reopen domestic and international travel will be way down. That’s why Southern California theme parks will need to rely strategies to get locals through the gates.
Universal Studios Hollywood President Karen Irwin said, “Outer U.S. and international visitation will unfortunately not return to 2019 levels until 2023.” In a meeting with the Los Angeles County Economic Recovery Task Force last week Irwin added, “We expect a recovery that will include much more dependence on local and California markets well into 2022.”
Disney’s California Adventure Park – Photo Credit: D23.com
As the piece in the O.C. Register tells us, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knott’s, Magic Mountain, SeaWorld, Legoland and other California theme parks really rely on passholders to boost attendance and spending numbers.
Theme parks have increasingly turned to season pass and membership models that provide a steady stream of returning customers and reliable revenue. At SoCal theme parks season passes makeup to 58% of total theme park attendance in the region. It’s important to keep these numbers up considering that it will be a while before travellers feel comfortable travelling even if COVID-19 restrictions have been eased.
t could take awhile before travelers feel comfortable venturing too far from home once COVID-19 restrictions ease. Fewer flights, closed international borders and reduced capacities at hotels and restaurants could complicate any trips. Economic uncertainty and health concerns will only further hamper travel plans.
Theme Park Insider’s Robert Niles said Disneyland, Universal and other Southern California theme parks could benefit when locals begin looking for a getaway that’s close to home.
“When those consumers can’t get to Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, or even the east coast, many of them hit up the region’s theme parks for their staycations,” wrote Niles, Southern California News Group’s theme park columnist.
