Attendance Is Rising at Disney Theme Parks

Heavy cost cutting and promotions have helped Walt Disney Co.’s theme parks show slow but steady improvement in business since Sept. 11, the company said.

Overall attendance at Walt Disney World is 10% to 15% below last year’s levels, compared with a 20% decline in the first quarter of its fiscal year, said Paul Pressler, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. . At Disneyland Resort, attendance is up from last year because of the opening of California Adventure. Pressler also said business was up at Disney Cruise Line and the Disney Vacation Club.

Pressler expressed caution about a quick turnaround, noting that a slowdown in international travel continues to put the squeeze on Walt Disney World, where 50% of all guests arrive by plane.

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Richard Verrier