Strong visitor spending at Disneyland Resort offset expenses associated with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and lower attendance at the Anaheim park during its parent company’s fourth quarter.
Burbank-based Walt Disney Co. spent nearly $1 billion each for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland and Walt Disney World in Orlando; early attendance at rates lower than projected had raised questions.
Disney CEO Robert Iger said last week during a quarterly conference call lower attendance was from price increases and guests waiting for a second ride to open at Galaxy’s Edge; Disney debuted the attractions at each park with one ride.
The ‘Rise of the Resistance’ rides are expected next month at Disney World and in January at Disneyland. It joins the ‘Millennium Falcon’ rides already open, which Iger said have carried some 5 million people across both parks since opening.
Iger said guest satisfaction is high for those who have come; fan blogs, internet chatter and anecdotal accounts have noted restrictions, such as those on annual pass holders—an otherwise likely source of positive buzz—and food and beverage and other limitations within Galaxy’s Edge.
Companywide quarterly revenue of $19.1 billion was up 34% year over year, beating expectations.