Green Tagged: Theme Park in 30 – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this first audio edition of Green Tagged Insights, Philip reads the inaugural newsletter analyzing what he calls "The Uncertainty Epidemic" affecting the attractions industry. With economic uncertainty now higher than during COVID and consumer confidence plummeting, hear how industry leaders are responding through strategic diversification. The episode explores Universal's multi-faceted approach with their UK expansion, United Airlines' barbell strategy revealing shifting tourism patterns, and what attractions of all sizes can learn from these examples. Philip also covers Merlin's entertainment outsourcing partnership with RWS, Disney's Paris expansion plans, and Sphere's content strategy - all presented in a straightforward, analysis-focused format that complements the main podcast.

Travel patterns are changing. United Airlines' latest earnings reveal a strategic pivot as they prepare for two economic scenarios in 2025, cutting domestic flight capacity by 4% while seeing surges in both premium and budget travelers – but not the middle market. This "barbell demand" mirrors what's happening across the attractions industry, where guests increasingly choose either high-end experiences or budget options. This week, we examine whether regional parks should prioritize local audiences as flight routes decline. Additionally, Merlin confirms its partnership with RWS Global as their entertainment partner – is outsourcing creative talent the new economic reality for operators navigating uncertain waters? Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.

Come with us to IAAPA's Middle East Trade Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This episode is presented as a series of diaries over the course of three days, so you can hear our reactions in real-time to Qiddiya City and BLVD World. 

We're in Chicago for the Midwest Haunters Convention, recapping learnings from the weekend. We're also looking at the upcoming Halloween announcements from Disneyland, Ocean Park in Hong Kong, and Knott's Scary Farm.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi Opened in May, and Scott was there to bear witness. Also this week: Fiesta Village Reopens at Knott's Berry Farm, the final night of Splash Mountain saw wait times of 260 minutes, and Six Flags Great Adventure will implement Amazon's Just Walk Out technology.

IAAPA released its 2022-2026 Global Theme and Amusement Park Outlook Report and forecasts a seven percent boost in attendance for North American theme parks, with an estimated attendance of 308.5 million in 2023. We discuss the report, and Scott reflects on his six months in Abu Dhabi.

Disney has canceled the Lake Nona Campus plans and will no longer require those Imagineers to relocate from California to Florida. Meanwhile, Disney announced that the final Galactic Starcriser voyages will be Sept 28-30, 2023. We have opinions.

Disney’s Parks, Experiences, and Products division saw an astounding $17% increase compared to the same quarter in 2022. SeaWorld is operating at a loss but is improving. Cedar Fair is trending down on all metrics.

Unlock the food & beverage potential of attraction with the latest insights and tips from the 2023 Bar & Restaurant Expo. In this special, we blend food trends with practical advice and mouth-watering inspiration!

Disney is suing DeSantis; Meanwhile, Cedar Fair has instituted chain-wide chaperone policies in response to escalating violence at its parks.