convert

2009 saw a second consecutive year

of global economic turmoil adversely

impacting attendance in the themed

attraction industry. Nevertheless,

despite the challenges presented by

the reduced consumer spending and

budgets, attraction operators managed

to weather the storm at a level equal or

ahead of many other industries.

“The international theme park and

attractions industry is coming off a

challenging year due to the global

economic recession,” said Themed

Entertainment Association (TEA)

president Steve Thorburn of Thorburn

Associates, in spring 2010. “The figures

within the 2009 TEA/AECOM Attraction

Attendance Report reflect that. But

they also reflect the resilience and

creativity of the industry and show

us the way to future growth. Under

the circumstances, in 2009 the major

parks did remarkably well. TEA and

AECOM join forces each year to create

this report for the benefit of the

industry.”

In 2009, most of the top theme parks

and leisure destinations saw either

flat attendance or a decline. This was

due in large part to reduced spending

and travel by consumers reacting to

the recession, along with the effects

of the H1N1 flu virus. “Most parks felt

the impact of the deepest recession

since the Great Depression,” said Ray

Braun, Senior Vice President, AECOM

and head of its Entertainment and

Recreation Economics operation.

The strategies parks employed to

sustain numbers and make the best

of a troubled situation underscore the

basic fundamentals of good business

in the visitor attractions industry:

reinvestment in the guest experience,

creative targeted marketing and

building the relationship with the

customer.

IN A CHALLENGING YEAR,

RESILIENCE AND REPOSITIONING

CONTACTS

For information about TEA:

Judith Rubin, rubin.judith@gmail.com, +1 314 853 5210

Gene Jeffers, gene@teaconnect.org, +1 818 843 8497

TEAconnect.org

For information about AECOM Economics and to discuss the details of the Report:

John Robinett, Senior Vice President (USA), john.robinett@aecom.com +1 310 477 9585

Christian Aaen, Regional Director Asia (Hong Kong), christian.aaen@aecom.com +852 2236 3075

David Camp, Director (Europe/Africa/Middle East), david.camp@aecom.com +44 20 3009 2255

Lesley Morisetti, Director (Europe/Africa/Middle East), lesley.morisetti@aecom.com +44 20 3009 2231

Edward Shaw, Senior Associate (USA), edward.shaw@aecom.com +1 310 477 9585

aecom.com

aecom.com/economics

JUDITH RUBIN

TEA PUBLICATIONS EDITOR

2009

THEME

INDEX p2

REPOSITIONING FOR THE REGIONAL

Destination parks rely on a combination of tourists

and locals, but in 2009 had fewer of the former

coming through the turnstiles: total visitation to

Orlando in 2009, for instance, was down 9 percent.

Destination parks endeavoured to maintain their

attendance totals at healthy levels via strategies

that put more emphasis on building relationships

with customers and less on revenue, offsetting the

lower levels of tourism by encouraging regional

attendance and repeat visits through special

programs, passes and discounts.

While destination parks are adversely impacted

by an economic downturn as discretionary

spending declines, lower cost regional parks

and attractions tend to benefit from those same

trends, as consumers shift to the less expensive

entertainment option. Other regional attractions

such as museums and zoos tend to fare better as

well during tighter economic periods.

In 2009, the top-25 global parks attracted slightly

below the 186 million visits in 2008. North American

parks experienced a slight decline of just over

1 percent, buoyed in large part by the strong

performance of the Disney parks. In light of the

overall US economy’s decline of 2.5 percent based

on Real GDP Growth, the theme park industry fared

quite well. In Europe and Asia, parks were slightly

down, while Mexico and Latin America overall

experienced an increase.

AROUND THE WORLD, BETTER TIMES AHEAD

Taken together, the numbers this year reflect an

industry that is stable at its core and well equipped

to survive, recover and continue its expansion

into new markets as the world economy recovers.

Surveying the globe, North America remains the

epicenter of the amusement business with 12 of

the top-25 attended parks in the world. Shifting

east, although affected by the global downturn,

Asia continues to be the foremost emerging market

and promises strong growth well into the future.

“China and key markets in Asia have a significant

development pipeline compared to anywhere else

in the world. The opening of Universal Studios

Singapore in the first quarter of 2010 marked

the beginning of the new decade where Asia will

dominate and remain the primary region for future

growth of the industry in terms of new development

potential,” said Christian Aaen, Regional Director of

AECOM’s Economics practice in Asia.

Once-high expectations for Dubai and the UAE have

been curtailed, for the time being at least. “Ferrari

World in Abu Dhabi is on track to open in 2010 but

that seems destined to be the flag bearer for the

region for the next few years until the economic

situation stabilises,” said David Camp, Director of

AECOM’s Economics practice. In Europe, regional

parks maintained attendance with some exceptions.

“Overall, 2009 was another good year for Europe’s

theme parks,” reported Lesley Morisetti, Director of

AECOM’s Economics practice. Despite challenges,

“there were signs of growth and development in the

Mexico/Latin America region, especially in Brazil,”

said Edward Shaw, Senior Associate with AECOM’s

Economics practice.

This year’s attendance numbers show that parks

are weathering the recession and positioning

themselves for the recovery. “We expect next year

to show stronger figures with continued economic

recovery and pent-up demand,” says John Robinett,

Senior Vice President of AECOM’s Economics

practice.

185.6 million

Total theme park attendance for top 25 worldwide parks, a

decline of 0.2 percent

from 2008.

121.4 million

Total visits to the top 20 parks in North America, a

decline of 1.1 percent

from 2008.

Since 2005, attendance to the top 20 parks in North America has grown by 2.8 percent.

57.3 million

Attendance for the top 20 European parks,

level

with 2008 numbers.

Total attendance for top 20 parks has grown by 7.3 percent since 2005.

65.5 million

Total visits to the top 10 Asian parks

down 3.5 percent

from 2008.

For the new top 15 Asian parks, total attendance was 77.6 million in 2009, a decline of 2.9 percent compared to 2008.

12.3 million

Attendance to top 10 parks in Mexico and Latin America

up 1.3 percent

from 2008.

20.7 million

Top 20 worldwide waterparks attendance in 2009 –

increase of 2.1 percent

from 2008.

12.8 million

Total visitation to top 15 waterparks in US,

growth of 3.0 percent

from 2008 and 11.6 percent from 2005.

(All figures are for calendar year 2009 unless otherwise indicated.)

2009

THEME

INDEX

2009

THEME

INDEX

NORTH AMERICA

“Most parks felt the impact of the deepest recession

since the Great Depression. The notable exception

was the biggest operator, Disney, which held its own in

Florida and was up significantly in California. Disney

successfully marketed special programs to its resident

market base at substantial discounts.”

Ray Braun,

Senior Vice President, AECOM Economics

“The brunt of the North American recession was felt

in this year’s numbers. The two major markets, Los

Angeles and Orlando, suffered from weak tourism and

both saw single and sometimes double digit declines in

their major parks – the exception being Disney which

countered the trend through aggressive discounting

and marketing. We expect next year to show stronger

figures with continued economic recovery and pent-up

demand.”

John Robinett,

Senior Vice President, AECOM Economics

EUROPE

“With consumers around the world cutting back, a

number of European countries have seen increases in

domestic tourism, or “staycations” at the expense of

overseas trips. This has benefited many of the large

regional parks, particularly in the UK and Germany, but

has proven challenging for some destination parks.

Some of the more tourist-oriented parks such as Port

Aventura suffered as holiday makers tightened their

belts, and Tivoli was hit by the Climate Conference

taking place in Copenhagen during its Christmas

season, but overall 2009 was another good year for

Europe’s theme parks.”

Lesley Morisetti,

Director, AECOM Economics

MIDDLE EAST

“And what of the much-hyped Middle East theme park

market? The multitude of grand plans for Dubai and

other parts of the region have fallen foul of the global

recession and Dubai’s over-exuberance. Ferrari World

REGIONAL OBSERVATIONS:

AECOM PRINCIPALS WEIGH IN

in Abu Dhabi is on track to open in 2010 but that seems

destined to be the flag bearer for the region for the next

few years until the economic situation stabilises.”

David Camp,

Director, AECOM Economics

MEXICO/LATIN AMERICA

“Attractions throughout Latin America and Mexico were

adversely impacted by the recession and the outbreak

of the H1N1 virus – particularly in Mexico. However,

despite those challenges, there were signs of growth

and development in the region, especially in Brazil.

Revenues and profit margins tightened throughout

Mexico and Latin America as discounting and

promotional programs were aggressively implemented

in order to maintain attendance.”

Edward Shaw,

Senior Associate, AECOM Economics

WATERPARKS

“Similar to the rest of the global attractions market,

waterparks in the U.S. employed significant customer

loyalty programs in 2009 in order to maintain visitation

from 2008. Parks such as Schlitterbahn in New

Braunfels, Texas, and Adventure Island in Tampa,

Florida, showed growth in attendance. The two Disney

waterparks in Orlando also maintained their numbers

from 2008 by offering resident-targeted packages and

options.”

Edward Shaw,

Senior Associate, AECOM Economics

“As expected, most of the major waterparks in Asia

were impacted by H1N1 flu and the worldwide financial

crisis, with several parks experiencing significant

drops in attendance. Despite the challenging operating

environment, key parks including Chimelong Water

Park (China), Wet ‘N Wild Water World (Australia) and

Ocean World (South Korea) managed to grow attendance

between 4 and 12.5 percent. In particular, Chimelong

Water Park continued its strong performance as

the most attended waterpark in Asia with effective

marketing to local and regional market, promotions

and an increase in events/shows. Management of most

waterparks maintain a positive outlook for 2010 as the

economy recovers and new attractions will be added”

Janice Li,

Senior Associate, AECOM Economics

ASIA

“Parks in Asia also felt the impact of the global

recession with attendance declines at many major

parks.”

Ray Braun,

Senior Vice President, AECOM Economics

“Most operators in Asia were cautiously optimistic for

the 2009 season, and that caution was justified. The

season turned out to be challenging due to the global

financial crisis, outbreak of H1N1 and poor weather

conditions in some markets in Asia.”

Christian Aaen,

Regional Director, AECOM Economics

“Still, new parks opened in China and key markets in

Asia have a significant development pipeline compared

to anywhere else in the world. The opening of Universal

Studios Singapore in the first quarter of 2010 marked

the beginning of the new decade where Asia will

dominate and remain the primary region for future

growth of the industry in terms of new development

potential.”

Christian Aaen,

Regional Director, AECOM Economics

“With key fundamentals in place such as the growing

middle class and incomes in Asia, as well as demand

for entertainment and leisure time, this is the perfect

product for tourism and economic development. We

expect Asia to fast track the growth curve and theme

park product development lifecycle in this new decade

with increasing visits per capita and worldwide market

share.”

Christian Aaen,

Regional Director, AECOM Economics

As noted in the 2008 TEA/ERA Attraction

Attendance Report most operators in Asia were

cautiously optimistic for 2009. The 2009 season

turned out to be a challenging year for most

markets in Asia, from Japan to Korea and China. Ten

out of the top 15 parks in Asia were down, ranging

from less than one percent to almost 12 percent

decline.

CHINA: DRIVING GROWTH

The industry is moving to Asia. At AECOM, we really

view Asia and in particular China as the major

growth region now and in the future. Overall the

total attendance for the Asian Top 15 for 2009 was

77.6 million, down from just under 80 million in

2008. The Asian market fell by an average 2.9 to 3.5

percent in 2009 among the top 10-15 theme parks,

due to the global financial slowdown and recession,

outbreak of H1N1 and poor weather conditions in

some markets. However, a number of new parks are

planned in the region and so the expectation is that

Asia will rebound quickly and continue as the main

growth engine for the industry led by China.

Among the Asian countries, China presents the

greatest opportunities for emerging middle class

products such as theme parks and attractions.

Beijing and Shanghai in particular as well as

Southern China represent key strategic markets

for future branded destination theme park

development based on the scale of the resident

and tourist markets. We believe China over time

can support multiple theme park destination

developments.

GROWTH HOT SPOTS

There are a number of growth “hot spots” in the

region: Tianjin, Chengdu and Southern China

(Guangzhou/Shenzhen) in addition to Beijing and

Shanghai. After more than a decade of talks and

negotiations, Shanghai has finally secured the

Mainland’s first Disneyland with expected opening

in 2014/15. On top of that, Shanghai is hosting what

is likely to be the largest world’s fair in history:

Expo 2010 Shanghai will open in May 2010 with an

expected 70+ million visitors over the six months of

operations.

Universal is looking at several cities as possible

park sites in China and Asia as well as other

international operators including LEGOLAND, Village

Roadshow and more.

Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Macau and Hong Kong are

poised for growth, as well as Chengdu, “Gateway

to the Panda,” and in particular Hainan Island, a

top vacation destination that has a tropical feel,

something like a combination of Hawaii and central

Florida, with potential for multiple major attractions

as a destination resort market. In Hainan, AECOM is

currently working on a project for China Aerospace

- a unique, space theme park attraction and future

tourism development - scheduled to open in 2013 or

2014.

Macau is a special case due to its many casinos.

Developers in Macau have been expanding

aggressively during the past five years, working to

add other kinds of leisure and culture attractions to

diversify the mix of offerings.

CHRISTIAN AAEN

REGIONAL DIRECTOR (ASIA), AECOM ECONOMICS

2009

THEME

INDEX

2009

THEME

INDEX

Attraction operators continued to weather

the economic storm at a level equal or

ahead of many industries in 2009. The top

25 global parks attracted slightly below the

186 million visits in 2008.

Ocean Park, a well-established amusement park

in Hong Kong, is in the process of implementing

a US$712 million redevelopment master plan,

expected to be completed by 2012. This will enlarge

the park by 12-15 acres and double the number of

attractions and rides.

The OCT Holding, developer of the Happy Valley

regional theme parks in China, plans to expand the

brand with other projects. OCT is one of the most

active and experienced developers in China, with

parks in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. OCT is

looking at expansion in second-tier cities in China,

such as Wuhan. OCT is also opening new tourism

products such as OCT East Resort in Shenzhen.

Guangzhou is home to Chimelong Group, a trio of

successful safari, amusement and water parks,

including the highest attended water park in China

- a true destination resort with a 1,200-room hotel

and convention and meeting facilities, themed but

not quite to the extent of properties in Orlando.

The Chimelong Group is also currently looking at

developing “Zhuhai Ocean World” destination theme

park in Hengqin Island just opposite Macau.

MORE ASIAN MARKETS: REGIONAL SNAPSHOTS

Singapore

The island nation is a hot spot because of the

newly developed Integrated Resorts. Examples are

Marina Bay and Sands Resort (MBS), as well as

Genting’s Resorts World on Sentosa Island (RWS).

The Universal Studios theme park just had its

soft opening in March 2010, and will have phased

opening of a new Maritime Museum, and a unique

“aquatic immersive attraction.” Those projects will

be a major boost to Singapore. They will broaden the

market, bring in families, and boost tourism arrivals

significantly.

Malaysia

The Southern Malaysian - Iskandar Region is

almost three times the size of Singapore. The

Legoland Malaysia Resort is scheduled for a late

2012 opening, with a hotel and adjacent large-scale

mixed-use project including a shopping center. The

companies behind that development are Iskandar

Investments and Khazanah Nasional (via its Themed

Attractions and Resorts) – two key driving forces

in the fast developing Malaysian tourism industry.

In Kuala Lumpur, there are several projects in early

planning, related to cultural tourism with very

interesting potential. This also includes Malaysia’s

first KidZania attraction in 2012.

South Korea

Several major internationally branded theme park

projects have been proposed and are currently

under consideration in and around the Seoul capital

region, including Universal Studios Korea. KidZania

is continuing its expansion in Asia and recently

opened at Lotte World in February 2010.

Japan

HIT Entertainments recently opened its first

prototype indoor children’s attraction at a regional

mall in a suburb of Tokyo. Earlier in the year,

KidZania opened its second location in Koshien

(Osaka) which is performing very strongly. There

is very strong potential in the branded indoor

children’s attraction market in Asia, and several

consumer brand and entertainment firms are

currently looking actively at this market.

Indochina

Vietnam has been growing quite fast, with a focus

on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City as well as selected

coastal areas for resort development and golf. The

focus is on mixed-use, because income is more

moderate than other parts of the region, but it will

catch up with other areas over time.

India

In the short to medium term, India is more focused

on retail development and indoor attractions. Major

themed attractions and destinations may come

along eventually, as infrastructure and income

levels increase, but at this stage India significantly

trails China.

Thailand

New developments are currently in the pipeline

for Bangkok including a Madame Tussauds

attraction as part of the Siam Paragon Group’s

shopping complex in central Bangkok as well as

a new KidZania attraction. The rest of Thailand is

more on the resort side. Thailand has been up and

down, based on the geo-political environment,

but is coming back and attracting developers and

investors.

2009

THEME

INDEX

2009

THEME

INDEX p8

MAGIC KINGDOM

at Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

17,233,000

TOKYO DISNEYLAND

Tokyo, Japan

13,646,000

TOKYO DISNEY SEA

Tokyo, Japan

12,004,000

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

at Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

9,700,000

UNIVERSAL

STUDIOS

JAPAN

Osaka, Japan

8,000,000

DISNEYLAND

Anaheim, CA, USA

15,900,000

DISNEYLAND PARK

at Disneyland Paris

Marne-la-Vallee, France

12,740,000

EPCOT

at Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

10,990,000

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM

at Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

9,590,000

EVERLAND

Gyeonggi-Do,

South Korea

6,169,000

DISNEY’S

CALIFORNIA

ADVENTURE

Anaheim, CA, USA

6,095,000

SEAWORLD

FLORIDA

Orlando, FL, USA

5,800,000

UNIVERSAL

STUDIOS

at Universal

Orlando

Orlando, FL, USA

5,530,000

OCEAN PARK

Hong Kong

4,800,000

NAGASHIMA

SPA LAND

Kuwana, Japan

4,700,000

ISLANDS OF

ADVENTURE

at Universal

Orlando

Orlando, FL, USA

4,627,000

UNIVERSAL

STUDIOS

HOLLYWOOD

Universal City,

CA, USA

4,308,000

LOTTE

WORLD

Seoul,

South Korea

4,261,000

EUROPA

PARK

Rust,

Germany

4,250,000

SEA WORLD

CALIFORNIA

San Diego,

CA, USA

4,200,000

BUSCH

GARDENS

Tampa Bay,

FL, USA

4,100,000

DE EFTELING

Kaatsheuvel,

Netherlands

4,000,000

TIVOLI

GARDENS

Copenhagen,

Denmark

3,870,000

2009

THEME

INDEX

p10

2009

THEME

INDEX

HONG KONG

DISNEYLAND

Hong Kong

4,600,000

YOKOHAMA

HAKKEJIMA

SEA PARADISE

Yokohama, Japan

4,500,000

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11
12
13

14
15
16

19
20
21
22
23
24
25

MAGIC KINGDOM at Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

DISNEYLAND

Anaheim, CA, USA

TOKYO DISNEYLAND

Tokyo, Japan

DISNEYLAND PARK at Disneyland Paris

Marne-la-Vallee, France

TOKYO DISNEY SEA

Tokyo, Japan

EPCOT at Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS at Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM at Walt Disney World

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN

Osaka, Japan

EVERLAND

Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea

DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE

Anaheim, CA, USA

SEAWORLD FLORIDA

Orlando, FL, USA

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS at Universal Orlando

Orlando, FL, USA

17,233,000

15,900,000

13,646,000

12,740,000

12,004,000

10,990,000

9,700,000

9,590,000
8,000,000

6,169,000

6,050,000
5,800,000
5,530,000

visitors

















1.0%
8.0%

4.5%

0.4%

4.0%

0.5%
1.0%
0.5%

3.6%

9.5%

6.8%
10.0%

OCEAN PARK

Hong Kong

NAGASHIMA SPA LAND

Kuwana, Japan

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND

Hong Kong

YOKOHAMA HAKKEIJIMA SPA PARADISE

Yokohama, Japan

ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE at Universal Orlando

Orlando, FL, USA

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

Universal City, CA, USA

LOTTE WORLD

Seoul, South Korea

EUROPA PARK

Rust, Germany

SEAWORLD CALIFORNIA

San Diego, CA, USA

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY

Tampa Bay, FL, USA

DE EFTELING

Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands

TIVOLI GARDENS

Copenhagen, Denmark

4,800,000

4,700,000

4,500,000

4,600,000

4,627,000

4,308,000

4,261,000

4,250,000
4,200,000

4,100,000

4,000,000
3,870,000

visitors








1.1%

11.3%

0.6%
6.3%

12.6%

2.6%



4.6%



2.0%



0.7%



6.0%



12.3%



25.0%

Note: Attendance figures are estimates, based on company information, annual reports, published information and from reliable TEA/AECOM industry and tourism sources.

Percent changes for 2009 for certain parks are based on adjusted/updated figures for 2008, thus not directly comparable to published TEA/AECOM list for 2008/07.

Source:

TEA / AECOM

2009

THEME

INDEX

p11

2009

THEME

INDEX

p12



6.5%



17
18

TYPHOON LA

GOON

at W

alt Disne

y W

orl

Orlando

, FL

, US

2,059,000

BLIZZARD BEA

at W

alt Disne

y W

orl

Orlando

, FL

, US

1,891

,000

AQU

ATIC

Orlando

, FL

, US

1,600

,000

OCEAN W

ORLD

Gangw

on-Do

, South K

orea

1,310

,000

WET

‘N WILD W

ATER W

ORLD

Gol

d Coas

t, A

ustr

alia

1,095,000

CHIMEL

ONG W

ATER P

ARK

Guangzhou,

China

1,800

,000

CARIBBEAN B

at E

verland R

esor

eonggi-Do

, South K

orea

1,450

,000

WET

‘N WILD

Orlando

, FL

, US

1,235,000

SUMMERLAND

, Toky

o, Japan

920

,000

SUNW

AY LA

GOON,

Kuala Lumpur

, Mala

ysia

907

,000

ATLANTIS W

ATER AD

VENTURE

, Jak

arta

, Indonesia

720

,000

BEA

CH P

ARK

, For

tal

eza

, Br

azil

683,000

VENTURE ISLAND

, Tampa

, FL

, US

600

,000

SCHIL

TTERB

AHN,

Galv

est

on,

TX,

530

,000

SCHIL

TTERB

AHN,

w Br

aunf

els

, TX,

900

,000

TER COUNTR

Y US

A, Williamsbur

g, V

A, US

700

,000

WILD W

ADI,

Dubai,

UAE

677

,000

OKS

AN SP

A C

TLE

, Chung

cheongnam-Do

, South K

orea

555,000

ORAK W

ATERPIA

, Gangw

on-Do

, South K

orea

525,000

HYLAND HIL

LS W

ATER W

ORLD

, Den

ver

, CO

, US

515,000

2009

THEME

INDEX

p13

2009

THEME

INDEX

p14

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

10
11
12
13

14
15
16
17
18
19
20

TYPHOON LAGOON at Walt Disney World

Orlando, FL, USA

BLIZZARD BEACH at Walt Disney World

Orlando, FL, USA

CHIMELONG WATER PARK

Guangzhou, China

AQUATICA

Orlando, FL, USA

CARIBBEAN BAY at Everland Resort

Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea

OCEAN WORLD

Gangwon-Do, South Korea

WET ‘N WILD

Orlando, FL, USA

WET ‘N WILD WATER WORLD

Gold Coast, Australia

SUMMERLAND

Tokyo, Japan

SUNWAY LAGOON

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

SCHLITTERBAHN

New Braunfels, TX, USA

ATLANTIS WATER ADVENTURE (Taman Impian Jaya Ancol)

Jakarta, Indonesia

WATER COUNTRY USA

Williamsburg, VA, USA

2,059,000

1,891,000

1,800,000
1,600,000
1,450,000
1,310,000

1,235,000
1,095,000

920,000

907,000

900,000
720,000
700,000

visitors








3.3%

4.0%

6.8%

10.0%
2.2%

BEACH PARK

Fortaleza, Brazil

WILD WADI

Dubai, UAE

ADVENTURE ISLAND

Tampa, FL, USA

DEOKSAN SPA CASTLE

Chungcheongnam-Do, South Korea

SCHLITTERBAHN

Galveston, TX, USA

SEORAK WATERPIA

Gangwon-Do, South Korea

HYLAND HILLS WATER WORLD

Denver, CO, USA

683,000

677,000

600,000

555,000

530,000

525,000
515,000

visitors



5.0%

29.4%



9.3%



7.5%



16.0%

Note: Attendance figures are estimates, based on company information, annual reports, published information and from reliable TEA/AECOM industry and tourism sources.

Percent changes for 2009 for certain parks are based on adjusted/updated figures for 2008, thus not directly comparable to published TEA/AECOM list for 2008/07.

Source:

TEA / AECOM





12.5%



6.8%



5.0%



1.9%



17.5%



2.0%



17.9%



3.4%

2009

THEME

INDEX

p15

2009

THEME

INDEX

p16



North America: Top 20 Parks

1. Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

2. Disneyland, Anaheim, CA, USA

3. Epcot at Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

5. Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

6. Disney’s California Adventure, Anaheim, CA, USA

7. Seaworld Florida, Orlando, FL, USA

8. Universal Studios at Universal Orlando, Orlando, FL, USA

9. Islands of Adventure at Universal Orlando, Orlando, FL, USA

10. Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal City, CA, USA

11. Seaworld California, San Diego, CA, USA

12. Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay, FL, USA

13. Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA, USA

14. Canada’s Wonderland, Maple, ON, Canada

15. Kings Island, Kings Island, OH, USA

16. Cedar Point, Sandusky, OH, USA

17. Busch Gardens Europe, Williamsburg, VA, USA

18. Hershey Park, Hershey, PA, USA

19. Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, NJ, USA

20. Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, CA, USA

20. Six Flags Great America, Gurnee, IL, USA

Latin America: Top 10 Parks

1. Six Flags Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico

2. Playcenter, São Paolo, Brazil

3. Hopi Hari, São Paolo, Brazil

4. La Feria de Chapultepec, Mexico City, Mexico

5. Fantasialandia, Santiago, Chile

5. Parque de la Costa, Tigre, Argentina

7. Beto Carrero World, Santa Catarina, Brazil

7. El Salitre Magico, Bogotá, Colombia

9. Plaza de Sesamo, Monterrey, Mexico

10. Kidzania, Mexico City, Mexico

Europe: Top 20 Parks

1. Disneyland Park at DIsneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallee, France

2. Europa Park, Rust, Germany

3. De Efteling, Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands

4. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark

5. Liseberg, Gothenburg, Sweden

6. Port Aventura, Salou, Spain

7. Gardaland, Castelnuovo del Garda, Italy

8. Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallee, France

9. Alton Towers, Staffordshire, UK

10. Phantasialand, Brühl, Germany

11. Legoland Windsor, Windsor, UK

12. Thorpe Park, Chertsey, UK

13. Parc Astérix, Plailly, France

14. Futuroscope, Poitiers, France

15. Legoland Billund, Billund, Denmark

16. Mirabilandia, Savio, Italy

17. Parque de Atracciones, Madrid, Spain

18. Heide Park, Soltau, Germany

19. Duinrell/Attraktiepark, Wassenaar, Netherlands

20. Chessington World of Adventures, Chessington, UK

Asia-Pacific: Top 15 Parks

1. Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo, Japan

2. Tokyo Disney Sea, Tokyo, Japan

3. Universal Studios Japan, Osaka, Japan

4. Everland, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea

5. Ocean Park, Hong Kong

6. Nagashima Spa Land, Kuwana, Japan

7. Hong Kong Disneyland, Hong Kong

8. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Yokohama, Japan

9. Lotte World, Seoul, South Korea

10. Happy Valley, Shenzhen, China

11. Window of the World, Shenzhen, China

11. Dunia Fantasi, Jakarta, Indonesia

13. Chimelong Paradise, Guangzhou, China

13. Happy Valley, Chengdu, China

15. Happy Valley, Beijing, China

10m

15m

SCALE

Total visitors per year

2009

THEME

INDEX

p24

MAGIC KINGDOM at Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

17,233,000

visitors



1.0%

14
15

DISNEYLAND Anaheim, CA, USA

15,900,000

visitors



8.0%

EPCOT at Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

10,990,000

visitors



0.5%

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS at Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

9,700,000

visitors



1.0%

DISNEY’S ANIMAL KINGDOM at Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

9,590,000

visitors



0.5%

DISNEY’S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Anaheim, CA, USA

6,095,000

visitors



9.5%

SEAWORLD FLORIDA Orlando, FL, USA

5,800,000

visitors



6.8%

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS at Universal Orlando Orlando, FL, USA

5,530,000

visitors



10.0%

ISLANDS OF ADVENTURE at Universal Orlando Orlando, FL, USA

4,627,000

visitors



11.3%

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD Universal City, CA, USA

4,308,000

visitors



6.0%

SEAWORLD CALIFORNIA San Diego, CA, USA

4,200,000

visitors



12.6%

BUSCH GARDENS TAMPA BAY Tampa, FL, USA

4,100,000

visitors



12.3%

KNOTT’S BERRY FARM Buena Park, CA, USA

3,333,000

visitors



6.5%

CANADA’S WONDERLAND Maple, ON, Canada

3,160,000

visitors



6.5%

KINGS ISLAND Kings Island, OH, USA

3,000,000

visitors



4.0%

CEDAR POINT Sandusky, OH, USA

2,942,000

visitors



8.0%

BUSCH GARDENS EUROPE Williamsburg, VA, USA

2,900,000

visitors



3.7%

HERSHEY PARK Hershey, PA, USA

2,807,000

visitors



1.2%

SIX FLAGS GREAT ADVENTURE Jackson, NJ, USA

2,634,000

visitors



4.6%

SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN Valencia, CA, USA

2,500,000

visitors



2.5%

* SIX FLAGS GREAT AMERICA Gurnee, IL, USA

2,500,000

visitors



6.3%

Note: '*' indicates a tie. Attendance figures are estimates, based on company information, annual reports, published information and from reliable TEA/AECOM industry and tourism sources.

Percent changes for 2009 for certain parks are based on adjusted/updated figures for 2008, thus not directly comparable to published TEA/AECOM list for 2008/07.

Source:

TEA / AECOM

DISNEYLAND PARK at Disneyland Paris Marne-la-Vallee, France

12,740,000

visitors



0.4%

14
15

EUROPA PARK Rust, Germany

4,250,000

visitors



6.3%

DE EFTELING Kaatsheuvel, Netherlands

4,000,000

visitors



25.0%

TIVOLI GARDENS

Copenhagen, Denmark

3,870,000

visitors

LISEBERG

Gothenburg, Sweden

3,150,000

visitors



3.3%

PORT AVENTURA

Salou, Spain

3,000,000

visitors

GARDALAND

Castelnuovo del Garda, Italy

2,900,000

visitors

WALT DISNEY STUDIOS PARK at Disneyland Paris Marne-la-Vallee, France

2,655,000

visitors

ALTON TOWERS Staffordshire, UK

2,650,000

visitors

PHANTASIALAND Brühl, Germany

1,950,000

visitors

LEGOLAND WINDSOR Windsor, UK

1,900,000

visitors

THORPE PARK Chertsey, UK

1,870,000

visitors

PARC ASTERIX Plailly, France

1,820,000

visitors

FUTUROSCOPE Potiers, France

1,700,000

visitors

LEGOLAND BILLUND Billund, Denmark

1,650,000

visitors

MIRABILANDIA Savio, Italy

1,624,000

visitors

PARQUE DE ATRACCIONES Madrid, Spain

1,500,000

visitors

HEIDE PARK Soltau, Germany

1,400,000

visitors

DUINRELL / ATTRAKTIEPARK Wassenaar, Netherlands

1,349,000

visitors



0.5%

CHESSINGTON WORLD OF ADVENTURES Chessington, UK

1,300,000

visitors

1. Attendance for Tivoli and Liseberg includes Christmas market operations.

2. Attendance for Port Aventura is for theme park only (excluding waterpark - seperate ticket).

3. Attendance for Gardaland is for theme park only (excluding waterpark and Sea Life Centre - seperate tickets).

4. Bakken (No. 8 in the 2008 list) in Copenhagen was not included this year as guests do not buy a ticket to enter the part (it is not gated).

Note: Attendance figures are estimates, based on company information, annual reports, published information and from reliable TEA/AECOM industry and tourism sources.

Percent changes for 2009 for certain parks are based on adjusted/updated figures for 2008, thus not directly comparable to published TEA/AECOM list for 2008/07.

Source:

TEA / AECOM



2.6%



9.1%



4.0%



1.6%



5.0%

n/a



5.0%





1.5%





6.3%



1.1%



10.0%



5.0%



2.6%

2009

THEME

INDEX

p25

2009

THEME

INDEX

p26

TOKYO DISNEYLAND Tokyo, Japan

13,646,000

visitors

TOKYO DISNEY SEA Tokyo, Japan

12,004,000

visitors

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN Osaka, Japan

8,000,000

visitors

EVERLAND

Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea

6,169,000

visitors

OCEAN PARK Hong Kong

4,800,000

visitors

NAGASHIMA SPA LAND Kuwana, Japan

4,700,000

visitors



1.1%

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND Hong Kong

4,600,000

visitors

YOKOHAMA HAKKEIJIMA SEA PARADISE Yokohama, Japan

4,500,000

visitors



0.7%

LOTTE WORLD

Seoul, South Korea

4,261,000

visitors

HAPPY VALLEY Shenzhen, China

2,800,000

visitors



11.9%

WINDOW OF THE WORLD Shenzhen, China

2,500,000

visitors



4.9%

DUNIA FANTASI Jakarta, Indonesia

2,500,000

visitors



3.8%

CHIMELONG PARADISE Guangzhou, China

2,400,000

visitors



7.7%

HAPPY VALLEY Chengdu, China

2,400,000

visitors

HAPPY VALLEY Beijing, China

2,350,000

visitors



4.5%



4.0%



3.6%



6.5%



4.6%



2.0%



0.6%

new park



11.9%

1. Everland attendance does not include Caribbean Bay water park visitation.

2. Lotte World attendance only includes theme park.

Note: '*' indicates a tie. Attendance figures are estimates, based on company information, annual reports, published information and from reliable TEA/AECOM industry and tourism sources.

Percent changes for 2009 for certain parks are based on adjusted/updated figures for 2008, thus not directly comparable to published TEA/AECOM list for 2008/07.

Source:

TEA / AECOM

SIX FLAGS MEXICO Mexico City, Mexico

1,950,000

visitors

PLAYCENTER São Paulo, Brazil

1,700,000

visitors

HOPI HARI São Paulo, Brazil

1,500,000

visitors

LA FERIA DE CHAPULTEPEC Mexico City, Mexico

1,400,000

visitors

FANTASIALANDIA Santiago, Chile

1,100,000

visitors

PARQUE DE LA COSTA Tigre, Argentina

1,100,000

visitors



6.2%

BETO CARRERO WORLD Santa Catarina, Brazil

1,000,000

visitors

EL SALITRE MAGICO Bogotá, Colombia

1,000,000

visitors



6.6%

PLAZA DE SESAMO Monterrey, Mexico

970,000

visitors

KIDZANIA Mexico City, Mexico

601,000

visitors



24.1%



3.5%



5.0%

Note: '*' indicates a tie. Attendance figures are estimates, based on company information, annual reports, published information and from reliable TEA/AECOM industry and tourism sources.

Percent changes for 2009 for certain parks are based on adjusted/updated figures for 2008, thus not directly comparable to published TEA/AECOM list for 2008/07.

Source:

TEA / AECOM



6.3%



2.9%



n/a



5.4%

2009

THEME

INDEX

p27

2009

THEME

INDEX

p28

TYPHOON LAGOON at Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista, FL

2,059,000

visitors

BLIZZARD BEACH at Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista, FL

1,891,000

visitors

AQUATICA Orlando, FL

1,600,000

visitors

WET ‘N WILD Orlando, FL

1,235,000

visitors

SCHLITTERBAHN New Braunfels, TX

900,000

visitors



2.0%

WATER COUNTRY USA Williamsburg, VA

700,000

visitors

ADVENTURE ISLAND Tampa, FL

600,000

visitors

SCHLITTERBAHN Galveston, TX

530,000

visitors



5.0%

HYLAND HILLS WATER WORLD Denver, CO

515,000

visitors



3.4%

SPLISH-SPLASH Riverhead, NY

495,000

visitors



1.0%

NOAH’S ARK Wisconsin Dells, WI

490,000

visitors



8.1%

RAGING WATERS San Dimas, CA

466,000

visitors



3.1%

SIX FLAGS WHITE WATER Marietta, GA

450,000

visitors



8.2%

SIX FLAGS HURRICANE HARBOR Arlington, TX

450,000

visitors



1.1%

DOLLYWOOD’S SPLASH COUNTRY Pigeon Forge, TN

446,000

visitors



2.0%

WET ‘N WILD EMERALD POINT Greensboro, NC

390,000

visitors

SOAK CITY CEDAR POINT Sandusky, OH

375,000

visitors

SIX FLAGS HURRICANE HARBOR Jackson, NJ

360,000

visitors

CAMELBEACH Tannersville, PA

350,000

visitors

ZOOMEZI BAY Powell, OH

325,000

visitors





6.8%



5.0%



2.2%



9.3%

n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a

Note: '*' indicates a tie. Attendance figures are estimates, based on company information, annual reports, published information and from reliable TEA/AECOM industry and tourism sources.

Percent changes for 2009 for certain parks are based on adjusted/updated figures for 2008, thus not directly comparable to published TEA/AECOM list for 2008/07.

Source:

TEA / AECOM

ABOUT THIS STUDY

The TEA/AECOM Attraction Attendance Report

identifies the top commercial theme parks

and waterparks around the world and reflects

their performance for the previous year. Global

attendance data are broken down by geographic

region, by chain and by type of venue. The report is

a valuable business reference and resource for the

industry.

This vital report is issued annually and jointly

produced and distributed by the TEA (Themed

Entertainment Association) – the leading

international trade alliance for the creators of

compelling experiences and places – and the

Economics practice at AECOM, formerly Economics

Research Associates (ERA) – the world leader

in economic consulting for the entertainment

and leisure industry. The Economics practice at

AECOM began producing the report in 2004 (as the

Amusement Business-ERA Year End Attendance

Report), which became the TEA-ERA Year End

Attendance Report as of 2006, and is now produced

by TEA and AECOM.

AECOM obtains the figures used to create the

TEA/AECOM Attraction Attendance Report

through a variety of sources, including statistics

furnished directly by the operators, historical

numbers, financial reports, the investment banking

community and local tourism organizations, among

others. The global market is studied as a whole,

and each of its four main regions is also studied

separately: North America, Mexico/Latin America,

Europe and Asia. There is also a table of the top

waterparks in the world and in the United States,

and of the top global chain operators.

To be included in the study, a facility must be gated

(entry ticket required). North American parks must

have annual visits above one million. To be included

on the top chains list, a chain operator must have

theme parks in its portfolio. Both external and

internal factors including development costs,

pricing, customer service, weather, demographics,

investment/expansion, and other dynamics impact

the estimated numbers.

TEA and AECOM express thanks to the numerous

park operators who graciously and generously

furnished attendance information, enabling this

report to be as complete and accurate as possible.

Credits: TEA/AECOM Attraction Attendance Report for 2009

Publisher: TEA (Themed Entertainment Association)

Executive Editor: Gene Jeffers

Research: Economics practice at AECOM (formerly ERA)

Editor: Judith Rubin

2009

THEME

INDEX

p29

2009

THEME

INDEX p30