Universal Orlando attendance has softened this summer, according to executives at parent company Comcast. The company discussed the trend during its second-quarter 2026 earnings call, saying demand across the Orlando tourism market began to weaken in June and has remained below expectations into the third quarter.
The update suggests that slower attendance is not limited to Walt Disney World. While Disney has drawn attention for lighter crowds in recent months, Comcast’s comments indicate that broader economic conditions may be affecting travel demand throughout Central Florida.
Universal Orlando Attendance Softened in June
During Comcast’s earnings call, company executives said attendance across the Orlando market began to decline in June. Although Comcast did not release attendance figures, executives acknowledged that visitation has continued to fall short of expectations during the early part of the third quarter.
Comcast co-CEO Mike Cavanagh pointed to several economic factors that may be influencing vacation decisions. “We believe there are some temporary factors at work, including higher fuel prices and weaker consumer sentiment, but we are watching these trends closely,” he shared
Epic Universe Continues to Meet Comcast’s Expectations
Despite softer attendance across the destination, Comcast said Epic Universe continues to perform in line with internal expectations.
The park opened in May 2025 after years of construction and represents Comcast’s largest investment in its Universal Destinations & Experiences division. During the earnings call, executives said Epic Universe is attracting visitors and encouraging longer stays at Universal Orlando Resort.
Speaking of the newest park, Cavanagh shared, “Epic Universe continues to perform well and is delivering the strong guest response we expected.”
Universal Experiences CEO Mark Woodbury and Mario/Donkey Kong Creator Shigeru Miyamoto in Super Nintendo World at Epic Universe – Photo Credit: NBC Universal
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Comcast also noted that guests are continuing to spend at expected levels once they arrive. That distinction is important because it shows the company is seeing fewer visitors than anticipated rather than lower spending per guest.
Revenue Increased Even as Attendance Slowed
Comcast’s financial results show that lower attendance did not prevent the theme parks division from posting higher revenue during the quarter.
The company reported $2.4 billion in theme park revenue during the second quarter, an increase of 2.7% compared with the same period last year. Comcast attributed much of that growth to Epic Universe, along with higher guest spending across the resort.
The entrance to Universal Studios in Orlando Florida – Photo Credit: Marvin Montanaro
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Despite higher revenue, the parks division earned less profit during the quarter. Comcast reported $609 million in adjusted operating profit, down 5.1% from a year earlier. The company said higher costs associated with Epic Universe and continued attendance pressure at Universal Studios Japan contributed to the decline. Executives also noted that fewer visitors from China continued to affect results in Japan.
Those figures illustrate that attendance and financial performance do not always move in the same direction. New attractions can generate additional revenue while operating costs rise during the first years of operation.
Similar Trends Are Affecting Central Florida Tourism
Comcast’s comments closely follow reports of lighter crowds at Walt Disney World this summer. Wait times at several Disney parks have generally been lower than they were during the same period in 2025, leading analysts and industry watchers to question whether demand has softened across the Orlando market.
While Disney and Universal use different reporting methods and neither company publishes regular attendance figures for individual parks, Comcast’s comments provide one of the clearest acknowledgements that the slowdown extends beyond a single theme park franchise.
Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World at Magic Kingdom during a clear Orlando day – Photo Credit: M. Montanaro
The company’s explanation also aligns with broader economic concerns that have affected leisure travel this year. Inflation, transportation costs, and consumer confidence continue to influence discretionary spending, particularly for destination vacations that require airfare, hotels, and multi-day theme park tickets.
Comcast Remains Focused on Long-Term Growth
Although Universal Orlando attendance has been weaker than expected this summer, Comcast emphasized that its long-term plans remain unchanged.
Cavanagh shared, “Despite these near-term pressures, our outlook for the long-term opportunity in parks is unchanged. We have great brands, great locations and a proven playbook for investing behind attractions and experiences that create real consumer demand and strong returns.”
For now, Comcast’s latest earnings update paints a more complete picture of the Central Florida tourism market. Universal Orlando attendance has declined from the company’s expectations since June, but Epic Universe continues to meet internal goals and guest spending remains stable. The coming quarters will show whether softer visitation reflects a temporary slowdown or a longer-lasting shift in travel demand.
Has rising prices caused your family to pause or shorten your vacations? What do you think of Comcast’s report? Sound off and let us know your thoughts!
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