United Parks 2025 results show a dip in attendance but record guest spending. Learn about the new rides and conservation efforts planned for the coming fiscal year.
United Parks & Resorts Inc. has officially released its financial report for the fourth quarter and the full fiscal year of 2025. While the company saw record-breaking in-park spending from guests, overall attendance and net income faced downward pressure due to a mix of international travel trends and weather disruptions.
United Parks 2025 Results: A Tough Year for Attendance
Photo by Jon Self
For the full fiscal year 2025, United Parks hosted 21.2 million guests, representing a decrease of approximately 378,000 visitors compared to 2024. This trend continued into the fourth quarter, where attendance dipped 2.6% to 4.8 million guests.
CEO Marc Swanson noted that while the results didn’t meet internal expectations, external factors played a significant role. “While the consumer environment was uneven and our results were impacted by negative international tourism trends and volatile weather during certain peak visitation periods, we should have delivered better results, particularly on the cost side of the income statement,” Swanson stated. He continued by stating in the official press release, “We have moved decisively to address our less than optimal cost management and have updated and focused our plans and investments for 2026 designed to drive attendance and guest spending across our parks.
These include a compelling lineup of new rides, shows and attractions, an updated events calendar, an expanded concert lineup, new and upgraded food and retail locations, a revamped and enhanced marketing plan and strategy as well as other investments that we expect will drive demand and spending across our parks,” said Marc Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of United Parks & Resorts Inc. “Combined with disciplined operational execution and an additional heightened focus on cost management and efficiency, we are confident these initiatives position us to deliver strong financial performance in 2026.”
Things Coming to SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, Adventure Island, and Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
During the United Parks Q4 Earnings Call, investors were shown a slide displaying new things coming to the theme parks. These include:
SeaWorld Orlando
- SeaQuest: Legends of The Deep (All-new first of its kind indoor suspended dark ride)
- An exciting update to a popular existing attraction – to be announced
- All-new animal presentation and new show with water elements – to be announced
- All-new and exciting additions to our fan-favorite summer programming – to be announced
- Expanded concert series line up
Aquatica
- Expanded AquaGlow event with all-new elements
- Expanded Illuminate event with all-new elements
Busch Gardens
- Lion and Hyena Ridge (All-new immersive animal habitat featuring a pride of young lions and hyenas)
- All-new and exciting additions to our fan-favorite summer programming – to be announced
- Expanded concert series line up
Adventure Island
- Expanded AquaGlow event with all-new elements
Financial Deep Dive: Revenue and Records
Despite the dip in total attendance seen in the United Parks 2025 results, those who did visit the parks were spending more than ever. The company reported record in-park per capita spending of $36.81 for the year.
Full Year 2025 Financial Summary: | 2025 Result | Variance vs 2024 |
- Total Revenue | $1.7 Billion | -3.6% |
- Net Income | $168.4 Million | -26.0% |
- Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) | $605.1 Million | -13.6% | |
- In-Park Spending Per Cap | $36.81 (Record) | +1.0% |
Swanson also stated:
“Our fourth quarter performance was impacted by lower international visitation and fewer operating days compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. The net impact of weather was essentially flat compared to last year, as the recovery from hurricanes in the prior year was offset by unfavorable weather during certain peak visitation periods, particularly in San Diego and Williamsburg as well as Florida in the peak last few days of the year. Excluding the impacts of international visitation and operating days, underlying attendance trends would have been approximately flat for the quarter. Importantly, we reported record in-park per capita spending in the quarter, underscoring that guests continue to respond positively to our offerings and spend when they visit our parks.”
Looking Ahead: New Attractions for 2026
To jumpstart attendance in 2026, United Parks & Resorts has announced an aggressive lineup of new experiences across their portfolio.
- SeaWorld Orlando: Guests can look forward to SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep, an immersive submersible adventure.
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: The park will open Lion & Hyena Ridge, doubling the size of their existing habitat to 35,000 square feet.
- SeaWorld San Antonio: Debuting Barracuda Strike, the first inverted family coaster in Texas.
- Busch Gardens Williamsburg: A reimagined Verbolten – Forbidden Turn will feature new special effects and storytelling.
- SeaWorld San Diego: The “Fin Shui” project will bring a reimagined Shark Encounter this spring.
Swanson expressed confidence in the upcoming year, highlighting that Discovery Cove advanced bookings are already up in the high single digits.
United Parks 2025 Results: Continued Commitment to Conservation
Beyond the United Parks 2025 results financially, the company continues its mission of animal rescue. In 2025 alone, teams aided 825 animals in the wild. This brings the company’s lifetime total to more than 42,000 animals helped, cementing its place as a global leader in marine animal rescue.
“Our priorities remain clear: deliver memorable, differentiated guest experiences that drive attendance and guest spending, operate with discipline and efficiency, and build long-term value for shareholders. I want to thank our ambassadors for their hard work and dedication as we move through 2026,” concluded Swanson. To learn more, visit www.UnitedParks.com.
For more theme park-related news and information, visit MSM News.
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