Disney Blames “Unfavorable Attendance Mix” as Reason for Revenue Offset

On Wednesday, August 10, 2022, The Walt Disney Company held its fiscal third quarter 2022 financial results via a live audio webcast. While overall, Disney saw an increase in average per capita ticket revenue, they blame Disneyland’s attendance for the offset.

RELATED: Disney Park Pauses Sales of Magic Key Passes Ahead of Summer Crowds

Big news as The Walt Disney Company has announced the Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products revenues for the quarter increased to $7.4 billion compared to $4.3 billion in the prior-year quarter. While the revenue increase is great news, it seems like Disney realizes they have an attendance issue at Disneyland Resort.

The fiscal third quarter 2022 financial report states, “The increase in average per capita ticket revenue was due to the introduction of Genie+ and Lightning Lane in the first quarter of the current fiscal year and a reduced impact from promotions at Walt Disney World Resort, partially offset by an unfavorable attendance mix at Disneyland Resort.”

RELATED: Disney Remains Silent on Magic Key Renewals

The “unfavorable attendance mix” is likely referring to daily ticket purchases vs. Magic Key (Annual Pass) purchases. Sadly, Disneyland’s Annual Passholder program, known as Magic Key has remained on hold, with Disney fans eagerly awaiting the option to purchase passes.

To be abundantly clear – this is referring to guests with tickets vs. annual passes/Magic Key.

— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) August 10, 2022

With a one-day ticket to Disneyland being an easy $150, plus the $35 parking fee, it’s no question that locals are waiting to return to the Disney Park when Annual Pass sales resume. Otherwise, the cost for a local coming and going frequently surmounts to unaffordable higher costs.

RELATED: Is Disney Genie+ Too Complicated to Be Worth the Cost?

With these former Annual Passholders likely steering away from the day ticket prices, it makes sense for this to cause an “unfavorable attendance mix.”

Meanwhile, as CEO Bob Chapek and Senior Executive Vice President and CFO Christine M. McCarthy discussed Disney Park attendance, McCarthy referenced the “continued use” of the Park Reservation System to control capacity. She also noted, however, that the average daily attendance is down compared to 2019, with still a “higher revenue” over that same time.

Our hope – Disney brings back Disneyland’s Magic Key soon enough!