Amusement Parks in the US - Market Research Report (2014-2029)
New York, United States
Last Updated: August 2024
NAICS 71311Revenue
$29.9bn
Past 5-Year Growth
Profit
$X.Xbn
Employees
182k
Businesses
670
Wages
$X.Xbn
Amusement Parks in the US industry analysis
Amusement parks have experienced notable fluctuations in recent years, greatly influenced by external factors like the global pandemic and the spike in tourism that followed. As travel restrictions lifted, amusement parks saw a surge in visitor numbers from both domestic and international tourists. By 2024, although revenue growth had slowed year-to-year, the industry benefitted from the sustained tourism boom. Despite the surge in attendance, profit has yet to fully recover. Amusement parks saw revenue expand at a CAGR of 4.4% over the years to 2024, including a swell of 5.4% that year.
Trends and Insights
- Amusement parks invest in new attractions to revitalize attendance but must carefully balance costs to ensure long-term success. New worlds and rides can attract visitors but may also create financial risks if not managed effectively.
- Amusement parks mainly attract US residents aged 25-54, notably parents planning family trips. International travelers prefer to visit world-renowned parks like Disneyworld, boosting attendance at the largest venues.
- Amusement parks are concentrated in regions with warm weather where they can operate year-round. California and Florida are ideal locations for amusement parks thanks to their climate, which helps attract international visitors.
- The top five amusement parks, led by Walt Disney, generate the majority of revenue in the US because of their popularity and high traffic. Since they control an enormous market share, it’s challenging for new or smaller parks to compete.
Industry Overview
Market size and recent performance (2014-2029)
Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 4.4 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated $29.9bn in 2024.
Trends and Insights
The spike in tourism amplified attendance at amusement parks
- Amusement parks maintain high fixed costs, so without an influx of visitors in 2020, parks were operating at a loss. Increased travel after the pandemic's peak benefited amusement parks, as many operate in popular tourist areas with high traffic.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Newly built attractions sustain attendance over the next few years
- In the next few years, amusement parks will reap the benefits of newly opened attractions like Super Mario World at Universal Studios. Anticipation and buzz surrounding upcoming attractions and grand openings will drive pre-sale ticket volumes, guaranteeing a steady flow of visitors.
Biggest companies in the Amusement Parks in the US
| Company | Market Share (%)
2024 | Revenue ($m)
2024 | Profit ($m)
2024 | Profit Margin (%)
2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Walt Disney Co | 8,113.9 | 312.5 | 3.9 | |
Nbcuniversal Media, Llc | 5,003.8 | 784.0 | 15.7 | |
Cedar Fair, L.P. | 1,846.0 | 369.9 | 20.0 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 5 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Admissions, rides and games, Food and beverages and Merchandise. Admissions, rides and games is the largest segment of the Amusement Parks in the US.
Trends and Insights
Admissions, rides and games account for the vast majority of revenue
- Amusement parks derive most revenue from entrance ticket sales. These can include single-day, multi-day or annual park tickets.
- More insights available in the full report
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Competitors
- Arcade, Food & Entertainment Complexes in the US
- Non-Hotel Casinos in the US
- Lotteries & Native American Casinos in the US
- Golf Driving Ranges & Family Fun Centers in the US
Complementors
- Concert & Event Promotion in the US
- Coffee & Snack Shops in the US
International industries
- Amusement Parks & Arcades in Canada
- Amusement Parks and Centres Operation in Australia
- Amusement Parks and Centres Operation in New Zealand
- Amusement Parks in China
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Amuesement parks operate mechanical rides, water rides, games, shows, themed exhibits, refreshment stands and other attractions. Amusement park owners may also lease space on a contract basis for private events and performances.
What's included in this industry?
Admissions, rides and gamesFood and beverage salesMerchandise salesCompanies
Walt Disney CoNbcuniversal Media, LlcCedar Fair, L.P.Purchase this report to view all 5 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
IN-PARK SPENDINGSEASON PASSDESTINATION PARKCOMBINATION PARKIndustry Code
NAICS 71311 - Amusement Parks in the US
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
Amusement parks invest in new attractions to revitalize attendance but must carefully balance costs to ensure long-term success. New worlds and rides can attract visitors but...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Employees, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Businesses, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Profit, including historical (2014-2024)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Amusement parks mainly attract US residents aged 25-54, notably parents planning family trips. International travelers prefer to visit world-renowned parks like Disneyworld, ...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2024
- Product innovation level
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2024
- Major market segmentation in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
Amusement parks are concentrated in regions with warm weather where they can operate year-round. California and Florida are ideal locations for amusement parks thanks to thei...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each state
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2024
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each state in 2024
- Number and share of revenue each state accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of wages each state accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of employees in each state in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across North America, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
The top five amusement parks, led by Walt Disney, generate the majority of revenue in the US because of their popularity and high traffic. Since they control an enormous mark...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2019-2024
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Six Flags and Cedar Fair are merging, combining their assets under the more prominent Six Flags brand. Cedar Fair shareholders hold a slight majority in the new company.
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2020 through 2024
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2024
- Overview of Walt Disney Co's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of Nbcuniversal Media, Llc's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of Cedar Fair, L.P.'s performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for 2 additional companies
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Walt Disney Co, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Nbcuniversal Media, Llc, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Cedar Fair, L.P., and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description, key data and performance trends for 2 additional companies
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
Regulation among amusement parks is mainly related to public safety, including regular maintenance and inspection of rides. The CPSC regulates amusement parks in the US, enfo...
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Depreciation costs and wages significantly impact amusement park operations. Investing in new rides and facility upgrades is crucial to attracting visitors, while managing la...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Industry Multiples (2017-2022)
- Industry Tax Structure (2017-2022)
- Income Statement (2017-2022)
- Balance Sheet (2017-2022)
- Liquidity Ratios (2017-2022)
- Coverage Ratios (2017-2022)
- Leverage Ratios (2017-2022)
- Operating Ratios (2017-2022)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
- Employees per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Average Wage (2014-2029)
- Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
- Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2014-2029)
- IVA (2014-2029)
- Establishments (2014-2029)
- Enterprises (2014-2029)
- Employment (2014-2029)
- Exports (2014-2029)
- Imports (2014-2029)
- Wages (2014-2029)
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the US include:
- US Census Bureau
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- US International Trade Commission
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
Learn more about our methodology and data sourcing on the Help Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Amusement Parks in the US industry in United States in 2024?
The market size of the Amusement Parks in the US industry in United States is $29.9bn in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Amusement Parks in the US industry in 2024?
There are 670 businesses in the Amusement Parks in the US industry in United States, which has grown at a CAGR of 8.5 % between 2019 and 2024.
Has the Amusement Parks in the US industry in United States grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Amusement Parks in the US industry in United States has been growing at a CAGR of 4.4 % between 2019 and 2024.
What is the forecast growth of the Amusement Parks in the US industry in United States over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Amusement Parks in the US industry in United States is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Amusement Parks in the US market in United States?
The biggest companies operating in the Amusement Parks market in United States are Walt Disney Co, Nbcuniversal Media, Llc and Cedar Fair, L.P.
What does the Amusement Parks in the US in United States include?
Admissions, rides and games and Food and beverage sales are part of the Amusement Parks in the US industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Amusement Parks in the US in United States?
The company holding the most market share in United States is Walt Disney Co.
How competitive is the Amusement Parks in the US industry in United States?
The level of competition is high and increasing in the Amusement Parks in the US industry in United States.
