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United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) is a leading theme park and entertainment company in the United States leisure industry. The company operates under prominent brands such as SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Aquatica, Discovery Cove, and Sesame Place. Offering exhilarating rides, thrilling roller coasters, and engaging wildlife presentations, United Parks & Resorts' parks promise fun and educational experiences for all ages.
In 2023, the company achieved record attendance and in-park spending despite weather challenges. For the full year, it saw near-record results and continued its trend of revenue growth, particularly in admissions per capita. This success is credited to effective revenue strategies and strong consumer spending within their parks. The company also expanded internationally by opening a SeaWorld park in Abu Dhabi, which has surpassed expectations.
United Parks & Resorts is deeply committed to animal welfare and has aided over 41,000 animals in need through its dedicated rescue teams. These efforts align with its mission to protect animals and their ecosystems by partnering with various governmental agencies.
Financially, the company reported significant growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, including record revenues and Adjusted EBITDA. Despite a slight decrease in admission per capita, in-park per capita spending improved due to price initiatives. The firm also announced a $500 million share buyback program, reflecting strong confidence in future performance.
In 2024, United Parks & Resorts has ambitious plans for new rides, attractions, and events across all parks, including celebrating SeaWorld's 60th anniversary with special events and new experiences. The company expects these investments to drive meaningful growth in attendance and revenue.
Recent news highlights include a successful national hiring event to fill over 5,000 positions, the announcement of the Mayhem sale for discounted Howl-O-Scream tickets, and the launch of SeaWorld's 60th anniversary celebrations. Additionally, the company continues its commitment to animal rescue and conservation, with plans for new and improved park venues and offerings.
SeaWorld has announced its Spring 2025 lineup of new attractions across its parks. SeaWorld Orlando will introduce a revolutionary immersive Arctic experience with a 39-inch minimum height requirement, featuring encounters with marine life like humpback whales and orcas. SeaWorld San Diego will unveil 'Jewels of the Sea: A Jellyfish Experience,' featuring a 14-foot-tall jelly cylinder and interactive galleries, alongside plans to reinvent the Journey to Atlantis coaster with new visual effects and show elements. SeaWorld San Antonio will launch the Rescue Jr. hub, an interactive zone focused on animal rescue education, including the 1,000-foot Beach Rescue Racer coaster and various themed rides.
Pass members will get exclusive early access to all new attractions before they open to the public. CEO Marc Swanson emphasized these family-friendly attractions will create lifelong memories while educating visitors about marine life protection.
Busch Gardens has announced its Spring 2025 attractions lineup for Tampa Bay and Williamsburg parks. The highlight at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is 'Return of the Wolf,' North America's longest inverted family coaster, spanning 2,500 feet of track with speeds up to 40 mph. This attraction pays homage to the iconic Big Bad Wolf coaster that operated from 1984 to 2009.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will introduce 'Wild Oasis,' North America's most immersive adventure realm, featuring a reimagined drop tower, interactive water-play area, multi-level climbing canopy, and new multi-species animal habitat. Located in the Jungala area, it promises engagement for all family members.
2025 Annual Pass Members will get exclusive early access to these attractions before they open to the public, alongside access to events like Food & Wine Festival, Howl-O-Scream, and Christmas Town.
C3, a CPG and culinary brands company led by Sam Nazarian, has announced a new collaboration with United Parks & Resorts (NYSE: PRKS), launching with TOMA at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. TOMA, a Latin American cuisine brand by Sofia Vergara and Manolo Gonzalez Vergara, debuted during Howl-O-Scream and continues through Christmas Town until January 5.
The partnership aims to introduce C3's premium brands across United Parks' portfolio nationwide, offering elevated, chef-driven culinary options in a grab-and-go format. This collaboration allows C3 to reach new demographics while providing park visitors with diverse dining options between attractions. C3's brand portfolio includes Umami Burger, Krispy Rice, Sam's Crispy Chicken, and various other culinary concepts.
United Parks & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PRKS) reported Q3 2024 financial results with attendance of 7.0 million guests, down 1.4% from Q3 2023. Total revenue was $545.9 million, decreasing 0.4%, while net income fell 3.1% to $119.7 million. The company achieved record in-park per capita spending of $35.42, up 1.6%. Results were impacted by hurricanes Debby and Helene. For the first nine months of 2024, total revenue reached a record $1,340.9 million, up 0.2%, with net income increasing 2.8% to $199.6 million. The company repurchased 4.1 million shares for $211.7 million in Q3 and increased its revolving credit facility from $390 million to $700 million.
SeaWorld San Diego has announced that Jewels of the Sea: A Jellyfish Experience will open in Spring 2025, featuring three unique galleries with various jellyfish species. The park also revealed plans to reinvent Journey to Atlantis, their first coaster, with new water elements, visual effects, and show elements. The jellyfish exhibit will include a 10-foot-tall acrylic archway, an 18-foot-tall jelly cylinder, and an immersive virtual gallery with LED digital video panels. 2025 Annual Passes are now available with up to 20% off, offering benefits like free parking, guest tickets, and VIP access to new attractions.
SeaWorld's Howl-O-Scream has secured the #2 spot in USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for Best Theme Park Halloween Event. The event, taking place at SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego, features haunted houses, scare zones, and signature shows.
Each location offers unique attractions: Orlando features five haunted houses and seven scare zones; San Diego introduces new attractions like Circus of the Damned and Monster Stomp; San Antonio boasts six horror-filled haunts and eight Terror-tories. A Final Frenzy Sale is currently ongoing for Orlando and San Diego locations, while the event is included with park admission in San Antonio.
Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream has been named the #1 Best Theme Park Halloween Event in USA TODAY's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The event, celebrating 25 years of fear, takes place at both Tampa Bay and Williamsburg locations, featuring haunted houses, scare zones, and shows.
Tampa Bay's event includes five haunted houses, including the new Shadows of Wonderland and enhanced Witch of the Woods, plus five new scare zones. Williamsburg's version offers five haunted houses, six terror-tories™, four shows, and six BOOze bars. Both parks offer nighttime thrill rides, including Williamsburg's new Loch Ness Monster: The Legend Lives On. A Final Frenzy Sale offers up to 60% off Tampa Bay tickets, while Williamsburg's event is included with park admission.
A collaborative effort between SeaWorld San Diego Rescue, the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR), and Turtles Fly Too has successfully rehabilitated and released Moira, a loggerhead sea turtle, off the San Diego coast. The turtle was found cold-stunned in British Columbia in February 2024, with a core temperature of only 8°C. After months of rehabilitation, Moira, estimated to be 15-20 years old, was fitted with a satellite tracker before her release. This rescue marks only the second reported sighting of a loggerhead turtle in British Columbia, as these species typically inhabit tropical and subtropical waters.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Williamsburg are expanding their Military Annual Pass program to include veterans alongside active duty military personnel. This -time offer provides veterans with unlimited admission through 2025, including free parking and no blockout dates. The passes can be purchased online at WavesOfHonor.com or at select military bases.
As part of the Waves of Honor Program, the parks also offer complementary single-day admission for active duty military and discounted admission for their families. During Veterans Day weekend, both parks will host flag raising ceremonies and feature special music and veteran recognition throughout the day.
SeaWorld has expanded its Military Annual Pass program to include veterans alongside active duty military personnel for a time. The pass offers unlimited admission with no blockout dates and free parking through 2025. Available for purchase at WavesOfHonor.com or select military bases, the program includes complementary single-day admission for active duty military and discounted admission for family members.
As part of Veterans Day celebrations, all SeaWorld parks will host special patriotic events featuring music and celebrations. This initiative is part of the broader Waves of Honor Program recognizing U.S. military service members and their families.