Universal’s theme parks achieved record numbers this year, with revenues increasing 10 per cent to US$5.44bn (€4.4bn, £3.82bn) and the operator’s parks delivering record attendance in 2017.

Universal’s parent company Comcast attributed the successes to the continued drawing power of its Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions, in particular the new opening at its Hollywood park in April. Other new openings also helped to boost profits, including the debuts of Minion Park at Universal Japan and Volcano Bay in Orlando.

For the year, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) across the universal portfolio increased 8.9 per cent to US$2.38bn (€1.92bn, £1.67bn), reflecting higher revenue partially offset by an increase in operating expenses, including costs to support new attractions.

For NBCUniversal, capital expenditure for the year was also up US$1.5bn (€1.21bn, £1.06bn), with the 3.4 per cent increase reflecting continued investment in the theme park division.

“At NBCUniversal, our film business achieved record profitability, our theme parks delivered record attendance, and our TV business produced strong results,” said Comcast chair Brian Roberts.

“I am exceptionally proud of our performance this past year, and we enter 2018 with significant momentum."

Currently in the pipeline, Universal is developing its US$7.4bn (€6.65bn, £6bn) Universal Beijing, which it broke ground on in 2016. Due to open in 2020, the development will include in its first phase a theme park, the world’s first Universal-themed resort hotel and a retail entertainment complex – all to be completed within five years.

Universal’s other major theme park investment is its Nintendo attractions, coming first to Universal Studios Japan in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

According to the operator, the Nintendo attraction in Osaka will exceed the size of its existing Harry Potter attractions. Universal also confirmed plans in November to expand its Nintendo presence beyond Japan, by building similar attractions at its Orlando and Hollywood theme parks, which will open separately over “the next several years”.