Latest
issue
GET ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT
magazine
Yes! Send me the FREE digital edition of Attractions Management and the FREE weekly Attractions Management ezines and breaking news alerts!
Not right now, thanksclose this window I've already subscribed. I've already subscribed.
Get Attractions Management digital magazine FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs   News   Features   Products   Company profilesProfiles   Magazine   Handbook   Advertise    Subscribe  
NEWS
Comcast promises one 'great attraction' a year at all Universal resorts
POSTED 07 May 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
Harry Potter Actors Tour The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort Credit: Universal Orlando
Comcast is expanding on its theme park ambitions, with the company planning major investments across the board at all of its theme parks.

Comcast, which owns the four existing and four upcoming Universal theme parks across the world, said during an earnings call that its theme parks account for around 25 per cent of operating cash flow, predicting further growth in future.

“We will invest in a great attraction – about one a year at each of our resorts," said Stephen Burke, CEO of NBCUniversal (a division of Comcast), during the 4 May earnings call. "You'll also see a very significant hotel build-out in Orlando over the next five or so years," he added.

Universal’s recent Wizarding World of Harry Potter additions to its parks in Orlando and Osaka have resulted in huge upswings in attendance and revenue. Universal Orlando in particular drove impressive performances for Comcast, with the new Diagon Alley area helping to drive a 33.7 per cent year-over-year increase in Q1 theme park revenue. The park saw hugely impressive numbers also in operating cash flow, which increased 54.6 per cent to US$263m (€236m, £173.7m).

The promise of a ride on the Hogwarts Express also helped matters, with Comcast reporting that nearly 80 per cent of visitors to Universal’s Orlando parks opted for a two-park ticket to both Universal Studios and the nearby Islands of Adventure.

At the moment, Universal is building a King Kong attraction at Islands of Adventure, with further investment planned for a new waterpark. Work is underway on Sapphire Falls, a luxury 4,200 bedroom resort. According to recently submitted documents, Universal is also looking at a 400-bedroom and an 800-bedroom hotel.

"When [Comcast] first showed up in 2011, theme parks were something that came with the rest of the company," said Burke. "Now they're right at the core of what we're all about and, we think, provide a tremendous growth opportunity."
PROJECT PROFILE:

Universal Orlando Waterpark
Plans have been submitted by Universal Orlando for a waterpark development to include a volcano feature close to its Cabana Bay Beach Resort. A “tall ‘volcano’ with slides will be constructed on the southern part of the site” and there will also be a wave pool, lazy river and rapids ride.

Location: Orlando , United States
Size: 214,500sq m
Budget: -

RELATED STORIES
  Universal Orlando makes metal detectors permanent addition to three rides


Following a successful trial period in March and April, Universal Orlando has now made metal detectors outside three of the park’s rollercoasters a permanent addition in an attempt to improve ride safety.
  Puss in Boots coaster debuts at Universal Singapore


Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa has debuted a new Puss in Boots rollercoaster, with the launch headlining the park’s five year anniversary celebrations.
  Universal Orlando trials metal detectors to improve ride safety


Universal Orlando has started using metal detectors for rollercoaster riders in an attempt to ensure safety, according to park officials.
  Universal Studios Hollywood reveals behind the scenes footage for Fast & Furious attraction and sets opening date


Universal Studios Hollywood has showcased behind-the-scenes footage of the upcoming Fast & Furious addition to its studio tour, also announcing an opening date of 25 June.
MORE NEWS
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
+ More news   

COMPANY PROFILES
Painting With Light

By combining lighting, video, scenic and architectural elements, sound and special effects we tell s [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
 

+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
LATEST ISSUES
+ View Magazine Archive

Attractions Management

2026 issue 1


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2025 issue 2


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2025 issue 1


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management

2024 issue 4


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Management News

06 Apr 2020 issue 153


View on turning pages
Download PDF
View archive
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription

Attractions Handbook

2019


View issue contents
View on turning pages
Download PDF
FREE digital subscription
Print subscription
 
ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
 
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026
Get Attractions Management digital magazine FREE
Sign up here ▸
Jobs    News   Products   Magazine   Subscribe
NEWS
Comcast promises one 'great attraction' a year at all Universal resorts
POSTED 07 May 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
Harry Potter Actors Tour The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort Credit: Universal Orlando
Comcast is expanding on its theme park ambitions, with the company planning major investments across the board at all of its theme parks.

Comcast, which owns the four existing and four upcoming Universal theme parks across the world, said during an earnings call that its theme parks account for around 25 per cent of operating cash flow, predicting further growth in future.

“We will invest in a great attraction – about one a year at each of our resorts," said Stephen Burke, CEO of NBCUniversal (a division of Comcast), during the 4 May earnings call. "You'll also see a very significant hotel build-out in Orlando over the next five or so years," he added.

Universal’s recent Wizarding World of Harry Potter additions to its parks in Orlando and Osaka have resulted in huge upswings in attendance and revenue. Universal Orlando in particular drove impressive performances for Comcast, with the new Diagon Alley area helping to drive a 33.7 per cent year-over-year increase in Q1 theme park revenue. The park saw hugely impressive numbers also in operating cash flow, which increased 54.6 per cent to US$263m (€236m, £173.7m).

The promise of a ride on the Hogwarts Express also helped matters, with Comcast reporting that nearly 80 per cent of visitors to Universal’s Orlando parks opted for a two-park ticket to both Universal Studios and the nearby Islands of Adventure.

At the moment, Universal is building a King Kong attraction at Islands of Adventure, with further investment planned for a new waterpark. Work is underway on Sapphire Falls, a luxury 4,200 bedroom resort. According to recently submitted documents, Universal is also looking at a 400-bedroom and an 800-bedroom hotel.

"When [Comcast] first showed up in 2011, theme parks were something that came with the rest of the company," said Burke. "Now they're right at the core of what we're all about and, we think, provide a tremendous growth opportunity."
RELATED STORIES
Universal Orlando makes metal detectors permanent addition to three rides


Following a successful trial period in March and April, Universal Orlando has now made metal detectors outside three of the park’s rollercoasters a permanent addition in an attempt to improve ride safety.
Puss in Boots coaster debuts at Universal Singapore


Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa has debuted a new Puss in Boots rollercoaster, with the launch headlining the park’s five year anniversary celebrations.
Universal Orlando trials metal detectors to improve ride safety


Universal Orlando has started using metal detectors for rollercoaster riders in an attempt to ensure safety, according to park officials.
Universal Studios Hollywood reveals behind the scenes footage for Fast & Furious attraction and sets opening date


Universal Studios Hollywood has showcased behind-the-scenes footage of the upcoming Fast & Furious addition to its studio tour, also announcing an opening date of 25 June.
MORE NEWS
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company.
Rainer Maelzer joins Therme Group as chief entertainment officer
Rainer Maelzer, an experiential entertainment innovator, has been appointed chief entertainment officer by Therme Group.
Movie Park Germany reveals new Paramount attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations
Movie Park Germany has opened a new Paramount Pictures-themed attraction as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, using immersive storytelling and adaptive reuse to reinforce the park’s longstanding “Hollywood in Germany” positioning.
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Therme Manchester’s 28-acre development, which will include interconnected glass pavilions that measure 65,000sq m, will be the largest bathing and wellbeing attraction in the world once complete, according to prof David Russell, CEO of Therme UK. 
Efteling expands family offer with new Hooghmoed drop tower
Efteling has opened Hooghmoed, a new family drop tower designed to broaden the appeal of its recently launched Sirene Island themed area and introduce younger visitors to thrill attractions.
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford– Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism inv
+ More news   
 
COMPANY PROFILES
Painting With Light

By combining lighting, video, scenic and architectural elements, sound and special effects we tell s [more...]
Sally Corporation

Our services include: Dark ride design & build; Redevelopment of existing attractions; High-quality [more...]
IAAPA EMEA

IAAPA Expo Europe was established in 2006 and has grown to the largest international conference and [more...]
DJW

David & Lynn Willrich started the Company over thirty years ago, from the Audio Visual Department [more...]
+ More profiles  
FEATURED SUPPLIER

Iconic Liverpool attraction opens door to new operators
An opportunity to reimagine one of the UK’s most recognisable towers has been formally opened by Rivington Hark, as St Johns Beacon invites operators and partners to shape its next phase. [more...]
CATALOGUE GALLERY
+ More catalogues  
DIRECTORY
+ More directory  
DIARY

 

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland
23-26 Aug 2026

Elevate Spa Riviera Maya Edition

The Riviera Maya Edition Kanai, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
+ More diary  
 


ADVERTISE . CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
ATTRACTIONS MANAGEMENT NEWS
ATTRACTIONS HANDBOOK
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS