Sean and Alex discuss global 2025 theme park performance based on the annual Themed Entertainment Association Global Experience Index!
Insights from the 2025 Themed Entertainment Global Experience Index Report
Exploring visitor trends and experiences in theme entertainment
In this episode, Sean and Alex dive into the latest findings from the Themed Entertainment Association’s annual report, revealing fascinating insights about theme park and museum attendance in 2025.
Disney and Fantaball: A Tale of Two Giants
Disney continues to reign as the largest theme park operator globally, attracting 146.8 million visitors, reflecting a slight increase of 1.1% from the previous year. Meanwhile, the Fantawild Group follows with 85 million visitors, experiencing a dip of 2.5%.
Sean shares an amusing personal anecdote about his visit to the Summer Palace (the second most visited museum in the World in 2025) in China, where they rented a boat and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon on Kunming Lake. He notes, “It was so much fun… we had our teas and it was a grand time.” This experience highlights the unique attractions and cultural experiences that draw visitors to theme parks and museums alike.
Visitor Trends: Theme Parks vs. Museums
While theme parks may see fluctuations in attendance, museums are thriving. The top 20 museums worldwide saw an increase of 8 million visitors, totaling 161.4 million. This surge suggests a growing interest in cultural experiences alongside traditional amusement attractions.
Sean notes the increasing popularity of cruises as a form of entertainment that blurs the lines with theme parks, as they often incorporate rides and attractions similar to those found in traditional parks.
Expanding Entertainment Ecosystems
The report emphasizes the trend of entertainment ecosystems—where theme parks are expanding their offerings by adding hotels and water parks to enhance guest experiences. For instance, Dollywood and Fantawild parks are successfully integrating these elements, leading to longer guest stays and a broader market appeal.
Alex observes, “Even though the attendance numbers may not represent a boost in this type of economy overall, people are going out and imbibing in these kinds of things.”
The Fine Line of Attendance Management
Disney has been navigating a delicate balance between attendance and guest experience, notably at Disneyland Paris, which saw the largest attendance increase in 2025. Sean and Alex reflect on their own experiences, noting how a focus on improving guest experience has made visits feel less crowded despite rising ticket prices.
In contrast, Universal Studios Japan continues to maintain high attendance levels, often reaching daily capacity. Sean humorously points out the stark differences between how Disney manages attendance compared to Universal’s more laissez-faire approach.
Key Takeaways from the T Report
- Chimelong Ocean Kingdom is the only non-Disney/non-Universal park in the top fifteen globally, illustrating its strong performance in China.
- The report also highlights shifts among operators, with Herschend Entertainment breaking into the top ten, thanks to strategic acquisitions.
As we reflect on the evolving landscape of theme parks and entertainment, it’s clear that experiences, attendance management, and cultural offerings are critical to capturing visitor interest. For a deeper dive into these trends and more, listen to the full episode.