Can the Minions save Florida?

We're in the middle of theme parks' financial reporting season, as Universal Orlando prepares for the official opening of its Minion Land.

Unlike many theme park fans this summer, this week I actually will be heading to Florida. By the time you read this, I should be on my way to Universal Orlando for its media event opening the Minion Land in Universal Studios Florida. So stay tuned Thursday for my review of Illumination's Villain-Con Minion Blast and whatever else I get to sample in the newly designated land.

Later today (Wednesday), I will have Disney's quarterly financial results for you, which should confirm whether Disney's parks are suffering the same attendance decline that we have seen across much of the rest of the industry this summer, especially in Florida - where, by the way, the heat index this week will be somewhere close to the surface of the sun, I am told.

Six Flags' quarterly results follow in Thursday, wrapping up this cycle of financial results. Place your bets now on far those parks will have fallen this time.

More financial news

Attendance, revenue drop at Cedar Fair theme parks: The owner of Knott's Berry Farm and Cedar Point reported that attendance at its parks dropped 6% this spring. The company blamed the weather, but could Universal’s Super Mario have been the real culprit?

SeaWorld also reports attendance slide: SeaWorld Entertainment officially reported its second quarter financial results Tuesday, confirming the attendance drop that it first reported last week.

Back in the parks

Disneyland sets dates for annual holiday celebration: As Halloween approaches, Disneyland prepares for the back half of what has become the busiest time of the year at the resort. Let’s see what’s on the schedule this year.

Hollywood strikes come to Universal Studios entrance: The Hollywood actors' strike closed the street at the main entrance to Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, as thousands of picketers targeted the studio property.

Beyond the biggies

Barbie, Hot Wheels to headline 2024's Mattel Adventure Park: The developers of that new Mattel theme park near Phoenix have released additional details about the project, including confirmation that the park will open in 2024. But let’s cut to the highlight - a full-scale Barbie Beach House with a rooftop bar and restaurant.

Pirate fans now can get more 'Treasure' for less: A new stand-alone interactive dark ride that I reviewed last month has cut its ticket prices.

On the Discussion Forum

Help with Orlando Halloween Horror Nights: Help a fan out by sharing your strategy for seeing the most at HHN.

Cast member story

Here's one time when customers forced Walt Disney World to change: No, the customer isn't always right. But they always are worth listening to... because they're not always wrong, either. Time for another of Robert’s cast member stories.

More good stuff

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Robert Niles