United Parks & Resorts Reports Fiscal 2025 Results

(eap) The U.S. theme park operator United Parks & Resorts (until 2024: SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment) has announced its financial results for the 2025 fiscal year. In total, the operator group welcomed 21.2 million visitors to its parks last year – a decline of around 378,000 guests compared to 2024. The company attributes this to a combination of various factors, such as a decrease in the number of international tourists and changes to operating hours. Total revenue also declined by USD 62.7 million (EUR 53.1 million) to USD 1.7 billion (approx. EUR 1.4 billion) compared to 2024. This was said to be due to lower attendance as well as a decrease in total revenue per capita.

Guests can experience Mardi Gras festivities at Busch Gardens Williamsburg until March 8. © 2023 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

The company’s net income amounted to USD 168.4 million (EUR 142.6 million), representing a decrease of 26 percent compared to fiscal year 2024. Adjusted EBITDA totaled USD 605.1 million (EUR 512.5 million), which corresponds to a decrease of USD 95 million (EUR 80.5 million) compared to the previous year. Total revenue per capita decreased by 1.9 percent to USD 78.54 (EUR 66.52) compared to 2024. Admission per capita declined by 4.3 percent to USD 41.73, while in-park per capita spending increased by one percent compared to fiscal year 2024 to a record level of USD 36.81 (EUR 31.18).

“Our fiscal 2025 results did not meet our expectations. While the consumer environment was uneven and our results were impacted by negative international tourism trends and volatile weather during certain peak visitation periods, we should have delivered better results, particularly on the cost side of the income statement.  We have moved decisively to address our less than optimal cost management and have updated and focused our plans and investments for 2026 designed to drive attendance and guest spending across our parks. These include a compelling lineup of new rides, shows and attractions, an updated events calendar, an expanded concert lineup, new and upgraded food and retail locations, a revamped and enhanced marketing plan and strategy as well as other investments that we expect will drive demand and spending across our parks,” explains Marc Swanson, Chief Executive Officer of United Parks & Resorts.

The new Family Inverted Coaster opens at SeaWorld San Antonio on March 7. © Photo: SeaWorld San Antonio

Throughout this year, the company will open a variety of new rides and attractions. At SeaWorld Orlando, the suspended dark ride “SEAQuest: Legends of the Deep”, supplied by the Dutch manufacturer Vekoma, is set to open. Meanwhile, SeaWorld San Diego will launch its new family inverted coaster “Barracuda Strike” by B&M as early as March 7. Busch Gardens Williamsburg will present its multi-launch coaster “Verbolten” (Zierer) under the name “Verbolten – Forbidden Turn”, featuring re-imagined storytelling and new special effects. In the sister park in Tampa, a new animal habitat will be unveiled. The “Lion & Hyena Ridge” is expected to soon present five young lions and a pair of hyenas across nearly 35,000 square feet (around 3,000 square meters). Another animal-related update will be introduced this spring with the revised “Shark Encounter” at SeaWorld San Diego.

“Our priorities remain clear: deliver memorable, differentiated guest experiences that drive attendance and guest spending, operate with discipline and efficiency, and build long-term value for shareholders. I want to thank our ambassadors for their hard work and dedication as we move through 2026,” concludes Swanson. ■