Earlier this week The Walt Disney Company issued its earnings report for the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Included in the disclosure were opening details for several highly-anticipated theme park additions.
Pandora - The World of Avatar concept art
For the period ending December 31, 2016, Disney reported a 6% increase in domestic theme park revenue with totals rising to $4.6 billion. However, overall attendance fell by 5% combined at Disneyland and Walt Disney World with higher ticket prices, room rates and other fees accounting for the revenue increase.
Hurricane Matthew was blamed for nearly all of the attendance decrease. Walt Disney World closed its parks for more than a day in anticipation of the storm. Travel along the eastern seaboard was also disrupted for an extended period. Overall, Disney attributed $70 million in expenses and lost revenue at Walt Disney World to the storm.
Additionally, Disney's Vero Beach Resort was lightly impacted by the storm while Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort was forced to close for nearly a month.
During the earnings call, Disney Chairman & CEO Bob Iger announced that Pandora - The World of Avatar will have its grand opening on May 27, 2017. The elaborate expansion to the Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park was first announced in September 2011. The land will reportedly include at least two attractions--a flight simulator and a boat ride--along with themed dining and shopping venues.
The park's other elaborate addition--the oft-delayed Rivers of Light nighttime spectacular--is scheduled to begin regular performances effective February 17, 2017.
Iger also revealed that Star Wars expansions at both Disneyland and Disney's Hollywood Studios are currently slated to open in 2019.
