Attendance numbers mixed for area theme parks

Attendance numbers for Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure Park increased slightly in 2009, while crowd numbers dropped for the other Southern California theme parks, according to a study released Monday.

The latest assessment of the theme park industry came from the Global Attraction Attendance Report, an annual estimate of theme park crowds by AECOM, the Los Angeles-based management support firm.

The report, published by the Burbank-based Themed Entertainment Assn., shows that overall theme park attendance in North America dropped about 1.3%, a reflection of the ongoing economic crisis.

"Under the circumstances, in 2009, the major parks did remarkably well," said Steve Thorburn, president of the nonprofit association.

A representative for Disneyland could not be reached for comment.

The report estimated that attendance increased at Disneyland by 8% to 15.9 million in 2009, from 14.7 million in 2008. Disney's California Adventure saw an increase of 9.5% to 6 million in 2009, from 5.6 million in 2008, according to the report.

Meanwhile, attendance at Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City dropped 6% to 4.3 million in 2009, from 4.6 million in 2008, the report said. Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park also lost ground, with attendance declining 6.5% to 3.3 million in 2009, from 3.6 million in 2008.

A Knott's Berry Farm representative declined to comment on the numbers.

Attendance numbers dropped 2.5% at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia to about 2.5 in million in 2009, from 2.6 million in 2008.

At Raging Waters in San Dimas, attendance dropped about 3% to 466,000 visitors in 2009, according to the report.

AECOM estimates attendance numbers by analyzing financial reports, historical data and tourism groups, among other sources.

hugo.martin@latimes.com

Photo: Disneyland fireworks go off over the park at night. Credit:
Los Angeles Times.