Universal Orlando attendance down 12% in 2009

And I'm guessing at least some small fraction of the drop is due to people putting off a visit until Potter opens.

As an aside, Universal Orlando raised their multi-day ticket prices signifiantly, just about a month or two ago, in anticipation of an increase in demand "real soon now."

Exactly my first thought, Noble. When Potterland finally opens, the parks will probably see a gain in attendance like we can't possibly imagine.

Me and my niece being two of the visitors contributing to that increase, we put off last falls visit.

I think Brian hit the nail on the head. Aside from myself, I know a lot of people that are putting off trips a couple months just to go after Potter opens.

I don't think that's really it. I think they scaled back on marketing too much and relied on operating efficiencies to make up the difference (as past articles would indicate). We're going to finally go back in November or December, after taking about a year and a half off after having annual passes for a few years. And yes, it'll come at the expense of Disney.

It certainly wouldn't explain all of it, but I think it might explain a little.

We'll see what happens this year. 2nd and especially 3rd quarter will tell the tale.

I think the "unexplained" portion of the drop is due to the disruption (devastation?) wrought upon Lost Continent by the construction of Potterland. Navigation around the park, and the exit/entrance to DD, closure of Flying Unicorn - it really did hurt the park experience. Since USF has Mummy, and more recently HRRR, we spent almost no time at IoA over the last year or so...

How many people know about the park construction before going?