NEWS
Comcast promises one 'great attraction' a year at all Universal resorts
POSTED 07 May 2015 . BY Tom Anstey
Harry Potter Actors Tour The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort Credit: Universal Orlando
Comcast is expanding on its theme park ambitions, with the company planning major investments across the board at all of its theme parks.

Comcast, which owns the four existing and four upcoming Universal theme parks across the world, said during an earnings call that its theme parks account for around 25 per cent of operating cash flow, predicting further growth in future.

“We will invest in a great attraction – about one a year at each of our resorts," said Stephen Burke, CEO of NBCUniversal (a division of Comcast), during the 4 May earnings call. "You'll also see a very significant hotel build-out in Orlando over the next five or so years," he added.

Universal’s recent Wizarding World of Harry Potter additions to its parks in Orlando and Osaka have resulted in huge upswings in attendance and revenue. Universal Orlando in particular drove impressive performances for Comcast, with the new Diagon Alley area helping to drive a 33.7 per cent year-over-year increase in Q1 theme park revenue. The park saw hugely impressive numbers also in operating cash flow, which increased 54.6 per cent to US$263m (€236m, £173.7m).

The promise of a ride on the Hogwarts Express also helped matters, with Comcast reporting that nearly 80 per cent of visitors to Universal’s Orlando parks opted for a two-park ticket to both Universal Studios and the nearby Islands of Adventure.

At the moment, Universal is building a King Kong attraction at Islands of Adventure, with further investment planned for a new waterpark. Work is underway on Sapphire Falls, a luxury 4,200 bedroom resort. According to recently submitted documents, Universal is also looking at a 400-bedroom and an 800-bedroom hotel.

"When [Comcast] first showed up in 2011, theme parks were something that came with the rest of the company," said Burke. "Now they're right at the core of what we're all about and, we think, provide a tremendous growth opportunity."
PROJECT PROFILE:

Universal Orlando Waterpark
Plans have been submitted by Universal Orlando for a waterpark development to include a volcano feature close to its Cabana Bay Beach Resort. A “tall ‘volcano’ with slides will be constructed on the southern part of the site” and there will also be a wave pool, lazy river and rapids ride.

Location: Orlando , United States
Size: 214,500sq m
Budget: -

RELATED STORIES
  Universal Orlando makes metal detectors permanent addition to three rides


Following a successful trial period in March and April, Universal Orlando has now made metal detectors outside three of the park’s rollercoasters a permanent addition in an attempt to improve ride safety.
  Puss in Boots coaster debuts at Universal Singapore


Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa has debuted a new Puss in Boots rollercoaster, with the launch headlining the park’s five year anniversary celebrations.
  Universal Orlando trials metal detectors to improve ride safety


Universal Orlando has started using metal detectors for rollercoaster riders in an attempt to ensure safety, according to park officials.
  Universal Studios Hollywood reveals behind the scenes footage for Fast & Furious attraction and sets opening date


Universal Studios Hollywood has showcased behind-the-scenes footage of the upcoming Fast & Furious addition to its studio tour, also announcing an opening date of 25 June.
 


CONTACT US

Leisure Media
Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385

©Cybertrek 2026

ABOUT LEISURE MEDIA
LEISURE MEDIA MAGAZINES
LEISURE MEDIA HANDBOOKS
LEISURE MEDIA WEBSITES
LEISURE MEDIA PRODUCT SEARCH
PRINT SUBSCRIPTIONS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
 
Leisure Management - Comcast promises one 'great attraction' a year at all Universal resorts...
08 Jun 2026 Leisure Management: daily news and jobs
 
 
HOME
JOBS
NEWS
FEATURES
PRODUCTS
FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION
PRINT SUBSCRIPTION
ADVERTISE
CONTACT US
Sign up for FREE ezine
Latest news

07 May 2015

Comcast promises one 'great attraction' a year at all Universal resorts
BY Tom Anstey

Harry Potter Actors Tour The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort

Harry Potter Actors Tour The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Orlando Resort
photo: Universal Orlando

Comcast is expanding on its theme park ambitions, with the company planning major investments across the board at all of its theme parks.

Comcast, which owns the four existing and four upcoming Universal theme parks across the world, said during an earnings call that its theme parks account for around 25 per cent of operating cash flow, predicting further growth in future.

“We will invest in a great attraction – about one a year at each of our resorts," said Stephen Burke, CEO of NBCUniversal (a division of Comcast), during the 4 May earnings call. "You'll also see a very significant hotel build-out in Orlando over the next five or so years," he added.

Universal’s recent Wizarding World of Harry Potter additions to its parks in Orlando and Osaka have resulted in huge upswings in attendance and revenue. Universal Orlando in particular drove impressive performances for Comcast, with the new Diagon Alley area helping to drive a 33.7 per cent year-over-year increase in Q1 theme park revenue. The park saw hugely impressive numbers also in operating cash flow, which increased 54.6 per cent to US$263m (€236m, £173.7m).

The promise of a ride on the Hogwarts Express also helped matters, with Comcast reporting that nearly 80 per cent of visitors to Universal’s Orlando parks opted for a two-park ticket to both Universal Studios and the nearby Islands of Adventure.

At the moment, Universal is building a King Kong attraction at Islands of Adventure, with further investment planned for a new waterpark. Work is underway on Sapphire Falls, a luxury 4,200 bedroom resort. According to recently submitted documents, Universal is also looking at a 400-bedroom and an 800-bedroom hotel.

"When [Comcast] first showed up in 2011, theme parks were something that came with the rest of the company," said Burke. "Now they're right at the core of what we're all about and, we think, provide a tremendous growth opportunity."



Connect with
Leisure Management
Magazine:
View issue contents
Sign up:
Instant Alerts/zines

Print edition
 

News headlines
Atmantan Wellness Centre announces new wellness destination in Hyderabad
Atmantan Wellness Centre announces new wellness destination in Hyderabad   08 Jun 2026

Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in .... more>>

Fitness First adds red light therapy to relaxation classes
Fitness First adds red light therapy to relaxation classes   08 Jun 2026

Fitness First UK is integrating red light therapy into its yoga and Pilates classes through a partnership with Bon Charge.

....
more>>
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre
The Retreat Costa Rica debuts Vida Mía Longevity Centre   07 Jun 2026

Luxury wellness resort, The Retreat Costa Rica, has introduced its Vida Mía Longevity Centre at the property’s Vida Mía Healing Centre and .... more>>

Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination
Almost half of spa survey respondents are unaware cancer is a disability and not adapting treatments is discrimination   05 Jun 2026

A recent survey by the UK Spa Association (UKSA) into the industry’s approach to cancer care has revealed that almost half of participating .... more>>

Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day
Solmar Hotels and Resorts offers Temazcal ceremony for Global Wellness Day   05 Jun 2026

Mexican operator, Solmar Hotels and Resorts, is hosting a series of events in celebration of Global Wellness Day, including a Temazcal ceremony at .... more>>

Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction
Warner Bros Discovery collaborates on upcoming Pompeii attraction   05 Jun 2026

A new immersive attraction designed to transport visitors into the final hours of ancient Pompeii is preparing to open near the world-famous .... more>>

Company profile


IndigoFitness

At IndigoFitness, we create intelligent training spaces that elevate fitness facilities across industries. With nearly three decades of experience and hundreds of successful installations, we understand that no two spaces, or clients are the same.

View full profile>>

Catalogue gallery


Featured Supplier

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Endospheres' new protocols are designed to meet real client needs

Spa professionals see it every day: clients are arriving with more complex expectations. More>>




in this issue

• Virgin gets right to wipe out rent arrears
• Fitness industry mourns passing of Jan Spaticchia
• STA offers mindfulness resources



Latest jobs

Jobs Search



Membership Advisor
Salary: Competitive salary plus commission & benefits
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
Customer Service Advisor
Salary: Competitive
Location: Market Rasen
Company: Everyone Active
GP Exercise Referral Instructor
Salary: £33,000pa + benefits
Location: Harrow
Company: Everyone Active
Diary dates
Powered by leisurediary.com

09-11 Jun 2026

World Sauna Forum 2026

Savutuvan Apaja, Haapaniemi, Finland







Published by Leisure Media Tel: +44 (0)1462 431385 | Contact us | About us | © Cybertrek Ltd