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Report: Disney has slight visitor declines at parks

This photo provided by Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, shows the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission BREAKOUT! attraction. It’s one of the biggest theme park openings this season. Riders take part in an adventure to free the Guardian superheroes, who have been captured. (Richard Harbaugh / Associated Press)
Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. – Disney parks in North America had slight attendance declines last year due to increased ticket prices, while Harry Potter rides helped Universal show strong increases in visitors.

A new report released this week by the Themed Entertainment Association and the firm AECOM says Disney’s domestic parks declined by about 1 percent. Despite the declines, revenue was up about 5 percent due to increased guest spending. Disney officials have said they are comfortable trading smaller crowds for higher prices.

Attendance at Universal parks in the United States was up almost 7.5 percent thanks to the Harry Potter rides as well as a new Walking Dead attraction at its California park.

Six Flags parks had a 4 percent increase in attendance, and Cedar Fair parks were up 2.7 percent in visitors.