United Parks & Resorts recorded 6.1 million visits in the second quarter of 2026, down about 180,000 visits, or 2.9%, from the same period last year.
Revenue fell 1.4% to $483.3 million. Net income dropped 21% to $63.3 million, while adjusted EBITDA, the company's preferred operating-profit measure, fell 5.2% to $195.5 million.
Guests spend more inside the parks
Total revenue per guest increased 1.5% to $79.82. Admission revenue per guest declined 1.8% to $40.31, but in-park spending rose 5.1% to a quarterly record of $39.51.
The in-park category includes food, beverages, merchandise and other purchases after admission.
Calendar and international travel weigh on attendance
CEO Marc Swanson said the earlier timing of Easter and lower international visitation reduced attendance. The company estimates attendance would have been roughly flat without those two factors.
United Parks said advance group bookings and revenue at Discovery Cove were both up by double-digit percentages. For the first six months of 2026, however, companywide attendance fell 3.6% and revenue declined 2% from the same period last year.
Licensed horror draws early sales
United Parks also pointed to stronger early ticket sales for this year's Howl-O-Scream events. SeaWorld Orlando's lineup includes an I Know What You Did Last Summer haunted house, while Busch Gardens Williamsburg is building one around Anaconda. Both properties are working with Sony Pictures Entertainment on the licensed attractions.
The United Parks portfolio includes SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Discovery Cove, Sesame Place, Aquatica, Adventure Island and Water Country USA.
Source: United Parks & Resorts' second-quarter 2026 results.
Image: SeaWorld Orlando.