California Business Minute™

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Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute

A new report shows that the theme park business is expected to grow over the next
five years. According to IBIS World, a Santa Monica-based market research firm,
it forecasts that theme parks should see 3.1 percent growth annually, or $12.1
billion, each year for the next five years. This year alone, revenue is expected
to increase by 1.7 percent, or $10.4 billion.

This is good news for California, because in 2009, attendance at North America's
20 most-visited theme parks slipped 1.1% from 2008, to 121.4 million visits,
according to newly released data from the Themed Entertainment Association. Five
of the 20 largest parks are in California - Disneyland, Disney’s California
Adventure, Universal Studios – Hollywood, California SeaWorld and Knott’s Berry Farm.

And apparently the growth for Disney has validated their decision to all admission
prices to Disneyland. For example, the one-day, one-park tickets will go up by $4
to $76. The "One-day Park Hopper" ticket will go from $97 to $101. Parking will
also increase by one dollar to $15. "We continuously monitor the marketplace to
ensure pricing that reflects a strong entertainment value," Disney's Suzi Brown
said. "When you compare a Disney park to a concert or professional sporting event,
we offer a great value and a full day of world- class entertainment. The prices
on annual passes also will increase." In addition, the Southern California Select
Annual Passports will go from $69 to $184; Southern California Annual Passports
from $219 to $239; Premium Annual Passports from $439 to $459.

MAJOR THEME PARKS IN CALIFORNIA

Disneyland, Anaheim
Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park
San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park
California Sea World, San Diego
Legoland, Carlsbad
Universal Studios, Los Angeles
Six Flags, Magic Mountain, Valencia
California Great America, Santa Clara
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo

According to the IBIS forecast, attendance at all theme parks is to increase 2.8%
over 2009.

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.