Extreme Weather Takes a Toll on North American Theme Parks

Climate change-induced extreme weather events disrupt attendance and operations at major theme parks

Introduction: This summer, major North American theme parks have been grappling with the adverse effects of extreme weather events. From deadly flooding in the Northeast to record-breaking heat in the Southwest and wildfires in Canada, these attractions are facing significant challenges. As climate change continues to exacerbate extreme weather conditions, theme park companies are being forced to adapt their operations and ticket policies to mitigate the impact on their businesses. This article explores how climate change is disrupting the theme park industry and the measures being taken to address these challenges.

Weather-Driven Weakness in the Theme Park Industry

Extreme weather events have become a clear driver of weakness in the regional theme park sector. Analysts, such as Paul Golding from Macquarie Research, have lowered their estimates for the industry due to the growing risks posed by climate change. The largest theme park companies, including Six Flags, SeaWorld, and Cedar Fair, have all experienced disruptions to their operations and attendance numbers.

Impact on Cedar Fair and SeaWorld

Cedar Fair, the parent company of popular parks such as Canada's Wonderland and Knott's Berry Farm, reported a decline in attendance of 300,000 visits during its latest quarter. This drop was attributed to the impact of Canadian wildfires and extreme heat in California. Brian Witherow, Cedar Fair's CFO, highlighted the significance of weather conditions not only at the time of visit but also when customers purchase tickets months in advance. SeaWorld also faced a 2% decrease in attendance last quarter, primarily due to adverse weather conditions, including rainfall and the fallout from Canadian wildfires. The company has been grappling with extreme weather events in recent years, leading to park closures and attendance drops. SeaWorld warns investors in its annual report that these events could result in significant costs and increased uncertainty.

Six Flags' Experience and Adaptations

Six Flags experienced lower-than-expected attendance growth due to unusually high rainfall in the Northeast and a record-breaking heatwave in the South. The company's finance chief, Gary Mick, emphasized the noticeable difference in attendance between good weather days and bad weather days. In response, Six Flags is investing in more shaded structures, water misters, splash zones, and air-conditioned areas. The company plans to build more indoor and air-conditioned rides and restaurants to combat the increasingly hot weather.

Adapting to Changing Weather Patterns

Theme parks are taking proactive measures to address the challenges posed by climate change. Premier Rides, a company that builds roller coasters for Six Flags and other amusement parks, is incorporating more steel in its designs to ensure durability in hotter and more extreme conditions. This adaptation aims to extend the lifespan of the rides. Additionally, theme parks are revising their policies to accommodate extreme weather conditions. Some parks are offering free return tickets when temperatures reach extreme levels. SeaWorld, for example, expanded its weather guarantee policy to cover heat indexes above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Conclusion: The theme park industry is feeling the effects of climate change as extreme weather events disrupt operations and impact attendance. From flooding to heatwaves, major attractions are being forced to adapt their operations and policies to mitigate the risks. The industry is investing in indoor and air-conditioned attractions, as well as revising ticket policies to address changing weather patterns. As climate change continues to pose challenges, theme parks must remain proactive in their efforts to ensure the safety and satisfaction of their visitors.