Disney first in line with spending

October 31, 2007 According to Ray Braun of the Economics Research Assn., which co-published with research firm TEA the 2006 Theme Park Attendance Report, "Rule No. 1 in the theme park industry is Thou Shalt Reinvest." While visitor growth last year in the top 20 U.S. parks was estimated at just 1.5% year-over-year, parks that added a major ride or "land" -- as Disney plans to do at its California Adventure with the upcoming Cars Land -- can boast many times that growth. Disney's Animal Kingdom in Florida -- in desperate need of a boost according to some analysts -- saw attendance climb 8% a year after adding Expedition Everest and Finding Nemo the Musical.

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