Universal Orlando attendance

[Carl]

For the first quarter of 2011 attendance at Universal Orlando is up 68% on last year. so it doesnt really matter if the british arnt coming. lol. someone clearly is. That is a some jump in figures and ultimately will help the local economy and all the businesses in the area.

Good news.

Carl.

[Kriz1]

Brazil a lot of South Americans...and the Middle East ....apart from Harry I've not noticed a lot of people in there..it was very quiet last week...it must be school holiday times that are busy..I try not to go then

[Carl]

68% is a huge jump, they must be comng from somewhere. My friend with a management company says that he has already taken more bookings this year than he did last year, ands last year was good for him.

[chris]

A couple of years ago Disney announced that they were going to develop the South American markets and Disney rarely make mistakes. It follows that folks who come for the first time will visit, say all Disney, and then decide to come again and see the other parks. I also suspect that Universal and Sea World have probably followed the marketing path of Disney and that is why we are seeing more from down South.
As Carl said, it doesn't matter where they come from, they are coming and that is good and we all benefit from the trickle down effect.

[Carl]

On the news last night they said that Orlando has had its best year ever in 2010 and that even the Fun Spot had purchased a big chunk of land to expand. So not just Universal and Disney although I agree that Harry potter etc has played a big part in the whole thing, but then again, they always have, so no change there really, after all its why we are all here, theye have always created the local economy, just looks like teh UK is losing its grip on Orlando, although my friends in the UK say that Florida is still the top destination for britts and also on the news thay said that Orlando was the top destination in America again, unless they are all here for the casey anthony trial. lol.

[Carl]

Was at Sea World Yesterday. It was mobbed. I know I know its mermorial day weekend ( YAWN!). But it was full. lots of south americans and Brits supprisingly as well as Americans. 90 minute wait for Journey to Atlantis. The cash registers were going full tilt.
Watched Shamu Rocks, its a such a shame they dont get in with them any more, its a good show though, as good as you can expect without actually getting in the water with them.


Carl.

[JulieC]

All is not well in paradise for everyone however. You are saying how well home rentals are going Carl. Well Florida Choice, which was a very big property management co in business for 20 years and with over 300 homes at one stage closed its doors last week. http://news.yahoo.com/s/prweb/20110522/bs_prweb/prweb8467734

[Carl]

Perhaps they were too big, it seems that the smaller ones are the ones doing well. Also I believe there has been some unpleasant rumors about them for some time now. But all those 300 homes are now looking for a new management company to work with, so nothing much lost really.

Carl.

[JulieC]

At one stage 300 homes. Carl,, talking about a few years back here. They didnt have anywhere near that number recently.

[Carl]

Ohh well, still pleanty being booked by the smaller companies. however it wasnt what this thread was about.

Carl.

[GLORIA GRAY]

My American granddaughter is going for University there next Friday for her induction I posted asking if anyone knew of an appartment but got no replies. My daughter is going with her and wants to find furniture if all they can find is an unfurnished place. Years ago when my brother had a place in Orlando he found a store that did complete home
packages They were reasonable too Does anyone know if such a place still exists??? There should be hundreds of students starting in August. I know students don't have much money but I am sure what they have they spend locally

[Tina_2]

I worked at Epcot today....busy busy busy!! Brits in abundance!