Disney's Parks and Resorts division was the only business segment
that delivered fiscal first-quarter income and revenue growth for the Walt
Disney Company.
"Our parks and resorts business ... continues to
successfully leverage our incredible collection of IP (intellectual properties)
to create and deliver an exceptional entertainment experience for millions of
guests," Disney CEO Bob Iger said during the company's earnings call on
Tuesday.
He added that Parks and Resorts' performance "deepens
our confidence in the significant investments we're making to grow the business
around the world, including commissioning three new cruise ships to expand our
award-winning fleet, adding Toy Story Lands in Shanghai and Orlando, building
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland and Disney World, and preparing to
incorporate more of our popular IP into Disneyland Paris."
Revenue for the Parks and Resorts division for the quarter
ended Dec. 30, 2017, grew 13% to $5.2 billion and segment operating income
increased 21% to $1.3 billion.
Per room spending at domestic hotels was up 6% and occupancy
was steady at 91%.
Operating income at the domestic parks was up 18% over the
prior year, and attendance at the domestic parks was up 6%. The recently opened
Pandora -- The World of Avatar contributed to record attendance at Disney's
Animal Kingdom and Walt Disney World in Florida. The Guardians of the Galaxy --
Mission: Breakout! attraction at Disney's California Adventure contributed to
higher attendance at the Disneyland Resort in California.