Amusement Parks and Arcades NAICS 7131

Aug 29, 2025 - Visitors Would Pay More for Shorter Wait Times, Sustainability Efforts: Survey

• According to Roller’s 2025 Pulse Report, three-quarters of guests surveyed said attractions provided a good value for the cost, and 76% said they would pay more for shorter wait times and exclusive amenities during their visit. The survey included insights from 2,000 guests across the US, UK, and Australia. About 27% of respondents said they choose to visit smaller local attractions over major theme parks, and 13% prioritize domestic options over international trips. Nearly 80% of guests say a previous great experience at a venue is the reason for a return visit. In terms of planning a trip, 90% of guests prefer to book online, and 97% plan their visit at least one day in advance. Sustainability plays a role in decision-making, with 79% of consumers saying they’d pay more in support of a business’s effort toward sustainability.
• Indicators measuring the collective mood of US consumers show mixed signals, with consumer confidence levels slightly up and consumer sentiment falling. Consumer confidence levels, an indicator of discretionary expenditures, improved in July 2025, month over month, rising by 2 points, according to the Consumer Confidence Index. Consumer confidence levels have stabilized since May but remain lower than last year’s, according to The Conference Board, which publishes the monthly index. July’s gain can be attributed to consumers over 35 years old and shared across all income groups, except the lowest income group earning below $15K. In addition, the consumer sentiment index from the University of Michigan dropped in August 2025 for the first time in four months. The index fell to 58.6 in preliminary August data from 61.7 in July. Year-ahead inflation expectation results were higher monthly, as consumers convey lingering anxiety about prices amid tariff impacts. The index serves as a predictor of consumer spending as it indicates consumers’ perception of their financial prospects and the broader economy.

• Employment for amusement parks and arcades was flat in June 2025 year over year while wages rose 3.7%, according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment by amusement parks and arcades increased 22.4% in the past three years, higher than the 3.9% growth in overall private employment. Meanwhile, producer inflation for amusement and theme parks declined 2% in July 2025 year over year, according to producer price index data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the Consumer Price Index, prices for other recreation services, including leisure and entertainment activities, were up 4.4% in July 2025 year over year. Total revenue for amusement parks and arcades fell 6.1% in Q4 2024 compared to a year ago and declined 17.8% from the previous quarter, according to the US Census Bureau.
• The Arts, Entertainment & Recreation industry is one of seven industries reporting contraction in July’s Services ISM Report on Business. Executives in the Arts, Entertainment & Recreation industry reported decreases in new orders and inventories in July. Additional industries reporting contraction during the period were Accommodation & Food Services; Construction; Mining; Educational Services; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; and Professional, Scientific & Technical Services. Industries reporting growth during the period were Transportation & Warehousing; Wholesale Trade; Finance & Insurance; Retail Trade; Other Services; Management of Companies & Support Services; Public Administration; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Information; Utilities; and Health Care & Social Assistance. Overall, economic activity in the services sector grew in July for the second consecutive month, with the Services PMI registering 50.1%.