A lingering theme over the 25 years of research and consultation in this industry is that people look at the attractions industry as an escape from reality. Part of the reason is that this industry has mastered illusion, and hiding the difficult, technical things that make your day at the park an escape from your reality. From time to time, there are studies that show how much is going on behind the curtains.
This report on Universal Epic Universe, a 750-acre development and the first new theme park in Florida in 25 years, and the economic projection of generating $2 billion for the state of Florida and 17,500 new jobs across the US in its first year. Tourism contributes around 50% of the total sales tax revenue in Orange County, Florida. Just the construction of the park has created $11 billion of economic impact, including about 65,000 jobs just to create the new park. More on MSNBC
