The Orlando Sentinel reports today that Universal Studios Orlando is making cuts due to the recession. Story below.
Recession plays factor as Universal Orlando trims offerings
Jason Garcia
Sentinel Staff Writer
February 5, 2009
Universal Orlando will temporarily shut down its Fear Factor Live show and reduce hours at some other attractions across its two-park resort in further cost-cutting steps forced by the nation's troubled economy.
Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said Wednesday the 3 1/2 -year-old Fear Factor attraction in Universal Studios will close today. The resort plans to reopen the attraction, which is based on the former gross-out reality show on NBC, during the spring, though a date has not been set.
Schroder also said hours for a "limited number" of shows and attractions at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure will be reduced beginning this weekend. He declined to identify which attractions will be affected but said the resort expects the changes will be "invisible" to most guests, because the reductions will be determined by attendance.
"These adjustments are in response to seasonal demand and forecast demand for 2009," Schroder said.
Completely shutting down Fear Factor for the rest of the winter, he said, "made the most sense for business reasons." The move comes less than a month after Universal laid off 70 employees.
The region's other theme parks have also scaled back some attractions as the economy has soured.
Walt Disney World, for instance, has reduced showings of its Fantasmic! laser-and-fireworks show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. SeaWorld Orlando has temporarily closed its hospitality center and ended the practice of dispensing free beer for guests.
Recession plays factor as Universal Orlando trims offerings
Jason Garcia
Sentinel Staff Writer
February 5, 2009
Universal Orlando will temporarily shut down its Fear Factor Live show and reduce hours at some other attractions across its two-park resort in further cost-cutting steps forced by the nation's troubled economy.
Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said Wednesday the 3 1/2 -year-old Fear Factor attraction in Universal Studios will close today. The resort plans to reopen the attraction, which is based on the former gross-out reality show on NBC, during the spring, though a date has not been set.
Schroder also said hours for a "limited number" of shows and attractions at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure will be reduced beginning this weekend. He declined to identify which attractions will be affected but said the resort expects the changes will be "invisible" to most guests, because the reductions will be determined by attendance.
"These adjustments are in response to seasonal demand and forecast demand for 2009," Schroder said.
Completely shutting down Fear Factor for the rest of the winter, he said, "made the most sense for business reasons." The move comes less than a month after Universal laid off 70 employees.
The region's other theme parks have also scaled back some attractions as the economy has soured.
Walt Disney World, for instance, has reduced showings of its Fantasmic! laser-and-fireworks show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. SeaWorld Orlando has temporarily closed its hospitality center and ended the practice of dispensing free beer for guests.
