StarWars is set to further boost Orlando Disney empire

DAVENPORT, Fla. - June 2, 2016 - PRLog -- Orlando's WaltDisneyWorld is again the world's number one theme park, the latest industry visitor estimates show.

And with the new Frozen Ever After ride opening later this month on Thursday 21 June and the promise of StarWars Land and ToyStory Land, is set to help the Disney empire draw in even more visitors.

WaltDisneyWorld attracted 20.4million visitors, up 6% year-over-year, according to the 2015 Theme Index from the Themed Entertainment Association and the economics division of engineering firm AECOM.

The Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, attracted 20,492,000 visitors, the report estimates. Disney's Epcot was sixth globally, welcoming 11,798,000, up 3% year-on-year, followed by Disney's Animal Kingdom at 10,922,000, rising 5% and Disney's Hollywood Studios on 10,828,000 also up 5%.

Universal Studios Florida achieved a 16% annual rise to 9,585,000 with Islands of Adventures close behind up 8% to 8,792,000. Numbers at SeaWorld Orlando rose 2% to 4,777,000.

Orlando also had two of the top three waterparks. Attendance at Typhoon Lagoon rose 5% to 2,294,000 and Blizzard Beach visitor numbers increased by the same amount to 2,107,000.

Aquatica, attracted 1,600,000 visitors, up 2% and Wet 'n Wild numbers were also up 2% to 1,310,000.

Brian Sands, Vice President, Economics, The Americas, says the upcoming StarWars land will be a major boost. "With Disney, it's a combination of continuing to do many things well and the anticipation factor of Star Wars.

"We expect to see Disney realize many opportunities to satisfy guests over the next few years as Star Wars attractions, Star Wars lands and Star Wars character interactions unfold - and even before that happens, they're making the most of the anticipation with walk-throughs, stage shows, Jedi training camp and, naturally, retail - plenty of retail."

The Frozen Ever After Ride at Epcot allows guest to hoist the sails in Arendelle aboard an ancient Norwegian vessel and enjoy the wondrous wintery world of Frozen.

Garrett Kenny, Chief Executive Officer of top Central Florida developer and agent, Feltrim Group says, "Without doubt, the number one attraction for our real estate owners and renters are the Disney family of theme parks.

"The new Frozen ride and the new StarWars park are attracting a great deal of excitement, which will be added to with the new Rogue One film in December and the build-up for Frozen 2 in 2018."

Even so, Orlando not only offers world-class theme parks but a host of other attractions including superb shops, top-class restaurants, leading sports facilities and luxury real estate.

"Those wanting vacation homes are perfectly placed in Central Florida and the rising visitor numbers make this area ideal for buy-to-let investors," says Mr Kenny.

Feltrim Group's luxury lakeside development, Balmoral at Waters Edge, is a resort-style, gated development built around immaculate parks, gardens and lakes.  It features a superb pool with luxury clubhouse, waterpark, lakeside beach, gym and spa, gourmet kitchen, restaurant and more.

For full details, go to http://www.balmoralflorida.com.