The holiday season is almost here, and Disney and Universal will soon be welcoming even more visitors looking to make the most of their vacations. However, both entertainment giants could face some unexpected competition this November, potentially giving people a reason to spend their money elsewhere instead of visiting their favorite theme parks.
While both companies have spent years establishing themselves as major players in the global tourism industry, even their most popular destinations aren’t immune to changing consumer habits. This time, the potential distraction comes from an entirely different corner of the entertainment business.
With millions of people eagerly anticipating its arrival, one upcoming release could prove somewhat disruptive to the usual holiday entertainment plans.
Related: Disney World Puts Christmas Behind Paywall as Universal Orlando Offers Free Holiday Entertainment
Disney and Universal Could Face Unexpected Competition
On November 19, Rockstar Games will finally release Grand Theft Auto VI, the long-awaited follow-up to Grand Theft Auto V (2013). 13 years after its predecessor first arrived, the next installment is expected to attract enormous attention when it launches on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
The game takes players to Leonida, a fictional interpretation of Florida, with Vice City serving as one of its central locations. Its arrival is particularly interesting given that Florida is also home to some of the world’s most recognizable theme park destinations, including Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.
However, the potential impact could extend well beyond the Sunshine State. Disney and Universal operate destinations across the globe, and the release of such a highly anticipated game could compete for consumers’ entertainment budgets regardless of where they live.
Could GTA VI Keep Theme Park Visitors at Home?
November and December are important months for theme park operators, with Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations traditionally attracting vacationers and families.
Nevertheless, Grand Theft Auto VI could encourage some people to reconsider how they spend their free time. Rather than booking a trip or purchasing theme park tickets, some consumers may decide that spending time exploring Rockstar’s enormous virtual world is a more appealing option.
Of course, that doesn’t mean Disney or Universal should expect empty parks. Neither company has indicated that the game will affect its attendance figures, and there is currently no evidence of a connection between its release and declining visitor numbers.
Still, the timing is difficult to ignore. With Grand Theft Auto VI arriving just ahead of the busiest holiday celebrations, Disney and Universal could find themselves competing for attention in an unexpected way.
Would you choose a theme park visit or a few days exploring Vice City? Let us know in the comments below!
