SEAS - SeaWorld Entertainment

[tede02]

A headline caught my eye today:

 

http://www.wsj.com/articles/seaworld-results-disappoint-as-florida-attendance-declines-1470318732

 

I further noticed that the share price of the firm is about 1/3 of its post IPO range dating back to 2012-2013. 

 

The main question that comes to my mind is whether the theme park concept will continue to be popular for future generations.  I remember going to SeaWorld as a kid in the mid-1990s and thought it was cool.  I'll certainly consider bringing my own children there in the future.  I just wonder if that sentiment is shared? 

 

I never saw the movie "Blackfish" which ulimately led to SeaWorld announcing they will phase out the killer whale program.  I question whether this has permanetly impaired the concept.  SeaWorld operates other Theme Parks such as Busch Gardens and Aquatica.  My instinct is theme parks generally will persist.  Like any business they'll have to reinventment themselves. 

 

I'm curious how others perceive the idea of SeaWorld and other theme parks generally. 

[odin]

I've taken a very cursory look at SEAS, so I can't comment on the business itself.  However, I will say that my kids (5 and 3) love going to SeaWorld.  Ticket prices are attractive relative to other parks, and its never as crowded as the major Disney parks.  I know several other families that feel the same and go there regularly.