Overview

• Tariffs rose from 10% in February to 145% in April before settling at 55% in mid-June, driving up costs for steel and imported prizes.
• Parks such as Castaway Cove preemptively stocked Chinese-made ride components and game prizes during tariff pauses to shield margins.
• Adventureland is shouldering higher import duties this season to keep ticket prices flat but may reconsider rates next year if costs persist.
• Regional parks have maintained or increased attendance—Dollywood reports a 4% rise—while guests stretch budgets, buy tickets later and pursue discounts.
• Economic uncertainty is seen as the biggest hurdle this summer, even as the US Travel Association forecasts a 2% rise in overall travel and spending.