Trade tensions between major global economies, particularly the United States and China, are creating unforeseen challenges for regional amusement parks across the country. Families opting for affordable, local summer vacations—favoring accessible destinations over costly flights to major parks like Disney World—may face new hurdles as tariffs and economic instability influence both costs and consumer behavior.
Regional parks, which rely on imported steel for ride construction and Chinese-made prizes for games, are grappling with increased expenses due to tariffs. Despite these pressures, many parks have maintained strong attendance so far this season.
Brian Hartley, vice president of Playland’s Castaway Cove in Ocean City, New Jersey, reported robust crowds and steady enthusiasm among visitors. “As long as the weather is good, they’re ready to come down,” he noted, highlighting the park’s diverse attractions including rides, miniature golf, and go-karts.
Visitors like Chris Del Borrello, who brought a group of family members including his four children to Castaway Cove, emphasized the value of these local traditions. “We come here every year because it’s so fun, and we build memories every single summer,” he said.
The summer tourism sector appears poised for growth, with the US Travel Association projecting nearly 2 billion trips this year—an increase of two percent over 2024—and corresponding growth in travel spending.
However, tariff fluctuations have complicated planning for park operators. Over the past year, tariffs on imports from China swung dramatically—ranging from 10 percent to a peak of 145 percent—before settling at 55 percent under the current administration. This volatility forced businesses to adjust purchasing strategies quickly.
Hartley explained that Playland’s early bulk purchasing of prizes, such as stuffed animals, helped mitigate some tariff impacts. “We tried to purchase as much stuff as we could to be ready for the season, because that little bit makes a big difference in the bottom line,” he said. The park also introduced two new rides this year, with parts procured before tariff increases took effect.
Other parks, however, have faced greater difficulties. Adventureland in Farmingdale, New York, encountered additional costs when steel components and game prizes, ordered months earlier, arrived after tariff enforcement began. Manager Jeanine Gentile confirmed the park absorbed these added expenses without raising ticket prices—though future increases remain possible. “If we can do this for our guests, at least for this season, we will,” she said.
Beyond tariffs, broader economic uncertainty poses a significant concern. Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, delayed its 2025 opening by a week due to economic worries, though attendance has risen four percent compared to last year. Visitors there remain cautious, seeking deals and often purchasing tickets close to or even during their visit.
Similarly, Silver Dollar City near Branson, Missouri, which attracts families from across the central United States, observes guests carefully managing budgets amid ongoing inflation and financial pressures. President Brad Thomas noted, “Families want their escape but are very conscious of how much they spend during their visit.”
At Castaway Cove, Hartley expressed cautious optimism but acknowledged lingering doubts among consumers that could affect travel plans later in the summer. “People who haven’t already booked a vacation may reconsider how long they stay or even whether to come at all,” he said. “Uncertainty about the future is definitely on people’s minds.”
As regional amusement parks navigate the combined impacts of tariffs and economic unease, their ability to balance cost pressures with consumer demand will be critical to sustaining the summer season’s momentum.
