A Look at 1986, and the Climate for ’87 : Tourism

Though falling short of predictions, Orange County’s major tourist attractions this year came close to meeting the record attendance levels they achieved in 1985.

Although the summer was disappointing in some quarters, a new visitor record was set for the year with 34.5 million tourists descending on the county and spending an estimated record $4.9 billion, up 9% from 1985.

That was enough to offset the influx of 13 new hotels and boost countywide hotel occupancy to 73.5% from 71% a year earlier.

Innkeepers may have more cause to worry in 1987 when six more major hotels will add about 2,000 new rooms to the existing 37,895 rooms, according to the Anaheim Area Visitor & Convention Bureau.

“It’s going to be dog-eat-dog for the next two or three years,” predicted Chip Stuckmeyer, president of the Newport Beach Conference and Visitors Bureau and marketing director of the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Tennis Club.

This year’s newcomers include the Four Seasons in Newport Beach, the Alicante Princess in Garden Grove, and the Holiday Inn and Embassy Suites Hotel, both in Irvine. Also, the Newport Beach Marriott, the Newporter Resort and the Balboa Inn completed major new additions in hopes of remaining competitive.

The giant Disneyland Hotel is joining the trend with plans for several major additions in coming years.

Across the street, Disneyland itself attracted about 12 million guests this year, reportedly matching its 1985 record. Attendance stayed high despite park management’s decision to hike the adult ticket price to $17.95 from $16.50 a year earlier.

Credit for the clicking turnstiles goes partly to the park’s gift program. Disneyland gave away $28 million in gifts ranging from popcorn and pins to new cars, nearly double the amount spent in 1985.

The park hopes to set new records in 1987 with two flashy new attractions: the “Captain Eo” video starring pop singer Michael Jackson, and “Space Tours,” a simulated space ride set to open Jan. 9.

Attendance at rival Knott’s Berry Farm slipped this year to 3.5 million, a 2% drop from 1985.