Comcast said attendance at Universal’s Orlando parks has softened and remained weak into the third quarter, citing reduced consumer confidence and higher travel costs. The company believes the pressure is temporary, but the trend matters because it is affecting a major growth area despite strong customer interest in its recently opened Epic Universe park.

Higher oil prices, with Brent crude exceeding $100 a barrel amid Red Sea attacks and the US-Iran conflict, are raising petrol and air-travel costs. Parks profit fell 5% to $609 million in the quarter to June, while revenue rose 2.7% to $2.4 billion; Universal also faces China-related travel restrictions in Osaka and difficult economic conditions in Beijing, although it maintains its long-term expansion plans.