Interim Reporting

9 Months Ended

Sep. 29, 2019

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Interim Reporting

Interim Reporting:

We are one of the largest regional amusement park operators in the world with 13 properties consisting of amusement parks, water parks and complementary resort facilities in our portfolio. All of our parks operate seasonally with the exception of Knott's Berry Farm. Our seasonal parks are generally open during weekends beginning in April or May, and then daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day. After Labor Day, our seasonal parks are open during select weekends in September and, in most cases, in the fourth quarter for Halloween and winter events. As a result, a substantial portion of our revenues from these seasonal parks are generated during an approximate 130- to 140-day operating season with the major portion concentrated in the third quarter during the peak vacation months of July and August. Knott's Berry Farm is open daily on a year-round basis.

To assure that these highly seasonal operations will not result in misleading comparisons of current and subsequent interim periods, we have adopted the following accounting and reporting procedures: (a) revenues from multi-use products are recognized over the estimated number of uses expected for each type of product; and the estimated number of uses is reviewed and may be updated periodically during the operating season prior to the ticket or product expiration, which generally occurs no later than the close of the operating season; (b) depreciation, certain advertising and certain seasonal operating costs are expensed over each park’s operating season, including some costs incurred prior to the season, which are deferred and amortized over the season; and (c) all other costs are expensed as incurred or ratably over the entire year.