Disneyland Resort’s attendance dipped during the second quarter, because more attractions than usual were down for upgrades and refurbishment in anticipation of Disneyland’s 60 anniversary celebration, the company said on Tuesday.

“Attendance in the quarter reflected deferred visitation in anticipation of the upcoming 60th anniversary diamond celebration and several attractions being refurbished for the 60th,” David Jefferson, a Disney spokesman, said in an email.

The celebration kicks off May 22.

Despite the lower attendance on the West Coast, profits in Disney’s Parks and Resorts division – in part because of the higher ticket prices and visitors spending more on merchandise – grew by 24 percent, to $566 million. Revenue rose year over year by 6 percent to $3.8 billion for the division.

The Walt Disney Co.’s earnings report for the second fiscal quarter, released Tuesday, bucked analysts’ estimates by showing a company-wide 10 percent year-over-year increase of profit to $2.1 billion. At least some analysts had expected lower growth.

Companywide, revenues in the quarter, which ended March 28, grew 7 percent to $12.5 billion.

“They continue to do better than expectations,” said Robin Diedrich, an analyst with Edward Jones.

Disney Chief Financial Officer Jay Rasulo said attendance at domestic parks rose 2 percent – thanks to the Florida parks –and per capita spending by theme park visitors was up 7 percent. Disney does not release attendance numbers.

Disney officials have said that a measles outbreak that began at Disneyland Resort in late December did not affect attendance.

In February, Disney raised ticket prices at its theme parks – three months earlier than usual.

“That could have had an impact, but those are typically short-lived,” Diedrich said of those potential hurdles.

Hong Kong Disneyland also posted lower attendance.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3764 or jpimentel@ocregister.com