Universal Orlando ended 2010 with its best fourth quarter on record and its highest annual attendance since 2004, thanks to the success of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Attendance at the resort's two theme parks skyrocketed 46 percent during the final three months of the year, according to a report filed Friday with federal regulators. The combined fourth-quarter head count jumped from 2.3 million in 2009 to 3.3 million.

Universal disclosed its attendance results after its corporate parent, General Electric Co., announced that its entire theme-park business had a record year in 2010.

"We are pleased with our results and with the enthusiasm our guests continue to show for everything Universal Orlando Resort has to offer," Universal spokesman Tom Schroder said Friday. The resort will report more detailed results for 2010 in the coming weeks.

The big gain in year-end attendance capped a banner year for Universal Orlando, which on Thursday handed out bonus checks to thousands of employees to celebrate Wizarding World's success.

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The Harry Potter addition to universal has definately helped save the park because when we were there last year Islands of Adventure was busy esp at HP but the other resort was empty and we went round the whole park in 2 hours and that was going on all the rides there were no wait times at all.

I hear it's just beautiful. I know someone that works there and he loves to work there as much as the folks love to visit it!

Arnie, I totally agree the HP experience is amazing and it would be a dream job if I could work there. Universal really worked their magic when they designed and planned that whole set.

I am not surprised to read this. When I was there in the last week of October, it was VERY crowded - almost not a pleasure to be there. I said "almost" because the place is just so wicked cool

The crowds were much lighter first week of December. Had a much better time, and it was much easier to take photos without people constantly walking into the picture.