Everyone knows the happiest place on earth. It’s been ingrained in us since we were children. As a result, Disney World, despite its recent issues, is one of the hottest attractions in America.
Disney World Prices Increase Again
As of Dec. 8, 2022, Disney prices increased for the second time in two years. For example, the price in 2022 for a one-day, one-park ticket was $109–159. But that changed.Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios had roughly a 12 percent increase. That takes Magic Kingdom to $124–189 and Hollywood Studios from $124–179. Park reservations are required except for single-day tickets.
The $189 and $179 only apply for nine days around Christmas week. The price increase touted by Disney was about demand management.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom and EPCOT were not affected by the price changes this year.
Prices Rise for Annual Pass Holders
Although new annual pass sales are paused for Incredi-Pass, Pirate Pass, and Sorcerer Pass, those with existing passes will pay an additional $100 at renewal.A Tiered Pricing Model for Holidays
The busiest times of the year are summer and school vacations. But since Disney World is open all year, in 2018, a tiered pricing system was initiated.Cost for a Family of Four Staying at Disney
Pinning down a specific price is almost impossible. You have to dig into Disney’s website for ticket prices and know your exact projected vacation dates to find pricing. Once you find the ticket section, the prices change daily.But assume this is a costly vacation. If you want the value plan in 2023 for a family of four, the average cost is $268.49 per person per day. And that’s based on a six-day/five-night stay. If you want to move up to a moderate stay for the same period, it will cost $314.99 per person per day.
Attracting Wealthy Customers
Middle-class families are being priced out of visiting Disney World. This is because Disney has made it point to market to upscale people with a lot of disposable income.Disney 2021 Attendance Lower than 2019
Disney is still on the reservation system. But even so, previous to the price increase on Dec. 8, attendance was increasing in 2022 for Disney World.With “Guardian of the Galaxy”-themed roller coaster in EPCOT and a “Star Wars”-themed hotel and more, there was a lot to attract people in 2022.
Travel May Decrease in 2023
Once the trapped feeling of the shutdown lifted, Americans took to the road in 2021 and part of 2022. Experts called this “revenge travel.” Travel spiked in mid-2022 when all travel and mask restrictions were lifted. But by August and September, people were burnt out. There was a lull in travel, and Disney felt it.Recession May Affect Disney
With fears of a recession looming in many Americans’ minds, trips to Disney may be canceled or postponed. Disney had a flat year in 2008 compared to 2007. This was due to the economic turmoil. Disney could see another stand-still in 2023.Political Drama a Turn-Off
Besides the higher costs of visiting Disney World, some people are tired of the drama. Disney has been in the news a lot. Some guests may be weary of the controversies and avoid the parks. It’s too soon to see if this will diminish attendance overall.Disney Vacation Club Points Used
Disney Vacation Club is a timeshare where members receive specific points yearly. They must use their points each year. They can also bank them. But if they don’t do this, the points will expire.Price Increases May Hurt Disney
Disney still hasn’t reached pre-pandemic numbers. But it is adding more attractions and counting on more people wanting to travel after being locked up for a year.But in light of price increases, inflation, and political controversy, Disney might have a rough 2023. And now that people have had their vacations, they may not be willing to take another one so soon.