Walt Disney World has introduced a trio of main adjustments–considered one of which is kind of stunning–that can enhance the visitor expertise and worth for cash in 2023. This put up shares particulars of the additions and subtractions, potential motivations for the strikes, and extra.
The announcement begins by recapping the Walt Disney World fiftieth Anniversary celebration final 12 months, which noticed the debut of EPCOT’s latest groundbreaking attraction with Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and returning favorites from Fantasmic to the Walt Disney World Railroad. (Three huge wins from final 12 months, proper there!)
Walt Disney World additionally notes that 2023 brings much more to sit up for – from the triumphant return of the Happily Ever After fireworks to the opening date for TRON Lightcycle Run at Magic Kingdom, the dates of which have been additionally introduced as we speak. Personally, I’d additionally add “removal of the Water Tacos and Stargate” to that checklist of highlights, however Disney selected Moana’s Journey of Water as a substitute. Beyond the hideous Harmonious infrastructure departing in solely a few months, extra addition by subtraction is on the horizon at Walt Disney World…
According to Walt Disney World, these different updates are being made “to improve the guest experience and to let our fans know we are listening to their feedback, including Annual Passholders, who are some of our most loyal guests.” This is critical, and one thing we’ll circle again to within the commentary.
For now, listed below are the specifics about what’s altering in 2023 at Walt Disney World…
Complimentary Self-Parking Returning to Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
We’ll begin with the large addition by subtraction change. Beginning tonight (January 10, 2023), in a single day self-parking will as soon as once more be provided complimentary to company staying at Walt Disney World Resort inns.
According to the corporate, “this is a Disney difference many of you have asked us to bring back, and we’re happy to reintroduce it to make your vacation a little easier and more affordable – whether you’re road tripping across the country, renting a car or vacationing as a local Florida resident.”
As a reminder, Disney Resort lodge company additionally proceed to obtain complimentary customary parking at Walt Disney World theme parks, every day early theme park entry (with legitimate admission and a park reservation) and complimentary on-site transportation choices akin to buses, monorails, and Disney Skyliner.
“Relaxed” Reservation Rules for APs After 2 pm
Beginning within the subsequent few months, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will have the ability to go to the theme parks after 2 pm while not having a park reservation, besides on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom.
Pass blockout dates will proceed to use like they do as we speak. Unfortunately, Walt Disney World notes on this change that “the theme park reservation system remains important to manage attendance in our parks, especially on busier days.” As we’ve written repeatedly, we don’t see park reservations going away for APs–even after they’re inevitably eradicated for everybody else.
With that mentioned, Walt Disney World additionally realizes that Annual Passholders get pleasure from extra spontaneous visits – and this variation will make that potential. Passholders may also obtain entry to Disney PhotoPass lenses and one complimentary Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories expertise (age restrictions apply). Visit Cinderella Castle Mural of Memories and Disney PhotoPass Lenses for particulars, restrictions and different data.
A begin date for these choices might be shared quickly with Annual Passholders, in addition to details about a brand new providing that’s deliberate the place you possibly can create and share brief Disney-themed video slideshows with favourite photographs out of your theme park visits.
On-Ride Photo Downloads Coming to Genie+
Beginning within the subsequent few months, company buying the Genie+ service may also obtain digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photographs, taken within the park on the day of their buy, at no further cost. This is much like the coverage already in place at Disneyland, however solely relevant to on-ride photographs.
Attraction photographs are taken whereas within the parks at greater than a dozen of Walt Disney World’s hottest points of interest together with Space Mountain, Slinky Dog Dash, Test Track, Expedition Everest, and extra. (Soon together with, presumably, TRON Lightcycle Run!) An precise launch date might be introduced at a later time.
Walt Disney World concluded the announcement with the next be aware:
We will preserve listening to you and adapting as we concentrate on making the visitor expertise even higher for extra individuals who go to us right here at The Most Magical Place on Earth.
That consists of making planning simpler for everybody. For instance, we lately added the flexibility to switch Disney Genie+ attraction picks within the My Disney Experience app, started routinely making theme park reservations with the acquisition of 1-day, 1-park particular tickets and made our eating reservation coverage extra versatile if you could modify or cancel.
As we’ve shared earlier than, we’re additionally dedicated to offering a variety of choices to go to, which is why we roll out particular provides now and again for Florida residents and different company.
Before we delve into the commentary, right here’s an analogous message from Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences & Product to Cast Members:
Happy New Year everybody!
What a tremendous 12 months we had! There was a lot to rejoice – a brand new cruise ship, Avengers Campus at Disneyland Paris, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at Walt Disney World Resort, the announcement of Storyliving by Disney, award profitable shopper merchandise, books, and video games and a ton extra. So, I needed to begin off the brand new 12 months by saying how PROUD and THANKFUL I’m for every of you. You are an unimaginable staff!
Not solely did you introduce thrilling new merchandise and experiences to our company, however you additionally navigated by means of a big quantity of change when it comes to how we function our enterprise. These adjustments have been centered on creating a greater expertise for our company and constructing a future the place we’re continuously introducing new tales and experiences throughout the globe. Of course, change isn’t straightforward, and I wish to categorical my gratitude to all of you for a way you rose to the problem and helped reshape our future.
And our future is vibrant! As we enter 2023, we’ll have plenty of new causes to rejoice at our parks all over the world. TRON Lightcycle / Run at Walt Disney World, Zootopia-themed land in Shanghai, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Resort and A World of Frozen in Hong Kong are all opening this 12 months … we’ll be introducing new merchandise to rejoice Disney’s a hundredth anniversary … and we’re bringing again outdated favorites to the parks, akin to “Happily Ever After” and “Magic Happens.”
As we step into this vibrant future it is necessary that we repeatedly evolve to assist ship the very best visitor expertise potential. Many of that I’m within the parks pretty usually … and I take heed to you and to our company in regards to the issues which can be working … in addition to the issues which may want some change. And, as we enter this new 12 months, I would like you to be the primary to listen to about a number of enhancements that we’re going to be making – particularly ones that our company have requested for and also you’ve shared with me. And whereas this doesn’t deal with everybody’s suggestions, these adjustments will improve flexibility and add worth to our company’ expertise.
At Disneyland Resort:
- considerably growing the variety of days – practically two months’ price over the approaching 12 months – that we’ll provide our lowest-priced one-day, one-park ticket at $104
- providing extra flexibility with our Park Hopper ticket, giving Guests the flexibility to start crossing over earlier (beginning at 11 a.m.), starting February 4
- offering complimentary Disney PhotoPass digital downloads of attraction photographs for all ticketed park company, starting February 4 all through the Disney100 celebration
- making Magic Key passes accessible on the market extra occasions throughout the 12 months as stock turns into accessible
At Walt Disney World Resort:
- starting within the subsequent few months, Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will have the ability to go to the theme parks after 2 p.m. while not having a park reservation, besides on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Pass blockout dates will proceed to use like they do as we speak
- making adjustments that can assist our company get probably the most out of their go to, akin to together with complimentary self-parking for company staying at Disney Resort inns starting this night, January 10
- starting within the subsequent few months, company buying Disney Genie+ service may also obtain digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction photographs taken within the park on the day of their buy, at no further cost
Additionally, we’ve introduced a number of new provides over the previous few weeks, together with at Walt Disney World, 2-, 3- and 4-day Florida Resident Disney Weekday Magic tickets and a particular bundle provide that features a Disney Dining Promo Card for company staying at choose Disney Resort inns. We are additionally providing a 3-day SoCal Resident weekday ticket for $73 per day by means of late May at Disneyland Resort.
I’m enthusiastic about all of those adjustments and provides and need you to know that we’re dedicated to listening, adapting, and staying relentlessly targeted on making the visitor expertise at our Disney parks even higher.
I imagine there’s no different place like Disney and naturally, nothing helps our company join with Disney such as you do. And whereas it’s straightforward to rejoice the merchandise we make, the moments we create, and the experiences we offer … I feel it’s essential that we acknowledge all of YOU who make it occur.
Thank you for all that you simply do. Here’s to a tremendous 2023! Cheers!
Josh
Our Commentary on Changes at Walt Disney World
This at the beginning appears like a vindication of the excessive hopes Disney followers have for giant adjustments following the Firing of Bob Chapek and Rehiring Bob Iger as CEO. I don’t wish to rehash the various articles and sky-high expectations that have been raised within the weeks after Iger returned, however maybe probably the most notable one lined how Bob Iger was “alarmed” by Walt Disney World value will increase, and was involved that Chapek was “killing the soul” of Disney.
Even early in his return, it was rumored that Iger had plans to undo Chapek’s adjustments, with a concentrate on constructing on the corporate’s wealthy historical past and legacy of “creativity, innovation, and inspiration.“ You also might recall that Iger sent a holiday letter to fans, indicating his intent to exceed our “highest expectations” in 2023. Some of you may’ve considered that as a hole company end-of-year publication, one which talks a great recreation however is meaningless with out motion to assist it. Well, as we speak is that motion!
With that mentioned, we’ve gotta admit to being stunned by the specifics of this information. Our “wish list” of optimistic adjustments that Iger might realistically make (see 7 Good Changes CEO Bob Iger Could Make to “Fix” Walt Disney World) included only one.5 of those (we’re going to take “half-credit” for calling to enhance Genie, which this technically accomplishes, albeit by way of various means).
The largest shock right here is the return of free parking for on-site resort company. We hate the cost for parking, and thought it was a nasty determination that diminished the differentiation between Disney and its real-world counterparts. Nevertheless, it didn’t make our want checklist for a number of causes–all of which boiling right down to our considering that it was “unrealistic” to undo.
First, the price was carried out below the prior Iger regime, so it appeared extremely unlikely that it will be eradicated. Second, it was a ‘free’ income stream and it’s tough to present that up as soon as corporations get a style of it. Finally and most significantly, resort occupancy has been extremely excessive for the final couple of years, so there actually was no incentive to do that.
With that mentioned, we’ve famous earlier than that few bulletins have been as met with as a lot backlash because the ‘New’ Overnight Parking Fees for Walt Disney World Hotel Guests put up. That put up garnered over 300 very “impassioned” feedback. (Spoiler alert: they’re 99%+ towards the parking charges.)
At the time, that was probably the most controversial change we had seen from Walt Disney World. It has in all probability since been surpassed by reactions to the top of Disney’s Magical Express and changing free QuickPass with the paid Genie+ service and Individual Lightning Lanes. Back in 2018, the backlash was comparatively unprecedented. I used to be actually stunned that Disney didn’t roll again the choice instantly (but it surely was fairly clearly right here to remain when parking costs elevated in early 2020).
We’ve documented loads of value will increase at Walt Disney World over time. Unsurprisingly, there has by no means been an general optimistic response to any of them, however that’s type of the character of the beast. Few individuals will fortunately pay extra for a similar product they beforehand bought. Sure, there are the ardent Disney model evangelists who carry out psychological gymnastics to justify the will increase to themselves (and others). By and enormous, there’s at all times not less than some extent of grumbling about value will increase.
Usually, what occurs is that when individuals get the complaining out of their programs, they go about their trip habits as regular. Some individuals are sadly priced out, however in our (admittedly anecdotal) observations, they symbolize a minority of company. And if attendance traits are any indication, those that are priced out are changed by (extra) new company.
The response to the resort parking price felt totally different. It was extra emotional than regular. My overarching evaluation (once more, anecdotal) of the suggestions is that Walt Disney World followers are typically comfy paying extra for a premium expertise, however are fed up with being nickel and dimed.
It struck me as a tipping level for a lot of long-time followers, and I feel the grassroots ‘campaigns’ on social media and crowd-sourced evaluate websites mirrored this. Walt Disney World was inundated with a barrage of 1-star opinions on Facebook, TripAdvisor, and elsewhere, with many pointing to this price. It appeared like a bridge too far for lots of followers, and I questioned whether or not the income was actually price all the outrage and harm to the model’s status.
While followers usually speak a giant recreation about being “done with Disney,” I do know a number of who really adopted by means of and both stop visiting or stop staying on-site on account of the parking price. Again, fully anecdotal, however I feel that did loads of model and goodwill harm. Until now, it didn’t actually look like Disney cared. That the income stream was extra invaluable than the misplaced enterprise, which, it seems, was changed with totally different prospects who fortunately stuffed the rooms and paid the charges.
As for what’s inflicting the rollback of the resort parking price…my guess is that it’s coming direct from the highest–both a private initiative of Bob Iger or Josh D’Amaro. Really the one believable clarification is that the parking price was a pet “project” of Bob Chapek, who was identified for creating new income streams the place none beforehand existed.
Chapek was chairman of Parks & Resorts when the parking price was launched, so that may take a look at. Obviously, Bob Iger would’ve outranked Chapek then and will’ve overruled him, however maybe he didn’t give it his due diligence–or any consideration in any respect. When it involves a conglomerate just like the Walt Disney Company, lodge parking is presumably beneath the CEO’s pay grade.
It’s additionally potential that visitor satisfaction scores have been destructive, particularly pointing to parking charges, inflicting the corporate to reevaluate a spread of its most unpopular current selections. From the surface, it’s actually tough to understand how the choice to “undo” lodge parking charges went down.
It’s additionally (arguably) unfair to easily blame every thing dangerous on Chapek and good on Iger/D’Amaro. Honestly, although, I’m not significantly involved with being truthful to Bob Chapek. Especially on this case, when the dangerous change was made below him, and the great one is coming shortly after he departed the corporate.
Some Walt Disney World followers is perhaps inclined to attribute this to reducing lodge occupancy. That’s undoubtedly believable, however I extremely doubt it. We’ve been incessantly wanting ahead to a fizzling of pent-up demand and a normalization of discounting and every thing else at Walt Disney World, however that’s solely simply getting began.
Even with extra aggressive discounting beginning final October and accelerating additional this week, Walt Disney World continues to be coming down from historic highs in resort occupancy and per visitor spending, coupled with unprecedentedly low reductions. Special provides have gotten extra plentiful, however from a baseline during the last 2 years of very dangerous.
Keep in thoughts that the parking price was carried out again in 2018. That was previous to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and different main additions debuted–nearly an eternity in the past by Walt Disney World requirements. Occupancy and per visitor spending have been nowhere close to as sturdy as they’re as we speak–or might be even below a “worst case scenario” (for Disney, not followers) for the rest of 2023.
In brief, the reversal of the resort parking price determination can’t be pushed by fears over a slowdown within the financial system, recession, or Disney’s enterprise being on the decline. Whatever issues may exist there going ahead, Disney is just not going from unprecedented success to panic. The elimination of resort parking charges nearly actually should be a mandate from on-high, and certain one pushed by visitor satisfaction surveys.
To the latter level, we’ve talked about repeatedly within the final ~10 months that visitor satisfaction dropped precipitously round October 2021. Iger might be conscious of that by now. D’Amaro undoubtedly is. (Once once more, there’s a cause we’ve repeatedly expressed confidence in each D’Amaro and Jeff Vahle, the president of Walt Disney World.)
As beforehand identified, falling visitor satisfaction scores have been a serious space of concern for leaders on-the-ground in Florida. It is perhaps tough to imagine, however there are leaders who care and are pushing for optimistic adjustments Walt Disney World. For a lot of the final two years, their arms have been tied on account of initiatives and expectations from above.
From my perspective, as we speak’s information displays a foundational paradigm shift. No, undoing all the unpopular adjustments received’t occur instantly–or in any respect. But based mostly on the wording of this announcement, it’s fairly clear that robust selections are (lastly!) being made with visitor satisfaction in thoughts. Unlike some prior feel-good information tales, this one is definitely backed up by substance.
Suffice to say, it’s more and more apparent that each Josh D’Amaro and Bob Iger notice fan goodwill is frayed and that they should undo the harm performed by the Chapek regime. It’s a small begin, but it surely’s a serious transfer in the correct path–and a breath of recent air. As thrilling because the TRON Lightcycle Run and Happily Ever After debut dates are, we expect this is probably the most consequential information of the day. Kudos to everybody who made all of this occur.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Learn about inns on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To lower your expenses on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips put up takes a singular have a look at intelligent gadgets to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the very best place to begin is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for every thing you could know!
Your Thoughts
What do you consider these 3 huge adjustments to the visitor expertise at Walt Disney World? Happy about these strikes or do they not affect you? Surprised that Disney is rolling again the resort parking price, including extra worth to Genie+ or eliminating park reservations for APs after 2 pm? To whom or what do you attribute these optimistic selections? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we may also help you reply? Hearing your suggestions—even if you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!