NEWS: Disney World Makes Major Change to Ticketing Model and Pricing
Disney World had announced a significant change to how it will price tickets. Beginning October 16, 2018, Disney World will move to date-based ticket pricing. Disney World will also be launching a new version of their website that will include tools to help guest price and plan their visit. All the details along with questions and answers about the new ticket pricing below.
Date-based ticket pricing is the next step in a process to change how Disney World tickets are priced. Several years ago, Disney World introduced seasonal based pricing where the cost of single day tickets varied depending which of three seasons (low, regular and peak) guests were visiting. The new date-based ticketing model being introduced next month take that to the next step in two important ways.
First, rather than being based on set seasons, ticket prices will be based on precise dates guests will be visiting. Second, the new date-based pricing structure will apply to multi-day passes in addition to single day tickets. The multi-day passes will start on a specific day and will expire within a set number of days from first use as they are now.
A flexible ticket option, which can be used at any time, will be available. We expect that flexibly use tickets will be offered for an upcharge.
At this time, pricing for the various ticket options is not available.
Similar to other offerings in the travel space (airfare, hotels, etc.) prices rise and fall based on demand. The primary purpose in variable pricing is to encourage guests to visit during times that are traditionally less crowded. This has the effect of leveling out crowds and has been successful to a degree over the past several years.
From Disney:
“Our focus is on creating the best experience possible for our Guests and we know they are increasingly looking for personalized options that fit their individual vacation needs. Beginning on Oct. 16, [guests] will be able to purchase Walt Disney World® theme park tickets that are priced based on the date they choose to visit. These changes are designed to give [an] enhanced way to purchase theme park tickets for [guests] and help them to more easily plan the Disney vacation of their dreams.
This approach to pricing tickets by date is modeled off of consumer demand and is part of our effort to better distribute attendance throughout the year to improve the Guest experience.
In the past five years alone, Disney Parks has invested approximately $15 billion to bring historic and exciting expansions, both completed and in development, to destinations around the world. Expansions like Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® helped drive record attendance at Walt Disney World and along with Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® increased capacity and resulted in high levels of guest satisfaction. In addition to building new attractions and whole new lands, we continuously update our existing attractions and create new festivals, seasonal celebrations and events to provide guests with something new when they visit. Guests tell us new offerings, paired with our immersive storytelling and creativity, is a magical part of the Disney experience.
Detailed pricing will be available beginning on Oct. 16.”
Common Questions and Answers Below
From Disney:
Q: When will date-based tickets expire?
A: 1-Day base tickets are valid for admission on the specific start date selected. Multi-day tickets are valid for admission beginning on the start date selected and must be used within a limited time period. Tickets that are purchased as part of a package will be valid for the length of stay.
Editor’s Note: The windows for using multi-day passes has been shortened.
Q: Why did you shorten the valid use window from tickets?
A: The new valid use window for tickets better aligns with observed Guest ticket usage patterns. Guests wanting additional flexibility can purchase a Flexible Date Ticket.
Q: Will you still offer multi-day discounts?
A: Yes, the “More you Play, the Less you Pay Per Day” philosophy still applies. Similar to today, the price per day decreases as you add more days to your ticket. Multi-day discounts will vary depending on the length of the ticket.
Q: I already purchased tickets for my upcoming visit. Are my tickets still valid?
A; Unused, unexpired tickets will remain valid. Tickets maintain the same terms and conditions – including the expiration date – as they had at the time of purchase.
Q: Will I need to pay more for my ticket if I already purchased it prior to Oct. 16?
A: No. Please be sure to check the specific terms and conditions on your ticket to confirm the expiration policy.
Q: Are tickets able to be modified – what happens if a guest needs to change their date?
A: Yes, you will be able to modify tickets prior to the ticket start date. And, for the first time, your Clients will be able to modify their own tickets online or through the Disney Reservation Center prior to the ticket start date. If the ticket is changed to a higher priced date, guest will be responsible for paying the difference in price. There will be no refunds to changes to lower priced dates. If modifications are needed after the ticket start date, guests must visit any Vacation Planning window.
Q: Are stand-alone water park tickets included in this change?
A: 1-Day Water Park Tickets are not included in this change.
For a no obligation, FREE Quote on a Disney vacation package, please contact our travel partner Magical Vacation Planner at 407-442-0227 (407-442-0215 for Spanish). You can also request a FREE quote online by Clicking HERE.