If there’s one thing you absolutely should NOT be surprised by when it comes to the Disney parks, it’s…change.
Spaceship Earth
Price increases have hit Disney’s theme parks many times over the past several years, and Disney has typically been able to even outpace inflation when it comes to ticket prices. More recently, we’ve seen Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek comment on future price increases in the parks, and now we’ve got even more from the leader of the Disney Company on how things could change in the future.
Recently, Disney CEO Bob Chapek sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to talk about Disney+, theatrical movie releases, the Scarlett Johansson situation, and more. Some of the other BIG things discussed were the Disney parks, price increases, and Annual Passholders.
At one point, the interviewer noted that Chapek is known as the guy who “cuts costs and raises prices.” The interviewer also pointed out that Chapek has raised prices “pretty stiffly,” both in the parks and for streaming, and has gotten some heavy criticism from fans. The interviewer then asked, “How much can you keep raising prices and does ill will from them create a problem for the brand?”
Will Prices Keep Increasing?
In response, Chapek shared that Disney loves all of its fans “equally,” and that they “obviously” love the Disney superfans. BUT Chapek said that they also enjoy the fans that aren’t on the superfan level and “don’t have the same expression of their fandom.”
According to Chapek, it really comes down to a sense of balance. He noted that some superfans are Annual Passholders and use the parks “as their personal playground.” Chapek said that they “love that” and “celebrate that.” But he said that they also have to make sure that there’s “room in the park for the family from Denver that comes once every five years.”
Chapek noted that previously, Disney didn’t have a Park Pass reservation system and didn’t really “control the number of annual passes” that were distributed. Chapek said, “frankly, the annual pass as a value was so great that people were literally coming all the time and the accessibility of the park was unlimited to them and that family from Denver would get to the park and not be let in.”
Magic Kingdom Crowds
Chapek said that this didn’t really “seem like a real balanced proposition.” After the COVID-19 pandemic-related closures, the Park Pass reservation system was introduced, and with that comes a limit on just how many reservations are available to different groups of people, and a limit on just how many reservations Annual Passholders can hold at any given time. The Park Pass reservation system’s limit on Annual Passholder reservations even spurred a lawsuit as it relates to Disneyland’s Magic Key passes.
Sometimes Park Passes can sell out, restricting people (including Annual Passholders) from entering the parks entirely if they did not get a Park Pass far enough in advance. In fact, Disney executives have noted that they are sometimes seeing demand in EXCESS of the available Park Pass reservations. And demand for the parks has been resilient and long-lasting (a.k.a. demand doesn’t seem to be going down to the point where Disney feels like it needs to make adjustments to let more people in the parks).
Chapek said that the superfans may look at some of these Park Pass reservation restrictions as “disadvantaging of the way they consume the park,” but, ultimately, it seems the theme of “balance” wins in the end. Chapek said that they’ve got to “make sure that not only are we heeding the needs of our superfans, but we’re heeding the needs of everyone who travels from across the country one time every five years.”
Hollywood Studios Crowds
According to Chapek, Disney has a “real high-class problem: We have much more demand than there is supply.” And it seems like attempting to “balance things out” by using the Park Pass reservation system is a strategy that’s going to continue. Chapek said that Disney is not going to allow someone to have a “less than stellar experience in the parks because we jammed too many people in there.” Since they seem to be establishing that as a “fundamental rule,” Chapek said it will require them to “start balancing who you let in.”
According to Chapek, “Our ticket prices and constraints we put on how often people can come and when they come is a direct reflection of demand. When is it too much? Demand will tell us when it’s too much.”
Crowd Levels
There’s a LOT to unpack here and a lot that ties in directly to recent events. First, the comment on the Annual Passholders who use the parks as their playground is interesting. During a 2020 earnings call, Disney did acknowledge that Annual Passholders can provide less value, from a financial perspective, to the parks.
Specifically, during that earnings call, Chapek said that “different guests, depending on where they’re coming from, have different relative values in terms of their contribution as a guest to the park. And typically, someone who travels and stays for five to seven days is marginally more valuable to the business than someone who comes in on an annual pass and stays a day or two and consumes less, you know, merchandise and food and beverage.”
More Crowds
And in 2022, Disney reported an “unfavorable attendance mix” at Disneyland Resort which impacted their financial results for one quarter. Many took this “unfavorable attendance mix” to be a reference to more Magic Key passholders (Disneyland’s version of an Annual Pass) in the parks, though Disney did not explicitly state that this was what they were referring to.
Disney has, however, paused the sale of Annual Passes at both Disneyland and Disney World (except for 1 pass type in Disney World), and only recently made Magic Key Pass renewals available for Disneyland passholders. This could all work toward Disney’s goal to control attendance in the parks and also potentially to control the attendance of the group Disney does consider to be marginally less valuable when it comes to its finances.
Annual Passholder Magnet
When it comes to the Park Pass reservation system, this is NOT the first time a Disney executive has praised its benefits in controlling crowds. Some Disney executives have noted that the Park Pass system allows Disney to put a cap on attendance and “fully utilize assets” in the parks.
Additionally, in August of 2022, Chapek said that Disney is focused on “improving guest experience,” and “part of that has to do with limiting capacity, but also about personalizing those experiences.” Chapek noted that the Park Pass system allows Disney to change things “on the fly” when it comes to “ticket packaging.” Chapek said that if they see any spikiness with demand, they can smooth that out in a way they couldn’t before and they’re really pleased with that.
Disney’s Chief Financial Officer, Christine McCarthy, has also shared how the system lets them “balance demand and attendance throughout the year, [and] not have days when consumers in the parks aren’t enjoying the experience”…all aimed at having a “better consumer experience.”
Monorail line at the Transportation and Ticket Center
And finally, Chapek’s comments echo his earlier ones when it comes to price increases. When speaking with The Hollywood Reporter about price increases, he said that “Demand will tell us when it’s too much.”
This echoes statements he made earlier in 2022 where he said when talking about future price increases, “If demand goes up, then we have the opportunity to do that.” At that time, Chapek said that they didn’t have any plans to announce in terms of what they’re going to do, but he said that they have a lot of flexibility thanks to the reservation system and can “move on a dime” to make necessary changes.
Crowds waiting to go inside
In other words, if they increase the prices and crowds continue to flood the parks (as we’ve seen them do during certain time periods), then more price increases could be in our future. It looks like it’ll truly hinge on demand.
We’ve already seen hundreds of price increases on food items, price increases on tickets for 2022 and 2023, price increases on Magic Key passes, and price increases on Disney World Annual Passes, and it looks like that may not be the end of it if demand stays high.
Mad Tea Party
With so much demand for the parks, some might wonder why Disney doesn’t just build a 5th “gate” (a.k.a. a 5th theme park) to allow for greater capacity at the resort as a whole and spread people out across more spaces.
Thus far, Disney has NOT announced that a 5th park is in the works. Instead, we saw an expansion of an existing park — Magic Kingdom — teased at the 2022 D23 Expo.
Possible Land Expansion in Magic Kingdom
Could things change in the future? Sure, anything is possible! What’s interesting to note is that while Disney has been discussing potential expansion plans, Universal Orlando Resort is already working on a brand new theme park of its own — Epic Universe. The last time Universal Orlando started developing a new theme park, Disney fast-tracked its own plans for another theme park — and that’s how the construction of Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park (now Disney’s Hollywood Studios) was accelerated.
Epic Universe is not set to open until 2025. What could the future hold for Disney if they attempt to “beat” Universal in terms of new creations or “respond” in some way to the impending opening of Epic Universe? We will have to wait and see.
Click here to see why Disney World might not be able to just add a 5th park
With 2023 approaching, it will be interesting to see what price increases hit the parks, whether any changes are made to the Park Pass system, and whether Annual Pass sales resume at Disneyland or Disney World. Only time will tell, but as long as demand for the parks stays high, price changes and capacity management will be a part of our future.
We’ll continue to keep an eye out for more updates and let you know what we find.
Click here to see us break down the price updates on 2023 Disney World park tickets
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I found this article refreshing; not because of the subject matter, but because of the incredible talent of the writer(s) and editor(s). It was a pleasure to read an article that has been crafted so well. Mainstream media is largely lacking that talent today. I realize that just mentioning this puts my own writing on notice. I’ll just add that I’m not nearly as skilled at writing as those mentioned previously–and I’m a much more talented reader than writer.
I have ambivalent feelings surrounding the subject of this article. I have to remind myself that Disney is at heart a capitalistic enterprise. While I don’t have much interest in Bob Chapek, he is accountable to his shareholders rather than to me. Disney stock owners have had numerous opportunities to replace Mr. Chapek over the past couple of years, but it seems, at least for now, that he holds their confidence.
We’re all about to see globalization take a serious turn for the worse. The war between Russia and Ukraine will inevitably create famine for a significant part of the globe–and that is just the start. The United States of America is in about as good a position as any country can be (being that we are a significant exporter of food), but I still think a significant number of Americans will encounter at least some economic effects. It’s my opinion that even the occasional (5-year) vacation planning will come to a serious decline for many of us soon. We’ll have to wait and see what that means for future Disney demand. If you desire and can afford to take a Disney vacation, you may want to do it sooner rather than later. Who knows, maybe Disney will take it upon themselves to organize the next LiveAid concert to benefit the coming famine stricken populations of the world.
Disney magic is no longer. As Florida residents we have been annual passholders for years but no longer. We enjoyed just going for a weekend getaway which can’t be done now due to having to make park reservations so far ahead. Prices have risen so much its ridiculous. I’m sure Walt is turning in his grave as this isn’t “the happiest place” to visit any longer. Even Roy who was the money person I’m sure he’s not even happy with all this price gouging. Both brothers are saying what the heck is going on!
We, Disney fans, have options. He might not like superfans, but statistically in business, superfans are the ones who spend the most money for the least effort from the company.
Cut your Disney spending. Don’t buy everything they come out with on the website, don’t go to the parks, don’t spend on the extras. Do not give Disney your dollars. Simple.
If we roll over and take it, Disney will continue getting worse and worse. He’s made clear what he thinks of fans. Make clear what we think of him and stop buying. If you aren’t willing to do that, then you might as well stop complaining because he’s right, he can treat us however he wants and we’ll still line up.
Every time this man opens his mouth, it shows how unbelievably out of touch with reality he is. He truly has no idea who travels to his parks. The only people who “spent $7,000 from another state to come to WDW and couldn’t get into the parks are people who book without paying any attention to the process. Or who are dumb enough to book non refundable air, and then call Disney only to be told there are no resort packages available. ( yes there are people who are that clueless
As a DVC member with a substantial number of points, my wife and I (as well as our extended family) visit the world 3 or 4 times a year for a week at a time. We come from Pennsylvania, so it’s not a day trip. Chapek is either intentionally ignoring the DVC membership – which continues to grow – or needs to be schooled on the program and its popularity.
We all have grown frustrated with constant price increases and Disney’s way to find every opportunity for revenue generation. However, we all should take a step back and realize that this is basic business. Is it more profitable to fill a hotel room for a week with a family that has to purchase park passes for each day or do you fill that room with an annual pass member for whom it would be their 15th day in the parks for the year with the pass long since paid for? None of us want to admit it, but the numbers change for the positive at the bottom line with the family making that solitary visit. Yes, there is risk in pushing the most loyal of guests away as I certainly fall into that category for more than four decades, but as a business minded person I understand the formula that Disney is evaluating.
Annual passes didn’t exist in the early days of Disney. The parks have become too crowded during recent years. I can recall visits long ago when the parks weren’t so crowded which resulted in an amazing guest experience. Annual passes like some other things (eg. Fast Pass+) have been treated by guests as entitlements. Fewer annual pass visitors in the parks and lighter overall guest volume might make for a more enjoyable visit for all. I’m fairly confident that if Disney could go back in time and avoid annual passes entirely, they would.
You know, with all due respect, I was brought aback with his comment of that family that can’t get in. I am 55 and have been visiting since I was 7 and I have never heard of anyone not being able to get in. If you want to reserve disneyworld for the super elites, that is his decision but Walt would be horrified . I have an annual pass and I will not be renewing it. It’s becoming a cash grab and I find that unbecoming of what Disney stood for. It’s sad .
Mr. Chapek and his elite staff are taking advantage of the situation. Most people can’t afford Disney and they know that. Most people who go to Disney are charging it and mortgaging themselves to the hilt to be able to go with their loved ones, families and children to create memories and because of their love for it. It has nothing to do with supply and demand, it’s called Greed! He says that to make himself feel better. The park and hotel staff are overworked, underpaid and sometimes mistreated, and they are the ones that make Disney work, as well as all us fools that pay for it. Disney has become a place of overpriced resorts, food, souvenirs, tickets, and then add paying for rides on top of the ticket cost, and so much more. Also, taking away the amenities that were in place prior to covid is extremely disappointing. Maybe Mr. Chapek and company should actually talk to the average person/families and feel their pain. Spend a week in the parks like an average person and see and hear all the disappointment. My family and I have loved and enjoyed Disney since the 70’s. I can’t say that lately, nor can many others that I’ve spoken with. Not very magical anymore. Walt would be rolling over in his grave to see what his dream has turned into. Mr. Chapek and his elite staff should be ashamed. The parks were built for family enjoyment, not family disappointment.
Chapek is the absolute WORST. I’ve been an out of state passholder for 3 years with the platinum pass. He has taken away any privilege that was unique to pass holders. Disney+ subscribers have the same hotel discount that was privilege to passholders. He doesn’t value is because we “hurt his bottom line”.
He is trying to say that Disney is only wanting those who come and spend a lot on food and merchandise. Meaning, they don’t want that family that is on a budget. So he is trying to make it as difficult as he can for those on a budget so it will only be a place for the rich. How much money does he think he needs. He is already making way too much as it is. And by the way, this sounds a lot like discrimination to me. Right?
I used to go to WDW at least twice a year, staying on property each time. It’s now been over a year since my last trip due to the park reservation system and higher ticket costs. I have never been to Universal (I am a pure Disney “super fan”), but now I am planning to go there INSTEAD of WDW this year. If I enjoy it, I will continue to go to Universal and skip WDW.
I think it’s time for the American public to give Disney the boot, Go on strike with their wallets and get Mad As Hell,we’re not gunna take it any more !
I’m not really sure Bob knows what he’s talking about, or he just thinks that people are so dumb they will believe everything he says. I’m referring to the family from Denver, showing up and not being able to get into the park because it’s full. If I remember correctly, the only time Disney has hit capacity pre Covid, was the 4th of July , Christmas Day and New Years Eve. He actually told the truth, if you read between the lines. They want people who come and pay full price for admission, food and souvenirs. They don’t want AP because according to him, they don’t spend enough money. This has nothing to do with the family from Denver, and everything to do with money. I understand this is a business, but sooner or later you should start caring about ALL customers, and not just the ones you can squeeze the most money out of.
Shame that the interviewer didn’t pull him up on the fact that he’s the one that has created the park pass system that stops the family from Denver just turning up and entering the park as this was never a problem until Chapek made it one.
We are DVC members and travel every two years from the UK, the comments around the pool everyday from visitors from numerous counties is the cost. The parks food, drinks snacks and merchandise is ridiculously expensive compared with pre-pandemic, the introduction of lightning lanes that you have to pay for, not to mention having to pay extra for certain rides along with the cost of your park ticket is outrageous. Visitor numbers from the UK are down on pre pandemic levels and its not because of Covid fear or risk. UK families want to travel, but it’s becoming too expensive. My trip for 4 cost with flights our DVC dues etc etc £15,000. Seriously considering selling our DVC because the resort re-vamp look cheap and tacky and not what we bought in to in 2007.
What makes little sense is if you are claiming that annual pass holders prevent that family from Denver to come visit, then why would you still sell annual passes to Florida residents? Let’s face it, those are the people who use the parks as their playground as they live closer. It is the annual pass holders from out of state that spend a ton of money to come down two or three times a year as they can’t just make a weekend of it. They need to either cease all annual passes or at least give an option for those from out of state. I have two DCPs and will be making many trips down to see them–an annual pass would be very helpful!!
We are from North Carolina. We were Annual Pass Holders and visited a couple of times a year. Usually, 8 to 10 days each time. Costs are now too high, and we are now planning a trip in October. This is only because we want to experience the 50th Celebration. Unless some changes are made to be more affordable, and benefits are returned for resort guests, this will probably be our last trip. Some of my grandchildren will probably never see what Walt was responsible for creating, and what Bob “Paycheck” has destroyed.
These park limitations are NOT leading to more personalized experiences! He’s full of baloney and it is the super fans keeping them going! My husband just surprised me with a 8 day trip this coming April into May and we’ve booked in a low tier resort this time around because of the horrible experience we had for our 25 anniversary/2nd honeymoon this time last year in Animal Kingdom Jambo House! It was deplorable, for 9 days our trash didn’t get gathered, they gave us a queen sized room when we paid for a king suite! It was disgusting! Our experience in the parks was the best part because we made it amazing! I blame the newness of the reopening and newer cast me ever staff for anything that happened outside the resort that was unfortunate; and I never blamed them or took it out on them! They did their utmost and we appreciated their hard work! Chapek needs to either do A LOT better or leave! And the CFO is his perfect match! Both greedy, money hungry mongers who could care less about what the people want!
I suppose I dislike the extra turn of the screw financially. You already pay a barrel of cash for a ticket for you AND your family to enter the park. Then you need to pay MORE to manage to get on the rides without waiting 8 hours?? Are they kidding ??
How different is this from buying an expensive airline ticket and then being asked to pay an extra $35 for your luggage to accompany you?? Both offensive and stupid. Its just a rip-off and people are tired of it. And then they decide to spend the cash elsewhere. Current prices are a disgrace. They will continue as long as folks will pay. But eventually they will understand they are already drawing customers from the top of the financial pyramid. If this guy is only interested in the go once , spend big, and never return customers , he needs to know eventually he will run out of customers.
He apparently doesn’t realize it is drummed into the brains of call center employees that Disney considers APH to be their most important guests. If you don’t recognize and thank am APH, and that call is pulled for quality monitoring, you will lose points off your score. And he is also wrong about APH not spending more money. Yes that family from Denver msy have paid $7,000 to visit WDW, but it might be their only visit that they have saved up money for years. Whereas APH go back over and over and over. My dog would be a better CEO
Do you forward these comments onto Chapek so that he can see the reaction of the true fans that have made Disney what it was? At least he can see the path that it is headed toward. It is a shame and poor Walt, a true American, is wondering what has happened to his creation.
He’s afraid a family from Denver cant get in the Parks? Its up to DISNEY to know their capacity and not to sell tickets that exceed this number. The absurd new program where you can no longer park-hop without “reservations” is the most stupid and offensive system ever. People spending huge dollars for a vacation do NOT want to be dictated to as to where to go and when. Add to it the complications of not only needing ride reservations but also needing to pay EXTRA for the premium rides is a joy killer. Also, I am older and neither want nor can deal with being on phone aps all day long. And if your phone runs out of power, what then??? “Too bad for you”??? I say figure out your total maximum guests, and everybody waits their turn on line like the old days. Period. Used to drop a bundle with my family there on a 10 day stay at their top park hotels on a regular basis: Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Beach and Yacht Club. With the current system in play I have no plans to return.Too much trouble, too rigid. And I understand many rides not properly maintained, according to an article in the NY Post today. Sad.
Gina. DFB is not part of any official Disney network. But yes, it is monitored by Disney Cast members who’s job it is to find negative comments before they spread. I once posted a negative comment on trip advisor while I was still at a resort hotel. They contacted me within 2 hours of the posting. I only posted after trying to fix my reservation with the front desk just to be told sorry, too bad you have no view and have to look out the window at a service road and the air conditioning units for 689.00 a night. They monitor the blogs, In this case they simply don’t care. Read most of the blogs. “If they don’t go back to —– we will not go back”. “If we did not already have a trip planned, we would not go” If we were not DVC members we would not be going back” Disney knows you are still spending your money and that’s all they want. So long as they get the money they don’t care. I was a Disney Stockholder; I sold all my Disney Stock. I have been buying since I was 17 and first joined the military. I am 65 now and sold all my stock this year because Disney is tanking like never before. Disney is in self-destruct mode and at this point I am not unhappy to see them fall.
KJ, Park reservation system was designed to save Disney Parks money. By knowing how many people will be in the parks on any one day they can schedule how many employees to schedule to work. Cast member are now all assigned to any one area or any one park. Many are assigned daily. Most are not even full time; they are at will employees with a fancy name like “Cast Member”
2nd Disney does not like the AP holders because they are for the most part locals They drive to Disney Springs for the free parking, hop on a bus to any resort Hotel, then to whatever park they want. Used to be able to get a bus right to the parks from Disney Springs, but not last time I was there (Dec 2021) They stay, most bring their own snacks of sack meals, they ride a few rides and go home. They are not buying merchandise, food drink because they know better and are allowed to bring their own. They are not captive to the Disney Park system of money grab.
My family travels from Washington State, we used Magical Express to get to the hotels and Disney Transportation to get around Disney World. WE ate all our meals and got all our drinks on property, Snacks included. That is three meals a day per person. Plus, the dole whip, the sodas and water when away from the Resort Hotel. (We had the refillable mugs ate the Hotel) without the Dining plan those meals are very, very expensive at a sit-down venue. Breakfast was an average of 18.00 per person at the hotel. Nothing fancy. maybe French Toast, Milk, sausage or bacon. Dinner average is about 50.00 per person. more or less depending on the venue.
Our December 2021 trip was 12K for my Wife 2 grandsons and I at French Quarter. No room service the entire stay, got fresh towels from the pool each night when the boys went for the nightly swim. Otherwise, nothing from housekeeping. Credit Card on file through the my Disney app and there was no check in or check out, they just sent us the room number on the app. (via cell phone)
THey really don’t want interaction unless they have too.
I moved to Florida in March of 2022 to finally, after 30+ years of not being able to go to Disney, to finally become an Annual Pass Holder (of course there’s also job and home buying reasons too). I finally got my taste of Disney after taking a vacation there in 2021. It was great and I loved it which helped in deciding to move to Florida. Come to find out, Annual Passes are either paused or cancelled. It’s the not knowing that kills me; Is it paused? Or are APs no longer a thing? If they’re no longer a thing, it hurts my heart to say that I will, like MANY OTHERS have stated, take my family elsewhere. You know where. Universal, where we pay 1/3 of the price for an awesome experience. Their park is getting full and their solution was to build more, not to charge more. THAT’S how business is done, that’s why sooo many are opting for Universal passes and the like.
Also someone remind Chapek that eventually tourist money will dry out, that Disney rests its weight on the shoulders of superfans. Chapek, who do you think you should thank and cater to the most for the company’s popularity and overall success? The once a year/every other year family from Denver, or the daily/weekend Superfan that frequent the parks out of love and loyalty to the company? Chapek needs to go get a better, more updated MBA.
Thank you DFB for asking for responses. I truly hope you are able to pass these on. I agree with every one of these comments. I let my AP go in April 2022 knowing that only existing AP holders were allowed to renew. I live in NJ and came to DW during pandemic 5 times.. it was like a sanctuary to me and my daughter during a most difficult time. No longer. Chapek is the most money hungry uncaring individual. He is an elitist and has no clue who the true families are that Walt designed this theme park for..Shame on him, I don’t know how he sleeps at night. Probably clutching his wallet
Disney needs to milk the parks to finance their other businesses. They are trying to unload ESPN who is saddled with big rights deals. ABC like other network & cable businesses are declining. Their movies are terrible
There are 3 ways to get retain/obtain a customer
1- Dissatified customer – this is the worst case . The customer bought the product, didn’t like it & you have to work extra hard to hopefully come back & the business might never get the customer back. Even worse, the customer spreads the poor experience, alienating even more future customers
2- New customers – The potential customer is unfamiliar with the product, so an effort has to be made to convince the potential customer of the value of the product
3- Current customers – the best customer. They have experienced the product, like it & want to buy the product again. The positive word of mouth aids in convincing #2 to go. Little effort is required to convince them to buy the product again.
Disney is alienating #3 and turning them into #1. Number 2, looks at the cost & is hesitant to plan a trip. The pool for number #1 may be increasing & making it unlikely they come back. High prices can turn regular customers into infrequent customers. With a weakening economy Disney could be in trouble
I am an APH and former stock owner. I was once considered a stable user and investor for supporting Disney by frequent use. We do eat at the parks, buy ears at the park, and entertain family gatherings at the park.
If Disney no longer wants stable income from pass holders, I have been offered a great deal by friendly staff at Universal. Smiles count. Disney wants smiles made with $$$$$$$$$. Other parks treat us like valued customers. Wake up Disney Execs.
As a South Carolina resident I was an annual pass holder for years. I am not the sort of person that plans weeks and weeks in advance and after many times of not being able to get a park reservation when I wanted one – to go to the park I wanted to go to – I let my annual pass lapse. Even when available, I won’t renew as long as the park reservation is in place. I recently relocated to Orlando and just this week purchased an annual pass to Universal.
Bring a AP family from out of state, NJ, it was easy to just find cheaper air every once in a while and fly down for a few days and only have to worry about spending on hotel, food and souvenirs. Now with a few of our group losing their AP it’s not worth it to fly down as often because tix alone cost more than a resort stay and dining. We can no longer afford being able to come down and have a long wknd during all the festivals. Not putting the Florida AP down, but maybe limit those who are local to and not staying on site vs those families “from Denver” who have an AP but still can’t get access to the parks.
The family from Denver can’t afford it anymore…plain and simple. People who were super fans, those who looked forward to planning the next trip, now realize that magic is now gone. We’re heartbroken over it, but that’s the reality of of our beloved Walt Disney World. It’s just not there anymore. 😟😠
I have had an annual pass for over a decade and with the increased cost and no fast passes, I’m not renewing this year. If I were to keep my same pass, my cost would go up $30 a month! That’s $360 for the year! And that’s after a big increase last year. For $1,200 a year I can get both my husband and I the Premium Passes at Universal. Sorry, Disney. Maybe another time.