Big changes to tickets coming

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

I only have the details Disney has provided but I will share them all here and update as I hear more. 

 

Walt Disney WorldResort to Debut Date-Based Tickets and Pricing on Oct. 16, 2018

By: Disney Destinations

September 24, 2018

 

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, your Clients 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 you an enhanced way to purchase theme park tickets for your Clients and help them to more easily plan the Disney vacation of their dreams. 

To determine pricing for your Clients who are looking to buy theme park tickets or Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket packages, you should continue to use the booking tools on DisneyTravelAgents.com. Here you’ll be able to purchase tickets for your Clients using an interactive online calendar, which displays different prices based on the dates they choose to visit and states tickets will need to be used during a specific time period. 

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 Parkshas 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. We know that you and your Clients will have questions about this new ticket structure, so we have provided answers to some potential frequently asked questions below. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• When will date-based tickets expire? 

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.

Ticket Duration	Valid Use Period
1-Day Ticket	Only the start date selected
2-Day Ticket	Any 2 days within 4 days beginning on the start date
3-Day Ticket	Any 3 days within 5 days beginning on the start date
4-Day Ticket	Any 4 days within 7 days beginning on the start date
5-Day Ticket	Any 5 days within 8 days beginning on the start date
6-Day Ticket	Any 6 days within 9 days beginning on the start date
7-Day Ticket	Any 7 days within 10 days beginning on the start date
8-Day Ticket	Any 8 days within 12 days beginning on the start date
9-Day Ticket	Any 9 days within 13 days beginning on the start date
10-Day Ticket	Any 10 days within 14 days beginning on the start date

For example, a 6-day base ticket with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov.1 – Nov. 9.

Add the Park Hopper Option to visit more than one Theme Park on the same day. For example, a 6-day ticket with the Park Hopper Option with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov. 1 – Nov. 9.

Add the Park Hopper Plus Option to include visits to the Disney Water Parks and other attractions—along with the ability to visit more than one Theme Park on the same day. This option also extends the period of time within which you may use your ticket by one day. For example, a 6-day ticket with the Park Hopper Plus Option with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov. 1 – Nov. 10.

• When will tickets purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Companypackage expire?

Date-based tickets purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package will have one of the following valid use periods (whichever is longer): (i) the same valid use period described above, OR (ii) a valid use period beginning on the package resort arrival date and ending on the package resort check-out date. See above for the explanation of valid use period and how valid use period is not the same as ticket duration. 

For example, a Guest who purchases a Walt Disney Travel Company package with a 3-Day base ticket and a resort length of stay of 6 nights with an arrival date of Nov. 1; ticket is valid any 3 days from Nov, 1 – Nov. 7.

• Why did you shorten the valid use window for tickets?

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.

• Will you still offer multi-day discounts?

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.

• I already purchased tickets for my upcoming visit. Are my tickets still valid?

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.

• Will I need to pay more for my ticket if I already purchased it prior to Oct. 16?

No. Please be sure to check the specific terms and conditions on your ticket to confirm the expiration policy.

• Are tickets able to be modified – what happens if a guest needs to change their date?

Yes, you will be able to modify tickets for your Clients 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.

• Are stand-alone water park tickets included in this change? 

1-Day Water Park Tickets are not included in this change.

• Is date-based pricing being implemented at other sites at this time? 
  This is only being implemented at Walt Disney World Resort at this time.

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

Uh-oh. That's a lot of words, but none saying how much the tickets are going to cost. Hold on to your wallets. 

TCD

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

Just now, Tri-Circle-D said:

Uh-oh. That's a lot of words, but none saying how much the tickets are going to cost. Hold on to your wallets. 

TCD

Yep. We will hear on October 16th unless they release the pricing early. 

 

Wish i I had more info to share. Still deciphering all this myself and will have to see what comes with future info. 

[Robin 48]

What is a flex ticket? Is this new?

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

3 minutes ago, Robin said:

What is a flex ticket? Is this new?

Looks to be. 

[Littleolwoman.aka.Kristie 119]

45 minutes ago, Robin said:

What is a flex ticket? Is this new?

Just read this from chip&co.

"It appears that in order to price and purchase your tickets, you must select the exact date which you will first be visiting the parks. There is a calendar which will show you per-day pricing allowing you to select the most affordable day to begin your visit. For those who are not planning on selecting their park days, for an additional fee, you can select a “flexible” park ticket which allows you to visit on any day. At this time the flexible park ticket option appears to be $50 per person."

[slices 16]

I'm assuming this will effect my current strategy of buying a four day FL resident ticket and using the reaming days over 6 months.  Might well drive me towards APs if this is the case.

[tim5055 120]

1 hour ago, slices said:

I'm assuming this will effect my current strategy of buying a four day FL resident ticket and using the reaming days over 6 months.  Might well drive me towards APs if this is the case.

Yea, they are catching on to how we can extend tickets and use them on multiple visits.  Before the non-expiring tickets went away the wife & I picked up 2 10 day park hoppers each. I will probably cry when all those days are gone.....

[Tri-Circle-D 2,059]

49 minutes ago, slices said:

I'm assuming this will effect my current strategy of buying a four day FL resident ticket and using the reaming days over 6 months.  Might well drive me towards APs if this is the case.

Disney always wins.

Just now, tim5055 said:

Yea, they are catching on to how we can extend tickets and use them on multiple visits.  Before the non-expiring tickets went away the wife & I picked up 2 10 day park hoppers each. I will probably cry when all those days are gone.....

Disney always wins.

Seriously, whenever there's a loophole or strategy that guests figure out that might save a couple of bucks, Disney cracks down on it.

And,  they will keep on closing those loopholes until the money stops flowing.

TCD

[tim5055 120]

12 minutes ago, Tri-Circle-D said:

Disney always wins.

Seriously, whenever there's a loophole or strategy that guests figure out that might save a couple of bucks, Disney cracks down on it.

And,  they will keep on closing those loopholes until the money stops flowing.

TCD

I get it, Disney needs to make a profit, that is what they are in business for.  But, they are pricing themselves out of the market.

 

We find that we take more trips to Sandals Resorts than we take to Disney now.   I'm sure our age and things we like to do factor in, but I just priced a 7 day Disney trip and compared it to a 7 day Sandals trip

 

So, here goes-

October 30 – November 6, 2019  2 Adults

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

5-Day Ticket with Park Hopper Option

Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

$4,839.70

 

October 30 – November 6, 2019  2 Adults

Sandals Montego Bay

Caribbean Seaside Oceanview Luxury Room

Beer/Wine/Soda in your room

All drinks/meals all day long

SCUBA Diving, Tennis, Basketball, Racquetball & Squash, Fitness centers, Indoor & pub games, Billiards, Table Tennis, Shuffleboards Beach volleyball, Water volleyball,Lawn games

Did I mention all drinks and meals?

$3,800

 

[Travisma 1,317]

11 minutes ago, tim5055 said:

I get it, Disney needs to make a profit, that is what they are in business for.  But, they are pricing themselves out of the market.

 

We find that we take more trips to Sandals Resorts than we take to Disney now.   I'm sure our age and things we like to do factor in, but I just priced a 7 day Disney trip and compared it to a 7 day Sandals trip

 

So, here goes-

October 30 – November 6, 2019  2 Adults

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

5-Day Ticket with Park Hopper Option

Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

$4,839.70

 

October 30 – November 6, 2019  2 Adults

Sandals Montego Bay

Caribbean Seaside Oceanview Luxury Room

Beer/Wine/Soda in your room

All drinks/meals all day long

SCUBA Diving, Tennis, Basketball, Racquetball & Squash, Fitness centers, Indoor & pub games, Billiards, Table Tennis, Shuffleboards Beach volleyball, Water volleyball,Lawn games

Did I mention all drinks and meals?

$3,800

 

Great prices, but it’s not Disney!  And for every one person that decides not to go to Disney, ten will take their place.  Disney has gone from a family friendly, affordable priced destination to a high priced exclusive money grubbing park.  

[tim5055 120]

1 minute ago, Travisma said:

Great prices, but it’s not Disney!  And for every one person that decides not to go to Disney, ten will take their place.  Disney has gone from a family friendly, affordable priced destination to a high priced exclusive money grubbing park.  

I agree with both points.  But, until folks vote with their feet Disney will keep raising prices....

[Littleolwoman.aka.Kristie 119]

32 minutes ago, tim5055 said:

I get it, Disney needs to make a profit, that is what they are in business for.  But, they are pricing themselves out of the market.

 

We find that we take more trips to Sandals Resorts than we take to Disney now.   I'm sure our age and things we like to do factor in, but I just priced a 7 day Disney trip and compared it to a 7 day Sandals trip

 

So, here goes-

October 30 – November 6, 2019  2 Adults

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

5-Day Ticket with Park Hopper Option

Disney Deluxe Dining Plan

$4,839.70

 

October 30 – November 6, 2019  2 Adults

Sandals Montego Bay

Caribbean Seaside Oceanview Luxury Room

Beer/Wine/Soda in your room

All drinks/meals all day long

SCUBA Diving, Tennis, Basketball, Racquetball & Squash, Fitness centers, Indoor & pub games, Billiards, Table Tennis, Shuffleboards Beach volleyball, Water volleyball,Lawn games

Did I mention all drinks and meals?

$3,800

 

Are you flying down on both trips? What is the travel price break down for both trips? I love Disney but I love exploring other options.

[tim5055 120]

34 minutes ago, Littleolwoman.aka.Kristie said:

Are you flying down on both trips? What is the travel price break down for both trips? I love Disney but I love exploring other options.

Obviously the originating city of a flight can affect the pricing.  If you are anywhere near a SoutWest city that helps hold down the costs. 

I have a trip to Jamaica booked for April and I'm waiting for SWA to release the last half of April on Thursday.

As of today Delta and American are pricing between $650 - $800 a seat, but my guess is when SWA releases on Thursday I can get on them for around $400 a seat.

Just look at flights from your local airport to MBJ  (Montego Bay Jamaica)

 

[twiceblessed....nacole 433]

13 hours ago, Travisma said:

Great prices, but it’s not Disney!  And for every one person that decides not to go to Disney, ten will take their place.  Disney has gone from a family friendly, affordable priced destination to a high priced exclusive money grubbing park.  

^this^

[Grumpy and Grandma 740]

14 hours ago, Travisma said:

 Disney has gone from a family friendly, 🤔affordable priced destination to a high priced exclusive money grubbing park.  

That is full of "Families"......

[keith_h 420]

19 hours ago, Katman1356...Jason said:

increased capacity and resulted in high levels of guest satisfaction.

increased capacity has resulted in excess crowding leading to high levels of guest dissatisfaction.

I'd sure like to have some of whatever they're smoking. I fixed it for them.

17 hours ago, Littleolwoman.aka.Kristie said:

"It appears that in order to price and purchase your tickets, you must select the exact date which you will first be visiting the parks. There is a calendar which will show you per-day pricing allowing you to select the most affordable day to begin your visit. For those who are not planning on selecting their park days, for an additional fee, you can select a “flexible” park ticket which allows you to visit on any day. At this time the flexible park ticket option appears to be $50 per person."

Of course the option that fits the way we go to the parks would become an add-on option increasing our cost. We have no idea when we buy our tickets which park we will be visiting on what day until we are there. With Disney tending to add extra cost events or changing extra magic hours over the months it is hard to know what days have the longest access until right before your trip. I can only surmise this is punishment for Rene and I not attending Disney's dessert parties. 

[Seals 111]

Wow this sounds incredibly complicated. More planning, planning, planning.  And what does it do to buying tickets from places like Undercover Tourist? Are they going to have the ability to have specific start dates for tickets.  Should I be buying tickets from them now for a vacation next year?   Or if buying from Disney should I wait until the last possible moment in case I change my plans?

------------------------------------------------

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. (or further price out people who are limited to being able to go at certain times)

But remember:

In the past five years alone, Disney Parkshas 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 (that cost even more money) to provide guests with something new when they visit (ignore those things you loved that we've taken away and not replaced). Guests tell us new offerings, paired with our immersive storytelling and creativity, is a magical part of the Disney experience.

😂  

[Seals 111]

1 hour ago, Grumpy and Grandma said:

That is full of "Families"......

Families who have the increasingly  larger amounts of money needed for a Disney vacation, but families none the less...

Edited to add: This is me doubting that the lowest cost tickets under the new system are going to be any less than the current lowest cost tickets, but we'll see.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

I want to take Anna to WDW for her high school graduation in May 2030.  Do I have to pick those specific park dates now, or can I wait a couple more years?

[BradyBzLyn...Mo 2,023]

6 minutes ago, DaveInTN said:

I want to take Anna to WDW for her high school graduation in May 2030.  Do I have to pick those specific park dates now, or can I wait a couple more years?

Better buy your tickets now. You're going to need the next 12 years to plan your dining.

[slices 16]

Wonder if this means that they won't be offering the  FL resident Discovery tickets next year.

[Travisma 1,317]

I know that people who have been visiting Disney for years can become jaded with all of the upcharges, money grubbing schemes, etc and lament for the good old days.

I'll admit, I'm one of them.

And as much as I hate to see the prices going up and up, if you break down what you get for your $$, it's still a pretty good deal.  Compare the cost of  Disney with going to a county or state fair with their sketchy, maybe properly maintained rides and overpriced foods.  Or see how much a boat or train ride would cost you elsewhere.

And Disney's costs for everything from paperclips, to wages, to utilities have risen also.  And yes their ticket prices have risen a lot higher that various cost of living increases, but people still come.

I just wish that if they want to do all of their extra priced dinner/desert party options, that they set aside (or build) special areas for them, and stop intruding into areas that used to be open to everyone.

[Robin 48]

I agree with you. It's expensive to do anything right now. A vacation is what you make of it. Some people don't care how much things cost when they are on vacation. Others can't or won't spend money to eat at the parks or do the extra things but, still have just as much fun as those that do. We have been members at six flags for about 5 years every year they keep upping the cost of the dinning plan and they keep changing the passes and memberships. It's not just Disney.

[Travisma 1,317]

21 minutes ago, Robin said:

I agree with you. It's expensive to do anything right now. A vacation is what you make of it. Some people don't care how much things cost when they are on vacation. Others can't or won't spend money to eat at the parks or do the extra things but, still have just as much fun as those that do. We have been members at six flags for about 5 years every year they keep upping the cost of the dinning plan and they keep changing the passes and memberships. It's not just Disney.

We have had 3 Seaworld Platinum Passes for I think 7 years now.  They are good at every Seaworld/Busch Gardens/Sesame Place/and all of their waterparks.  We originally got them as a 2 year pass and set it up to pay monthly. We have paid less than $32 a month combined since then for all three passes, and as far as I can tell it'll continue that way until we drop them or miss a couple of payments causing them to stop.

The only thing that has changed is we are no longer eligible for premium passholder freebies at any of the parks other than the one we purchased the passes at.  We used to get free $10 Busch Bucks twice a year to spend on anything in the park, but no more.  We do still get dining specials, lanyards, etc., and Sunday I got free beer at Seaworld.

We have fun at the parks, but again they still aren't "Disney".  Most of their characters are pretty lame (other than the Sesame Street ones).