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We just might be getting some good news about pricing at Disney parks!
Pricing and Accessibility at Disney Parks
Since the reopening of Disney Parks after the pandemic shutdown, we have seen many changes related to accessibility and pricing at Walt Disney World and Disneyland. From the removal of free services that defined guest experience like Fastpass+ and Magical Express to the addition of charges and changes like paid Genie+ service, limited park hopping availability, and increased prices on tickets, resorts, and restaurants across the board, there have certainly been many changes to weather for guests.
Some of these changes have led to difficulty for the average American family to visit the Disney parks at the frequency they once might have been able to afford. Some people have effectively been “priced out” of a Disney vacation. With the return of Bob Iger as CEO, we have seen some changes in the positive direction, but many of the unfavorable financial constraints are still in place.
Iger’s Statement
At today’s Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference, Bob Iger made it clear that the focus going forward for the company related to Disney parks will be ensuring that the brand is financially accessible to guests. He stated that the company must be “smarter” about the pricing structure for park experiences and costs for guests.
In this statement, Iger additionally recognized that the company had previously been “too aggressive” with its pricing strategy and that the company must focus on ways to control crowds that don’t include the use of higher prices as a primary strategy.
Impacts and Final Thoughts
These statements are great news for Disney Parks’ guests! Some of the current changes thus far include the lower-priced ticket availability at Disneyland, removal of parking fees and charges at Disney World, more Genie+ features like free PhotoPass downloads for attractions, and the removal of Park Passes for Annual Passholders after 2 p.m. Iger plans to continue to listen to consumers and make changes to improve the guest experience.
After hearing this statement, it seems as though we may just have more good news to come when it comes to our wallets and the Disney parks!
What are your thoughts about Iger’s statements about accessibility and financial strategies? Comment below and be sure to share with a friend!
Share the love!
Wes
Sunday 12th of March 2023
Hmmmmm....seems like the government and taxes: take $10.00 from you then give you back a dollar and everybody is happy because they got a dollar!
Betty Crow
Sunday 12th of March 2023
With the prices they charge now it has become a playground for the rich! It’s sad that hard working middle class families have been priced out of Disney! And expecting a small child to wait in line sometimes an hour plus to get on a ride is unrealistic…I’m sure this was not what Walt had intended Disney to be like….. THE MAGIC IS GONE!
Greg
Saturday 11th of March 2023
Empty platitudes
Matt
Saturday 11th of March 2023
Increased prices are justifiable if they can show the guest experience increases as well. To decrease the guest experience and lay off thousands while increasing prices is a hard pill to swallow.
2turtle20
Saturday 11th of March 2023
I agree 100% After being loyal pass holders since they started offering them and having a family loyalty since opening day (my parents first date) we have declined the stupid keys that you can’t even ger reservations with and haven’t entered the parks since all the un Disney like nonsense rule changes started. It’s not the same place. We are going to Knotts now. More clean and family oriented like the Walt(s) Disney and Knott intended.