Walt Disney World has introduced a trio of main modifications–one in all which is kind of shocking–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 massive wins from final 12 months, proper there!)
Walt Disney World additionally notes that 2023 brings much more to stay 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 had been additionally introduced right now. Personally, I’d additionally add “removal of the Water Tacos and Stargate” to that listing 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 visitors staying at Walt Disney World Resort motels.
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 visitors additionally proceed to obtain complimentary normal 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 equivalent 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 be capable to go to the theme parks after 2 pm with no need a park reservation, besides on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom.
Pass blockout dates will proceed to use like they do right now. 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 stated, Walt Disney World additionally realizes that Annual Passholders get pleasure from extra spontaneous visits – and this modification will make that attainable. Passholders will even 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 info.
A begin date for these choices will likely be shared quickly with Annual Passholders, in addition to details about a brand new providing that’s deliberate the place you’ll be able to create and share brief Disney-themed video slideshows with favourite pictures out of your theme park visits.
On-Ride Photo Downloads Coming to Genie+
Beginning within the subsequent few months, visitors buying the Genie+ service will even obtain digital downloads of their Disney PhotoPass attraction pictures, taken within the park on the day of their buy, at no extra cost. This is much like the coverage already in place at Disneyland, however solely relevant to on-ride pictures.
Attraction pictures 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 will likely be introduced at a later time.
Walt Disney World concluded the announcement with the next notice:
We will maintain 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 not too long ago added the flexibility to change Disney Genie+ attraction alternatives within the My Disney Experience app, started mechanically making theme park reservations with the acquisition of 1-day, 1-park particular tickets and made our eating reservation coverage extra versatile if you want to 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 affords on occasion for Florida residents and different visitors.
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 (edited for brevity):
Happy New Year everybody!
What a tremendous 12 months we had! There was a lot to have fun – 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 successful shopper merchandise, books, and video games and a ton extra. So, I needed to start out off the brand new 12 months by saying how PROUD and THANKFUL I’m for every of you. You are an unbelievable crew!
Not solely did you introduce thrilling new merchandise and experiences to our visitors, however you additionally navigated via a major quantity of change by way of how we function our enterprise. These modifications had been centered on creating a greater expertise for our visitors and constructing a future the place we’re consistently 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.
As we step into this shiny future it is necessary that we constantly evolve to assist ship the very best visitor expertise attainable. Many of you realize that I’m within the parks pretty typically … and I hearken to you and to our visitors concerning the issues which might 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 visitors have requested for and also you’ve shared with me. And whereas this doesn’t tackle everybody’s suggestions, these modifications will enhance flexibility and add worth to our visitors’ expertise.
I’m enthusiastic about all of those modifications and affords and wish 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 visitors join with Disney such as you do. And whereas it’s straightforward to have fun the merchandise we make, the moments we create, and the experiences we offer … I believe it’s necessary that we acknowledge all of YOU who make it occur.
Thank you for all that you just do. Here’s to a tremendous 2023! Cheers!
Josh
Our Commentary on Changes at Walt Disney World
This before everything seems like a vindication of the excessive hopes Disney followers have for large modifications 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 had been raised within the weeks after Iger returned, however maybe essentially the most notable one lined how Bob Iger was “alarmed” by Walt Disney World worth 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 modifications, 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 e-newsletter, one which talks a great sport however is meaningless with out motion to help it. Well, right now is that motion!
With that stated, we’ve gotta admit to being stunned by the specifics of this information. Our “wish list” of optimistic modifications that Iger might realistically make (see 7 Good Changes CEO Bob Iger Could Make to “Fix” Walt Disney World) included just 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 visitors. We hate the cost for parking, and thought it was a foul resolution that diminished the differentiation between Disney and its real-world counterparts. Nevertheless, it didn’t make our want listing for a number of causes–all of which boiling all the way down to our pondering that it was “unrealistic” to undo.
First, the charge was carried out beneath 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 provide that up as soon as firms 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 stated, we’ve famous earlier than that few bulletins had 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%+ in opposition to the parking charges.)
At the time, that was essentially the most controversial change we had seen from Walt Disney World. It has in all probability since been surpassed by reactions to the tip 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 (however it was fairly clearly right here to remain when parking costs elevated in early 2020).
We’ve documented quite a lot of worth 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 form 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 at the very least some extent of grumbling about worth will increase.
Usually, what occurs is that when individuals get the complaining out of their methods, they go about their trip habits as regular. Some persons are sadly priced out, however in our (admittedly anecdotal) observations, they characterize a minority of visitors. And if attendance traits are any indication, those that are priced out are changed by (extra) new visitors.
The response to the resort parking charge felt completely different. It was extra emotional than regular. My overarching evaluation (once more, anecdotal) of the suggestions is that Walt Disney World followers are usually snug 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 believe the grassroots ‘campaigns’ on social media and crowd-sourced overview 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 charge. It appeared like a bridge too far for lots of followers, and I questioned whether or not the income was really value all the outrage and harm to the model’s popularity.
While followers typically discuss an enormous sport about being “done with Disney,” I do know a number of who really adopted via and both give up visiting or give up staying on-site because of the parking charge. Again, completely anecdotal, however I believe that did quite a lot of model and goodwill harm. Until now, it didn’t actually look like Disney cared. That the income stream was extra worthwhile than the misplaced enterprise, which, it seems, was changed with completely different clients who fortunately stuffed the rooms and paid the charges.
As for what’s inflicting the rollback of the resort parking charge…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 rationalization is that the parking charge was a pet “project” of Bob Chapek, who was recognized for creating new income streams the place none beforehand existed.
Chapek was chairman of Parks & Resorts when the parking charge was launched, so that might try. 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 under the CEO’s pay grade.
It’s additionally attainable that visitor satisfaction scores have been unfavorable, particularly pointing to parking charges, inflicting the corporate to reevaluate a variety of its most unpopular latest selections. From the skin, it’s actually tough to know the way the choice to “undo” lodge parking charges went down.
It’s additionally (arguably) unfair to easily blame all the pieces unhealthy on Chapek and good on Iger/D’Amaro. Honestly, although, I’m not significantly involved with being honest to Bob Chapek. Especially on this case, when the unhealthy change was made beneath him, and the nice 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 positively believable, however I extremely doubt it. We’ve been incessantly trying ahead to a fizzling of pent-up demand and a normalization of discounting and all the pieces 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 remains to be coming down from historic highs in resort occupancy and per visitor spending, coupled with unprecedentedly low reductions. Special affords have gotten extra plentiful, however from a baseline during the last 2 years of very unhealthy.
Keep in thoughts that the parking charge was carried out again in 2018. That was previous to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and different main additions debuted–virtually an eternity in the past by Walt Disney World requirements. Occupancy and per visitor spending had been nowhere close to as robust as they’re right now–or will likely be even beneath a “worst case scenario” (for Disney, not followers) for the rest of 2023.
In brief, the reversal of the resort parking charge resolution can’t be pushed by fears over a slowdown within the economic system, recession, or Disney’s enterprise being on the decline. Whatever considerations may exist there going ahead, Disney isn’t going from unprecedented success to panic. The elimination of resort parking charges virtually definitely should be a mandate from on-high, and sure 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 positively is. (Once once more, there’s a motive 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 modifications Walt Disney World. For a lot of the final two years, their arms have been tied resulting from initiatives and expectations from above.
From my perspective, right now’s information displays a foundational paradigm shift. No, undoing all the unpopular modifications received’t occur instantly–or in any respect. But primarily based on the wording of this announcement, it’s fairly clear that powerful 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 understand fan goodwill is frayed and that they should undo the harm accomplished by the Chapek regime. It’s a small begin, however it’s a serious transfer in the fitting route–and a breath of recent air. As thrilling because the TRON Lightcycle Run and Happily Ever After debut dates are, we predict this is essentially the most consequential information of the day. Kudos to everybody who made all of this occur.
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Learn about motels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To get monetary savings 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 novel have a look at intelligent objects 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 start out is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for all the pieces you want to know!
Your Thoughts
What do you consider these 3 massive modifications to the visitor expertise at Walt Disney World? Happy about these strikes or do they not impression you? Surprised that Disney is rolling again the resort parking charge, 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 help you reply? Hearing your suggestions—even while you disagree with us—is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!