Next week, the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Central Florida, will officially alter its operations.
The Disney theme parks in Florida comprise a large part of the Sunshine State’s tourism. Magic Kingdom, Disney World’s first and flagship park, is the most visited theme park destination in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. In the last half-a-decade, that is, in the time since the coronavirus pandemic shut down the industry, Disney World–and neighboring locations like Universal Orlando Resort–have had to significantly alter their operations in order to cater to and meet guest expectations.
One big criticism Disney Experiences has faced in recent years is the rising costs of a vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort–and how much guests need to fork out once they are through the Mickey and Minnie Mouse bordered gates. Prices of things like accommodation, food and beverage, and tickets have increased, with the resort also debuting new features like the paid-for “FastPass” service: the Lightning Lane Single, Multi, and Premier Passes (formerly Disney Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lane Selections).
All that to say, Disney World is expensive. The criticism aimed at the House of Mouse has seemingly been picked up on Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger and his Disney Experiences leader, Josh D’Amaro. Recently, both executives commented on cost, with the former comparing the value of Disney World to being better than other expensive offerings like concerts and sporting events.
D’Amaro recently followed up on his previous statements about the Disney resort being welcoming to families on all kinds of budgets by echoing Iger’s value statements. At the recent MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference, D’Amaro stated his mission.
“How do we create experiences, and pricing structures and optionality, to invite as many families as possible into these experiences? That’s my mission,” he said at the conference via WDWMagic. “There are very few places in the world where you can have a 10, 12, 16-hour experience. Attractions, Broadway-style entertainment, food, fireworks, character meet-and-greets—it’s all there.”
The Disney Experiences chairman stated that the Disneyland Resort ticket price is the same as it was six or seven years ago and that guests can still stay in a Value Resort at Walt Disney World. The value is strong, but that doesn’t eschew the cost for guests. Not only that, but for the last six years, the Walt Disney World Resort has operated as a five-park destination instead of six.
Since the pandemic closures and subsequent reopening of the Florida resort, Disney World has run the water theme parks on an alternating schedule. Over winter, Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park will operate and in the spring through summer, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will welcome guests. But on May 21–next week–Disney will officially become a six-park resort once again with all parks operating at the same time.
Blizzard Beach closed on April 30 following its 30th anniversary celebrations, with Typhoon Lagoon opening its gates to guests on May 1. The short closure of Blizzard Beach means Disney can refresh the location ahead of its reopening on May 21.
“For the first time since 2019, Disney World will have all 6 of our parks—all 4 theme parks and 2 water parks—open at the same time,” Disney said at the time. “From May 21 through September 7, Disney World guests can enjoy the tropical shipwreck oasis of Typhoon Lagoon and the frosty fun of Blizzard Beach water park.”
This is undoubtedly to be an exciting summer for the Walt Disney World Resort, and the timing of the six-park opening is seemingly not at random. The day after, on May 22, Universal Orlando Resort will officially open its third theme park gate: Universal Epic Universe. Years in the making, and following weeks of previews for team members, passholders, and hotel guests, Epic Universe will open to the public, dramatically altering the theme park landscape of Central Florida.
While some may think Disney will fear this opening of a brand new theme park when they are yet to announce (the long-awaited) fifth gate at Disney World, Josh D’Amaro explains that it’s a good thing.
“We’re always on the offensive… We’re constantly investing for the long term, fortifying each one of our theme parks,” D’Amaro said at the MoffettNathanson Media, Internet & Communications Conference via Variety. “If something is built new in central Florida, like Epic Universe, that tourist is going to have to visit the Magic Kingdom.”
Looking ahead to the Magic Kingdom’s upcoming events, Disney also recently announced the dates–and historically high prices–for its annual fall experience, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The party will commence on August 15 and run through Halloween night on October 31. Guests will be able to experience exclusive character meet and greets, the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular, Disney’s Boo-To-You Parade, and plenty of trick or treat stations around the park.
2025 may be Disneyland Resort’s year to celebrate its 70th anniversary, but Disney World looks set to battle Epic Universe in the Sunshine State.
How do you feel about all six theme parks finally being open at the Walt Disney World Resort this summer? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!
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