Things don’t look so enchanting for Disney and the Magic Kingdom these days.
The company is struggling. Its movies no longer bring in the revenues they did in the past, and rising prices at theme parks have left some fans disgruntled. Disney stock also plunged over the past year.
So the House of Mouse is taking a proactive approach to turning things around. Recently, Disney announced several changes designed to make visits to theme parks more appealing.
In a letter released this week, Josh D’Amaro — chairman of Disney parks, experiences and products — announced several changes in response to complaints from guests and feedback from staff.
Following is a look at the changes Disney is undertaking to get you into its theme parks.
New offers
Disney has rolled out a couple of new offers for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Guests now can now buy special two-, three- and four-day Florida Resident Disney Weekday Magic tickets. In addition, a special package is available that gives guests a Disney Dining Promo Card when they stay at select Disney Resort hotels.
Over at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, guests can purchase a three-day SoCal Resident weekday ticket for $73 per day through late May.
More chances to grab lowest-price tickets
Disney says it is “significantly increasing” the number of days when parkgoers can purchase a one-day, one-park ticket at Disneyland’s lowest price: $104.
The increase amounts to nearly two months’ worth of days during a one-year period when these low-price tickets will be available.
More freebies
Those looking for Disney freebies will have more to choose from in 2023. According to D’Amaro’s letter, they include:
- Complimentary digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass attraction photos for all ticketed park guests, beginning Feb. 4 throughout the Disney100 celebration at Disneyland
- Complimentary digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass attraction photos for guests who buy the Disney Genie+ service beginning “in the next few months” at Walt Disney World (Free downloads are available for photos taken on the day of purchase.)
- Complimentary self-parking for guests staying at Disney Resort hotels at Walt Disney World, a perk which began on Jan. 10
Additional flexibility
Some ticket holders will enjoy additional flexibility. For example:
- At Walt Disney World, annual passholders will be able to visit theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation (except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom), starting in “the next few months.”
- At Disneyland, Park Hopper ticket holders can start crossing over earlier in the day (11 a.m.), starting Feb. 4.