Disney World celebrated its 50th anniversary in April 2022.
Aaronp / Power Griffin | Gc’s photo Getty Images
Disney It’s been making some changes to its theme parks this year, spurred on by feedback from guests who have complained about high prices and long waiting times.
In a letter Tuesday, Parks and Resorts President Josh D’Amaro told employees about a number of tweaks to the reservation and ticketing system as well as annual membership perks.
“As we step into this bright future, it is important that we continually evolve to help deliver the best guest experience possible,” D’Amaro wrote. “Many of you know I’m in the parks a lot and I listen to you and our guests about things that are working as well as things that might need some tweaking.”
These updates to the parks’ operations come less than two months after CEO Bob Iger returned to the company’s helm, promising a two-year term that would spur renewed growth. However, the Parks moves are said to be unrelated to Egger’s return.
Disney made sweeping changes to operations when the pandemic hit in 2020, after Bob Chapek took over as CEO, and forced long-term closures of its domestic and international parks. This included integrating an online reservation system, which required guests to plan visits in advance before arriving at the parks, and reducing capacity.
During this time, Disney also pushed guests towards touchless payment options, such as magic bands, mobile ordering, and checkout. Although contactless payments are no longer required and guests can once again pay with cash, many guests have made the transition to these new methods.
In addition, Disney launched the Genie and Genie+ itinerary programs along with a skip-the-line initiative called Lightning Lane. These digital offerings are designed to improve guest experiences at the parks, allowing them to schedule their days more effectively, with access to estimated wait times and restaurant reservations. They also gave guests the option to pay for a shorter wait at Disney’s top attractions.
While many guests embraced these new programs, others complained about the high cost of tickets to local Disney theme parks. It has also been reported that many guests buy into Lightning Lane access, and that the private line still often means waiting time for those looking to get on the ride quickly.
Tuesday’s announcement addresses some, but not all, of those concerns, D’Amaro told park employees in his letter.
Disneyland Resort
At its Disneyland resort in California, the company is increasing the number of days it will offer the lowest-priced single-park ticket for one day, adding nearly two months more days in 2023. These tickets cost $104 and allow guests to enter either Disneyland or California adventure.
For those who purchase Park Hopper tickets, which give access to both California theme parks, the ability to switch from one park to another will open at 11 a.m. starting Feb. 4. Move to the second park.
In celebration of Disney’s 100th anniversary, the company is offering free Disney PhotoPass digital downloads of attraction photos to all park guests with tickets starting February 4.
The company will also open its Magic Key program more often during the year, subject to stock availability. This annual success program has four levels, each with a different ‘key’. It also offers entry to parks, sometimes with no-go dates, and savings on food, beverages, merchandise, and food, depending on the key.
Walt Disney World Resort
At Florida-based Disney parks, annual pass holders will be allowed to visit after 2 p.m. without a park reservation. The only exception is Saturday and Sunday for the Magic Kingdom. Blackout dates will still apply based on the program category selected by guests.
Guests who book a stay at a Disney Resort hotel starting January 10 will receive free parking.
Plus, Disney is set to add free digital downloads of attraction photos for guests who purchase the Genie+ service.
“I’m excited about all of these changes and offerings and want you to know we’re committed to listening, adapting, and staying relentlessly focused on making the guest experience at Disney parks better,” D’Amaro wrote.
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