LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Walt Disney World has revamped its annual and season pass system, raising prices and making changes.
Disney has increased prices, with the passes including new benefits, such as free parking for annual pass holders. Disney now sells two passes with blackout dates, with the pricier one allowing people to visit more days.
The $329 seasonal pass is now gone. Instead there are gold and silver passes, costing $549 and $389, respectively for Florida residents. The platinum plus pass, which has no blackout dates, is now $729 for state residents, and includes admission to four Walt Disney World theme parks, two water parks and other attractions.
Disney says the new system was designed to offer pass holders more options.
Some current pass holders said the new pricing may put passes out of reach for families.
"We did the monthly payments, between the two of us we spent $600-700 a year," said Amanda Tullis, who holds a soon-to-be-discontinued seasonal pass. "So now with almost double, I don't know if we can afford to do that."
Current passes remain valid through their expiration dates.
Disney also said Monday it is considering "demand-based" pricing, much like hotels and airlines use: offering lower rates for offseason or offpeak periods.
"We continue to evolve the way we think about managing demand - particularly during our busiest seasons - in order to deliver a world-class experience for our guests," said Bryan M. Malenius, External Communications, Walt Disney World Resort. "In addition to continuing to expand, we are also exploring pricing options that could help spread out visitation throughout the year."
Disney said as it has expanded and continues to expand, it adds capacity. Disney said the new Star Wars land and Toy Story land coming to Hollywood Studios will allow for greater capacity to help accommodate the additional crowds. But Disney is also exploring "demand-pricing" to even out crowds during slower parts of the year and allow families to adjust their vacations accordingly if saving money is a priority.
Disney said there is no timetable for a decision.