In 2020, Disney Parks lost billions of dollars due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, and though 2021 is looking better, it won't be a blockbuster year either, with many predicting 2022 is the soonest theme parks can expect some semblance of "normal" to return. And what is more normal than price hikes for Disney parks?
Earlier this week Disney opened up 2022 bookings and though theme park tickets are still technically in the $109 - $159 price range, guests returning to the resort next year may find that the cost of their vacation has risen, even though to the naked eye, prices remain essentially the same. How did this happen? The addition of more moderate and "peak" price dates to the Walt Disney World calendar.
Though there are plenty of "value" dates that can be found on the 2021 calendar, when it comes to 2022, the lowest-priced days are relegated to late summer and early fall, which are typically when guest levels are extremely light thanks to the start of school and the lull before the Halloween season, which means that is you are traveling during any other season, you can expect to pay a little bit more for your Walt Disney World trip next year.
Also interesting is that even though guests can purchase tickets for 2022, annual passes are still unable to be purchased, which may be an issue for those who purchase passes to save on admission for longer trips. In addition, the Disney Dining Plan remains unavailable for next year, eliminating another avenue for potential savings.
While Disney didn't hike prices in the traditional way that they have in previous years, it looks like they are still trying to make up for their losses in any way that they can with higher average admission prices in 2022, just in time for when large crowds are predicted to return to theme parks.
Comments
Disney is dead to me. They have been down this path for years. From charging to park at the resorts to going up on prices while they continue to cut the park experience back, it's not worth it. They can't even keep up with Universal at this point and once Nintendo World by Universal opens, that is a nail in the coffin for them. The only ones that will still be going are the ones who are Disney traditionalist. Have you seen Nintendo World Japan? My kids were like Disney who when they saw the park walk throughs in Japan on YouTube.