Publicly, executives at the Walt Disney Company insist that the May opening of Universal’s Epic Universe doesn’t have them spooked at all.
Sure, it’s the first full theme park to open in Orlando in 26 years, and Comcast is reportedly sinking about $6 billion into constructing the most cutting-edge family attraction in the United States. But in a recent earnings call, Disney CEO Bob Iger would only confess to anticipating “some small impact for Epic Universe opening.”
Okay, fine, Disney suits say they’re not worried. But what are they doing?
They’re cutting prices during the height of summer vacation season. That’s what they’re doing.
From May 27 through September 20—prime summer family travel time—Walt Disney World will slash the price of a kid’s ticket by 50% as long as you stay for 3 or more days. The deal applies whether you’re staying at a Disney hotel or not.
At Disney, kids are only kids between the ages of 3 and 9. After that, they pay adult rates. Ticket prices also change by the day at Disney, so the amount you’ll save depends on the days you go. The terrific Disney discount site MouseSavers has a breakdown of child ticket prices here.
Additionally, Disney has said it’s bringing back its Dining Plan as a free perk for customers who come to the parks between June 29 and December 22. Specifically, dates are divided into three windows: June 29 to September 30, October 20 to November 1, and December 6 to December 22.
For the free meals, you have to stay at a Disney hotel for at least a 4-night, 4-day package that includes tickets with a Park Hopper option, the standard add-on that allows you to visit more than one Disney theme park in a single day.
If you stay at Disney hotels in the Value or Moderate price range, you get the dining plan that allows for counter-service food. Guests at Deluxe hotels, which are Disney’s most expensive, can choose to have their free meals at table-service restaurants instead. (That sounds nice, but would require you to secure reservations for every meal, which can be a pain.) Everyone staying in your room with you has to be on the same plan.
Tickets and packages can be purchased at the Walt Disney World website or by calling 407/934-7639. Be warned that Disney has not said when these promotions will end, so they could be rescinded at any time.
There you have it. Disney is cutting prices on tickets and food this summer—do you think the company is worried?
Who cares? Families are winning.