Every year, families plan trips to Walt Disney World with the goal of making memories that last a lifetime. But as prices rise and new offerings roll out, some wonder who Disney is tailoring its vacation packages for in 2025.
A Look at Disney’s Earnings
Earlier this month, Disney revealed its fiscal Q3 results, showing $9 billion in revenue for the Disney Experiences division, which includes theme parks, resorts, and cruises. CNBC reported that “domestic theme parks revenue was up 10% to $6.4 billion, in particular as there was an increase in spending at theme parks and higher volumes in passenger cruise days and resort stays.”
Chief Financial Officer Hugh Johnston noted during the earnings call, “I know there’s a lot of concern about the consumer in the U.S. right now. We don’t see it. Our consumer is doing very, very well.” While some analysts have focused on attendance drops at Walt Disney World, Disney has made it clear that higher guest spending is helping offset those numbers.
Dining Plans in the Spotlight
Food has always been part of the magic, and the return of Disney dining plans in 2024 was met with enthusiasm. Two options—the Quick-Service Dining Plan and the Disney Dining Plan—are now available. The Quick-Service Plan provides two Quick-Service meals and a snack, while the Disney Dining Plan includes one table-service and one quick-service meal each day, along with snacks and refillable mugs.
Before the pandemic, guests had four dining plan choices, with the Deluxe Dining Plan offering the most meals and the highest price tag. It included three meals per day—table-service or quick-service—plus snacks and a refillable mug.
While planDisney acknowledged earlier this year that “we simply don’t know” if the Deluxe plan would return, a new survey shared by WDW Magic hints that Disney may be testing interest. Possible names for an updated plan include the On-the-Go Dining Plan, Essentials Dining Plan, and Ultimate Dining Plan. The latter bears a close resemblance to the former Deluxe option, with multiple table-service meals included.
The Deluxe Resort Experience
Premium offerings go beyond dining. Minnie Vans are once again transporting guests between Orlando International Airport and Deluxe Resorts. These cheerful, polka-dotted vehicles offer spacious seating, car seats for children, and wheelchair-accessible options for $199 each way before gratuity.
Another perk—Extended Evening Hours—continues in 2025, giving Deluxe Resort guests exclusive time in EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom after regular park closing.
However, resort construction is widespread. The Yacht and Beach Club’s Stormalong Bay pool has undergone refurbishment through the summer, with other updates stretching into 2027. The Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower are in the midst of renovations through 2026, including pool closures early that year. At the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, lobby updates feature new stained glass, murals, and a bar, though the seasonal gingerbread house tradition is on hold for 2025. Animal Kingdom Lodge and Wilderness Lodge’s Copper Creek Villas are also being refreshed, with work scheduled into 2026 and beyond.
Disney’s Balancing Act
Despite the clear emphasis on Deluxe experiences, Disney leadership has underscored its commitment to a wide range of guests. In February, Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro wrote, “The number-one thing we hear from the millions of guests who visit our parks each year is how much a Disney vacation means to them, and we intentionally offer a wide variety of ticket, hotel, and dining options to welcome as many families as possible, whatever their budget.”
He also pointed to cost-saving measures, noting, “We haven’t increased the lowest-priced ticket to Disneyland since 2019, and we recently introduced a kids’ ticket for as little as $50, just to name a couple of examples.”
Even so, many guests find themselves spending heavily to enjoy features like Lightning Lane passes, which provide faster access to attractions. With the Deluxe Dining Plan possibly returning and premium resort perks expanding, the question remains: is Disney gradually shaping its future around higher-spending visitors?
As 2025 progresses, Disney fans will be watching closely.
