It’s near-impossible to discuss Disney’s theme parks nowadays without discussing how expensive they’ve become. From park tickets to food, every element of the Disney experience has soared in price since COVID-19, with even Disney reportedly concerned about what it’s doing to its clientele.
According to a report from The Wall Street Journal in February, some employees fear that the company is “addicted to price hikes” and has now crossed the limit of what the average middle-class American family – AKA Disney’s core consumer base – can actually afford.
Internally, there have also apparently been more frequent discussions questioning whether Disney is “losing their grip on the hearts and wallets of families with young kids.”
Is Disney On The Verge of Reducing Prices?
That’s not a sentence we say (or type) lightly.
The prospect of Disney making things cheaper may sound laughable, but as concerns grow about the cost of living – nevermind the cost of a Disney vacation – we wouldn’t be overly shocked if the parks do start introducing more affordable alternatives on property.
We saw proof that this could happen for ourselves this week when EPCOT introduced a more affordable way to experience its Takumi-Tei tasting menu in the Japan Pavilion. Instead of charging guests $250 a head, there’s now a lighter menu with just four courses for $150 apiece.
Disney Introduces Higher Discounts For Passholders
On the same note, Disney has introduced better discounts for passholders at another park this week.
As per DLP Report, Disneyland Paris passholders can temporarily enjoy a greater discount on merchandise at the resort, which spans both Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, and the various hotels.
Until April 6, Gold Disneyland Passholders will get 20% off merchandise instead of 15%, while Silver Disneyland Passholders will enjoy 15% instead of 10%.
🛍 A new shopping offer increasing the standard merchandise discount rate is in effect starting today and until April 6 for select Disneyland Pass holders:
– Gold: 20%
– Silver: 15% pic.twitter.com/h6ZDGgv7TH— DLP Report (@DLPReport) March 15, 2025
This isn’t the first perk to hit a Disney Annual Pass system this week. Back across the pond at Walt Disney World Resort, the down payments for its passes were quietly slashed after a steady stream of price increases lately.
Previously, securing a Disneyland annual pass required making a $205 down payment, with monthly fees ranging from $25 to $121 depending on the tier. Now, Disney has lowered the initial cost to $99, but the monthly rates have increased, ranging from $34 to $130.
That doesn’t mean the passes are cheaper, necessarily. However, the lower down payment does make securing a pass much more accessible than it once was.
How else do you think Disney could improve affordability?
