The theme park world shifted today. After years of anticipation, Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe has finally opened its gates, welcoming crowds to a new era of theme park innovation with dazzling lands themed to Super Nintendo, How to Train Your Dragon, and more. But while all eyes were on Universal’s shiny new park, Disney was quietly planning a strategic strike of its own—one that could tip the scales for returning visitors.
In a move that surprised many, Walt Disney World chose this very day to unveil a massive resort discount that stretches all the way through December 2026. A coincidence? Hardly. The timing feels deliberate. But what exactly is Disney offering, and why now?
Epic Universe Opens; Disney Responds – Up to 35% off Disney Resort Stays—Here’s What’s New
Disney’s just-expanded Resort Future Stay Offer allows current resort guests to book their next stay within 7 days of checking out and save big:
-
🏰 Up to 35% off Deluxe & Deluxe Villa Resorts
-
🌴 Up to 30% off Moderate Resorts
-
🎈 Up to 25% off Value Resorts
This offer is valid for a wide range of travel dates through late 2026, giving returning guests a huge incentive to stick with Disney—even as Epic Universe becomes the hottest new attraction in town.
2025–2026 Travel Windows to Save
Disney’s offer isn’t just a short-term flash deal. Instead, it gives guests multiple date ranges over two full years to cash in on savings.
🗓️ 2025 Eligible Dates:
-
May 26 – July 2
-
July 7 – August 28
-
September 1 – 30
-
October 26 – November 26
-
November 30 – December 24
🗓️ 2026 Eligible Dates:
-
January 12 – 15
-
January 19 – 23
-
February 8 – 12
-
February 15 – 19
-
February 22 – 25
-
March 3 – May 21
-
May 25 – July 1
-
July 6 – September 2
-
September 7 – 29
-
October 26 – 31
These ranges are ideal for spring break trips, summer vacations, fall getaways, and even select holiday windows.
What Resorts Are Included?
From luxury stays to budget-friendly options, the discount spans all resort tiers:
🌟 Deluxe & Deluxe Villas (Up to 35% Off):
-
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
-
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
-
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
-
Disney’s Beach Club Resort
-
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
-
And others
🌿 Moderate Resorts (Up to 30% Off):
-
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
-
Port Orleans – Riverside & French Quarter
-
Caribbean Beach Resort
🎨 Value Resorts (Up to 25% Off):
-
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
-
Pop Century Resort
-
All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports
These discounts are only available to guests currently staying at a Disney Resort hotel, and they must book their next stay within 7 days of checkout.
Is This the “Epic Universe Effect”?
Disney’s sudden, well-timed announcement suggests a subtle—but significant—acknowledgment: Epic Universe is real competition. Universal’s new park is expected to attract millions of guests, drawing some families and travelers who might have otherwise defaulted to Disney.
Rather than react with new attractions or splashy announcements, Disney is playing a different card—loyalty and value.
By offering deep discounts to guests already on property, Disney is essentially saying:
“Before you try something new… come back. We’ll make it worth your while.”
It’s a smart move aimed at retaining repeat guests and encouraging future bookings while excitement for Epic Universe is at its peak.
What This Means for Theme Park Fans
This isn’t just a deal—it’s a strategic maneuver in the growing rivalry between Disney and Universal. While Epic Universe introduces cutting-edge lands and new intellectual properties, Disney is leaning on its strengths: immersive theming, guest service, and iconic resort experiences.
The result? A new phase in the Orlando theme park battle—one that doesn’t just play out in rides and lands, but in vacation planning calendars and family budgets.
For Disney loyalists, this offer could be the perfect excuse to lock in a future visit at a discounted rate. For curious travelers considering Universal’s new offerings, it might just make them pause.
Should You Take the Offer? If You’re Not Going to Epic Universe Anytime Soon, Yes
If you’re currently staying at a Disney Resort or planning a visit soon, this deal is a no-brainer—especially if you’ve got a return trip in mind for 2025 or 2026. With up to 35% savings, the cost of your next vacation could drop significantly.
Even more, it reinforces the idea that Disney is still very much in the game, and willing to compete on value as well as magic.
On the day Universal’s Epic Universe opens to fanfare and fireworks, Disney delivers a calculated counterpunch—not with new rides, but with a promise of savings and loyalty. The “Epic Universe Effect” may be real, but Disney’s not backing down. Instead, it’s inviting you to return, relax, and save—no matter what’s happening down the road.
Will you explore the new frontier… or stay loyal to the magic? The choice—and the discount—is yours.
