Heading to Walt Disney World in 2013? You can expect a few changes and some new experiences at everyone favorite theme park! Here is your guide to everything new in 2013 and beyond.
Price Changes
Of course, prices always change and not necessarily in the way we would like them to. Price increases can be seen this year in everything from dining to tickets to behind the scenes tours.
Tickets– We are already living the ticket increase for 2012-2013. Disney traditionally raises park admission prices in the summer and this held true in June of 2012. It is likely that the next ticket price increase we will see will be in summer of 2013. When prices went up last June we saw a $4 increase in the price of a 1 day base ticket which now stands at $89 and a $27 increase in the price of a 10 day base ticket which now stands at $318.
The biggest changes however, were seen in the prices of annual passes. On the annual pass front there is good news and there is bad news. The good news: Disney World Annual Pass rates rose only 11% from $519 to $574. I am considering this good news because Disneyland passholders saw a 30% increase in the price of their passes. I think it is safe to say a bullet was dodged in Orlando.
The Bad News: Disney World now has no distinction between a childs annual pass and an adult annual pass which means guests can expect to pay nearly $100 more for a child’s AP than they did in 2011.
Resort Hotels– Guests will see an average increase at all Disney owned resorts. One big change here to note is that the third week in December, which historically was considered the fall season, will now be part of the peak season. Guests who usually travel during this time period will expect to see 25-50% price increases over past years.
- At a value resort you can expect a marginal 7.5% on average increase in price, however now you will be getting at mini fridge included in your room. This formerly was only an option and was available at $10 per night.
- At a moderate resort guests can expect to pay 3.5% more over 2012.
- At a deluxe resort guests can expect to pay 3% more over 2012.
These are average percentages and it is good to note that there are certain times of year when prices are actually LOWER than in 2012!
Some good things to note for resort guests. As stated above all value resort rooms are now equipped with mini fridges. WiFi is available for free to all resort guests. Another big change to expect by 2013; all moderate resorts, with the exception of Caribbean Beach Resort, will be upgraded to queen beds.
It is a good idea to plan ahead for your trip and be aware of all possible discounts that are available. A reduced room rate is offered at different points during the year and can save you quite a bit of money!
Dining– Dining is the area where guests will see the most noticeable changes.
Quick-Service Dining Plan
$37.58 per night ages 10 and up
$14.32 per night age 3 to 9
2012 prices were $34.99 and $11.99.
Standard Dining Plan
Value Season and Regular Season
$55.59 per night ages 10 and up
$17.16 per night age 3 to 9
2012 prices were $51.54 and $15.02.
Peak Season
$56.94 per night ages 10 and up
$18.16 per night ages 3 to 9
2012 prices were $53.54 and $16.02.
My suggestion is to really understand the dining plan and how it works before you head to Disney World. There are many tips and tricks that will allow you to get the most bang for your buck.
One big noteworthy dining plan change is that Le Cellier will now require two table service credits for both lunch and dinner. In 2012 you could still get a taste of that famous cheddar cheese soup for one credit during lunch hours.
Guests who are paying out-of-pocket will also feel the burn as menu prices will be going up across the board.
Tables in Wonderland- This is a card based program that is offered to annual passholders, DVC members, and Florida Residents. With the card you are entitled to 20% off of your meals at participating restaurants. This discount includes alcoholic beverages. Guests can expect a $25 increase in the price of a card in 2013. Annual passholers and DVC members will now be charged $100 and Florida Residents can expect to pay $125. To learn more about Tables in Wonderland and the perks it offers click here to learn more.
New Attractions and Experiences
2013 is not all about price hikes. There are some new attractions and experiences for guests as well. These include:
Test Track: December 6th marked the opening of the newly redesigned Test Track. The new design features a similar ride track with a totally different overlay. Guests can design their own car prior to riding and test out their design on the track. It is good to note however,that your design does not impact the ride itself. Your design is given a grade on its performance.
Fantasyland: We have been seeing parts of The Fantasyland Expansion opening up since 2012. In 2013 you can expect most of Fantasyland to be completed with the exception of The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train which has been given an ETA of early 2014. However, many have speculated that this could open in late 2013! Princess Fairytale Hall is expected to open in 2013 as scheduled! This will be your place to meet all the Magic Kingdom Royalty!
Splitsville: This is a new entertainment center and bowling ally at Downtown Disney. This will give families another choice for entertainment on non park days! Equipped with bowling allies, bars, pool tables, food service, and music.
Other Noteworthy Changes
Extra Magic Evening Hours have been decreased. You will now get two extra hours instead of the three we are used to having. This is a major bummer for a lot of night owls who enjoyed the late nights at the park!
Limited Time Magic- Disney announced earlier this year a new promotion called Limited Time Magic. Beginning in January 2013 each week of the year will offer a different theme that will only be available for, you guessed it, a limited time. Some of these themes will be week-long celebrations and some of them will just be here for a day. Some of the themes will be announced ahead of time and some of them will be surprises not announce until the day they arrive. Themes already announced include villains taking over Hollywood Studios on Friday, September 13 and a long-lost friends week where guests will get to see characters that they would not normally encounter! To keep up with this promotion check out www.limitedtimemagic.com
Jess is a vacation planner with Pixie Vacations. If you have any questions about changes in 2013 or you would like information on booking your next trip contact Jess@PixieVacations.com. You can read more of her stuff at www.fastpasstomagic.com
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Love the Limited Time Magic! Hope I make it back this year
Great overview of the changes, Thanks for the info.
Such is life. I wish they would give it a break for at least a few years, doesn’t make sense to up the prices every year, but I guess they have to accommodate for the new Fantasyland. I was hoping you would say they were upgrading the Carousel of Tomorrow!
I am looking forward to all the new additions but the prices are getting pretty high.. it’s getting harder and harder to feed my addiction!!
Just curious — When are resort rate lower now than in 2012? And which resorts?