Price hikes and upcharge events have become an unfortunate reality of the modern landscape of Walt Disney World. Even though attendance levels during the first half of the year are likely going to be a little soft, there is undoubtedly still a push from upper management to keep revenue high, which is why these upcharge experences are so important
Though Disney has already announced a brand-new eye-wateringly expensive new upcharge experience, tweaks and changes are also being made to existing add-on experiences as well. From a pair of changes coming to the Early Morning Magic events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom to a new annual passholder discount that is now available for a lesser-known upcharge experience, here are all the changes happening now that you need to know about
1. Early Morning Magic extended at the Magic Kingdom
Early Morning Magic will be continue to be available the Magic Kingdom this year, with this upcharge experience now able to be booked for select dates through August 8th. This upcharge experience allows guests to enter the Magic Kingdom before rope drop to have breakfast and experience Fantasyland before the park opens, with attractions like Princess Fairytale Hall, “it’s a small world”, Mad Tea Party, Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Peter Pan’s Flight and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh available for guests to experience, along with a buffet breakfast at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe, where cheese and cured meats, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, pancakes and more will be served.
2. Early Morning Magic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios breakfast venue moved
Image: Disney
And speaking of Early Morning Magic, the Disney’s Hollywood Studios version of this event (which offers pre-opening access to Toy Story Land) has seen a small change this month, with the breakfast location moving to the Backlot Express quick service restaurant. The event menu, consisting of a continental breakfast buffet and the choice of a main dish and will remain the same and continue to be available from the beginning of the event until 10:00 AM.
3. Star Wars Ultimate Tour discount for annual passholders now available
Back in 2017 Disney introduced a special Star Wars guided tour for guests that was a full-day experience that include the following activities:
- A Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide will be on hand for the full day to answer questions, lead discussions, and keep guests on schedule.
- Priority boarding for Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, no FastPass+ reservation required
- The chance to meet two Star Wars characters (currently Chewbacca and Kylo Ren) at the Star Wars Launch Bay
- An in-depth, insider’s tour around Star Wars Launch Bay that includes additional facts and information about exhibits
- Screening of the Star Wars: Path of the Jedi film
- A quick service meal at Backlot Express, which will include a drink, a side, dessert, and entree item
- Reserved viewing for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away, and March of the First Order
- A reserved spot for guests 4-12 interested in participating in the interactive Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple show.
And though the price dropped last year to $99, from $129 per person, Disney is now offering a further 15% discount for annual passholders who want to check out this tour.
4. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party to start earlier in the summer and last longer into the fall
Image: Disney
Last year Disney made headlines when it extended Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party into the summer travel season, scheduling dates in August. And now Disney is looking to make this fall event even more of a summer staple, beginning this year’s party one night earlier on August 16th. And in an effort to keep the fun going, Disney will also be ending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party one night later than last year, making for a total of 36 nights for the 2019 edition of this upcharge event. Here are all of this year’s dates as well as general pricing information
- August 20, 27; September 2, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 – Adult $79, Child $74.
- August 16, 30; September 6, 13, 20, 24, 27, 29, October 1 – Adult $85, Child $80.
- October 3, 6, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 24 – Adult $105, Child $100.
- October 4, 11, 18, 25, 27, 29, November 1 – Adult $115, Child $110.
- October 31 – Adult $135, Child $100.
Interestingly, tickets are already on sale, much earlier than we’ve seen in the past. Ticket pricing varies by date, but as you can see, the starting price is $79, up $4 from last year’s lowest price, and the highest-priced ticket is on Halloween night, costing $135. As always Disney will also be offering discounts for guests who are DVC Members or annual passholders. The amount of this discount varies by date, but most guests can save between $5 and $15 by purchasing early or having an affiliation.
