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 experiences are so important
This month, Disney cancels two upcharge experiences (likely for two very different reasons), plus a new “collection” of extreme upcharges debuts and Disney tries theming one of its more popular offerings (for more money, of course!)
1. $225 Star Wars event cancelled
Image: Disney/Lucasfilm
This week on April 10th a special Star Wars: Galactic Gathering at Epcot was scheduled to take place that included a buffet dinner, DJ dance party and unique character meet & greet opportunities. However, this upcharge experience was only available for DVC members and cost $210 per person for ages 3-20 and $225 for ages 21 and up. However, over the weekend Disney posted the following message on the event website:
Due to a change in our intergalactic entertainment offerings, Star Wars: Galactic Gathering has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience and invite you to continue checking back for other special Member events and offerings.
Though no specific reason was given for the cancellation of this event, considering the steep price tag and exclusivity of this event, Disney may have had trouble selling enough tickets to this event to justify putting it on later this week.
2. May 7 Disney After Hours event at Disney’s Animal Kingdom cancelled
Image: Disney
And speaking of cancelled upcharge events, the May 7th Disney After Hours event at Disney’s Animal Kingdom has been cancelled. Disney has been contacting those who had already booked tickets to assist in moving them to another date.
Though no explanation was given for this cancellation either, considering Disney has had no problems selling out this event at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, we’d guess there was a conflicting private event or some other issue that prevented this event from going on as scheduled.
3. Disney Crown Collection introduced for “upscale” Walt Disney World offerings
Image: Disney
Though Disney hasn’t historically grouped its upcharge experienes together over this past weekend Disney has introduced the new “Crown Collection by Disney” which has all the “upscale” Disney experiences in one place, including VIP Tours, Club 33 information, Chef’s Table Dining experiences and private in-park events. You can check out this new collection here. Most of the “regular” upcharge experiences (like party tickets, After Hours events, etc.) do not seem to fall into this category, as Disney seems to be targeting those spending $20,000 or more on their Walt Disney World vacation with this new designation.
4. Disney testing more expensive, themed After Hours this summer
Image: Disney
Beginning this summer on select nights the Magic Kingdom will host Disney Villains After Hours which will once again feature limited guest numbers, complimentary snacks and access to most attractions. However, in addition to the standard After Hours offerings, this plussed up event will include several Villains-inspired extras, which you can read about here.
As you might expect, Disney is going to be charging guests extra for this plussed up version of Disney After Hours at the Magic Kingdom. Instead of the usual $125 ticket price ($95 for DVC/ Annual Passholder) tickets to this upcharge experience will cost $139 plus tax in advance ($109 for DVC and Annual Passholders), or $144 plus tax on the event night.
If the Disney Villains After Hours events is a success, we will likely start seeing more “seasonal” and themed editions of Disney After Hours in the future, as Disney continues to try and market this year-round upcharge experience. Christmas-themed events at the Magic Kingdom later in the year, and perhaps Star Wars events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios could all help set Disney After Hours apart from Disney’s “regular” Extra Magic Hours program, which continues to be downvalued, as well as all the other parties and Early Morning Magic offerings.
Though there’s no way to know exactly what the future will hold for this evolving event, Disney looks like they are sticking with Disney After Hours for as long as possible, and will be continuing to make changes to both the price and content to keep guests coming back for more.
