Did Disney World just slash prices? What to know before booking your next trip

Portrait of Samantha Neely Samantha Neely
USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

Has Disney World been quietly lowering its prices over the last few months? According to Bloomberg News and Quartz, it's highly possible.

Several outlets have been claiming that the theme parks have been discounting the cost of admission, introducing special deals for guests to wake of customer complaints of high prices.

According to Bloomberg, the company is listening and trying to make amends with guests. One manager told the outlet that "we hear about the complaints, and we’ve had many trainings on improving guest interaction and the guest experience overall."

One of the measures highlighted by many is one of Disney's new Florida resident tickets. Here's what to know about the deal and how long you have to take part in the offer.

What is the 'Florida Resident Discover Disney' ticket deal at Disney World?

Cinderella Castle had a makeover, with new royal colors and embellishments, as Magic Kingdom turns 50 years old. Guests from around the world are expected for Walt Disney World's 18-month celebration at WDW's four parks.

The Florida Resident Discover Disney is a ticket deal that allows residents to experience three or more Disney World theme parks at a reduced rate for the entire summer.  

Proof of a residential Florida address will be required at the time of exchange, with guests providing one of the following as proof of address:

  • a valid FL driver's license
  • a valid FL state issued card (must have Florida address)
  • Or a valid Florida-based military ID

The persons who will use the Florida Resident adult tickets must be present at the time of ticket pick up.

How much is the 'Florida Resident Discover Disney' offer? Where can I purchase the ticket.

Residents of the Sunshine State are can purchase either:

  • 4-Day Discover Disney Ticket for $59 per day plus tax, which totals up to $235 plus tax.
  • 3-day Discover Disney Ticket for $73 per day which totals up to $219 plus tax.

For an additional $40, you can add on the "park hopper" option to visit more than one theme park on the same day.

To compare, a regular single day ticket for guests and Florida resident starts at $109.99 plus tax. Another one of Disney's special offers, its "4-park magic ticket," is $99 per day for 4 days, totaling $396 plus tax.

To purchase the deal or learn more, you can find it on Disney World's website under "Tickets & Passes."

Can I add a water park or mini golf to the 'Florida Resident Discover Disney' ticket deal?

Not all that long ago, the slightly shorter Summit Plummet at Disney World took the honors, at 120 feet, as the tallest water slide in the USA.

Yes, you can.

You can add the "water and sports" option to the Florida Resident Discover Disney ticket for an additional $35. It allows guests to get a certain number of visits to a water park, golf course or miniature golf course based on the length of your ticket.

The "park hopper plus" combines the Park Hopper option and the Water Park and Sports option for $55.

Is parking included with the 'Florida Resident Discover Disney' offer?

No, you still have to purchase parking at the gate. According to its website, the rates for Disney World's parks are:

  • Standard parking: car or motorcycle – $30 per day
  • Preferred parking: car or motorcycle – $45, $50 or $55 per day
  • Oversized Vehicle Parking: Shuttle, Limo, Camper Trailer, RV, Bus or Tractor Trailer - $35 per day

When does Walt Disney World's Florida resident deal expire?

The ticket deal expires on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.

Do you still need to make park reservations before heading to Walt Disney World theme parks?

Walt Disney World Resort guests use MagicBands for FastPass+ access to experiences and attractions throughout the theme parks in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Guests also can use MagicBands to enter their Disney Resort hotel room, buy food and merchandise, enter Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and water parks, and connect to Disney's PhotoPass. MagicBands are part of the new MyMagic+, which has the ability to connect nearly all aspects of the guest vacation experience at Walt Disney World Resort. (Matt Stroshane, photographer)

Yes, the website states you still must make a theme park reservation for each date of your visit. According to the Undercover Tourist Blog, you must follow these steps before heading to the parks:

  1. Confirm Disney Park Pass availability on the official Disney availability calendar.
  2. After purchase, link your ticket to My Disney Experience.
  3. Make a Disney Park Pass Reservation immediately after linking your tickets to My Disney Experience to guarantee park admission on your selected dates!