Major Room Discounts Coming for Early Summer and Late Spring 2025

[Sirwalterraleigh]

To make it worse I have 2 rooms booked. One for my son who is bringing his girlfriend to propose. I love this girl otherwise this would NOT be happening LOL!

…don’t trust her

 

[surfsupdon]

I have a very strong feeling that you're going to see a lot of love thrown to AP Holders and Florida Residents, with also an emphasis on getting guests who've moved past Disney to come back.

Keep in mind that Room Discounts and free dining are the smallest levers to pull.

My guess is that it's not going to move the needle and bigger things are going to get pulled.

If those are the smallest levers, what is an example that would be a larger lever to pull. Either something from the past that did happen, or conjecture for something bigger.

I was thinking free water park day, free hopping, and an extra day or two in the parks are the easiest, cheapest ways to make value perceive to be better than it really is. But maybe I am wrong.
Thanks.

 

[nickys]

My question is more how many “off property” traditional family groups are entering the compound each day? If Disney can’t fill its rooms - which it cannot…BS aside - what’s the off property market look like?

It is hard to gauge…there really is no answer…just a poll question

This is the stuff that spins my wheels…not buying line skips or asking “how magical is port?”

Do you mean how is business for those holiday rentals? Not sure, but traditionaly they are popular with UK guests. And I know of regular (every year or twice a year) US guests who always use them.

Those families are more likely to be visiting more than just Disney parks. Disney may only see them for 1 or 2 days.

Case in point, some of my extended family are visiting in June. Staying in a condo for 2 weeks. They will probably just visit MK and DHS. Do a character meal somewhere, maybe a water park although that depends if they return to Volcano Bay or try a Disney one instead. Visit DS for a day, girl’s night out at DS . The rest of the time will be Universal, Sea World, Busch Gardens, shopping, Gatorland, KSC etc.

 

[HauntedPirate]

If those are the smallest levers, what is an example that would be a larger lever to pull. Either something from the past that did happen, or conjecture for something bigger.

I was thinking free water park day, free hopping, and an extra day or two in the parks are the easiest, cheapest ways to make value perceive to be better than it really is. But maybe I am wrong.
Thanks.

They’re already throwing in a “free water park day” on check-in day for any on-site stay starting tomorrow. Ticket-based incentives are the levers they are loathe to pull these days. If they trot those out, you know things are bad. I’d also posit that anything LL-based would be a desperate measure, given how much they depend on that revenue to prop up quarterlies.

 

[monothingie]

If those are the smallest levers, what is an example that would be a larger lever to pull. Either something from the past that did happen, or conjecture for something bigger.

I was thinking free water park day, free hopping, and an extra day or two in the parks are the easiest, cheapest ways to make value perceive to be better than it really is. But maybe I am wrong.
Thanks.

Just spitballing:
Complimentary LL Entitlements (Unlikely)
Free Park Hopping (Doesn't matter to AP Holders)
Removal of Park Reservations for AP Holders (Unlikely)
Increased Food And Merch Discounts (Likely)
Discounted Tickets for Florida Residents (Likely)
Discounted AP (Unlikely)
More AP Magnets and specialized merch(You Bet! but does that do anything?)

 

[surfsupdon]

They’re already throwing in a “free water park day” on check-in day for any on-site stay starting tomorrow. Ticket-based incentives are the levers they are loathe to pull these days. If they trot those out, you know things are bad. I’d also posit that anything LL-based would be a desperate measure, given how much they depend on that revenue to prop up quarterlies.

Thanks.
I was wrong because I always thought an extra ticket day for free is good for them, not the Guest. Because it really only costs maybe $20-$50 to add on an extra day on a longer ticket, but the guest will need 3 meals plus snacks for each day, and maybe some gifts to purchase (which is where they really make the money).
Interesting. Because I would much prefer a deeply discounted room- that is the lever that I would need pulled to return to a non runDisney Disney-vacation.

 

[willtravel]

You serious Clark?

Yes. And that's Clarkess ro you.

 

[Jrb1979]

Thanks.
I was wrong because I always thought an extra ticket day for free is good for them, not the Guest. Because it really only costs maybe $20-$50 to add on an extra day on a longer ticket, but the guest will need 3 meals plus snacks for each day, and maybe some gifts to purchase (which is where they really make the money).
Interesting. Because I would much prefer a deeply discounted room- that is the lever that I would need pulled to return to a non runDisney Disney-vacation.

The best they seem to do is up to 35% cause they don't want to lower to money on their rooms.

The thing I don't get is I thought Epic Universe was supposed to benefit WDW? That's what some here claimed as well as Iger.

 

[ChrisRobin124]

The best they seem to do is up to 35% cause they don't want to lower to money on their rooms.

The thing I don't get is I thought Epic Universe was supposed to benefit WDW? That's what some here claimed as well as Iger.

Always thought that was a silly thought. I know the old "rising tide lifts all boats". But bottom line here is that there is X amount of discretionary vacation $ available. When your main competition ups the ante with something has huge as Epic, there's a better chance of your boat running aground. Not to mention that some of the highlights of Epic will appeal to families with young boys, and that Disney is more focused on princesses and offerings like BBB, I think management may be in for a rude awakening.

 

[surfsupdon]

The best they seem to do is up to 35% cause they don't want to lower to money on their rooms.

The thing I don't get is I thought Epic Universe was supposed to benefit WDW? That's what some here claimed as well as Iger.

And with the inflated rack rate pricing, this discount is not deep enough. Not a big enough lever.

 

[Mr. Sullivan]

There’s a few people on this site who’re really overestimating the health of the theme park industry as a whole currently and moving forward. I promise you that while Epic will be a success, it isn’t going to be this industry shifting success that some are making it out to be. In another time it would probably be, but the conditions economically and the current habits of potential guests aren’t complimentary to that.

What is going to happen is Universal as a resort is going to see a growth in attendance overall, but not to any monumental degree (substantial, but not leader shifting). Disney will see a dip, but again, not to any monumental degree.

In 2026, both will see a decline if things stay on the path they’re currently on and if certain proposed economic plans see the light of day.

I know some people would love to see Epic come along and destroy the current rankings of dominance and attendance in Orlando, but it just simply is not going to happen. I don’t even say that out of defense of Disney. Hell, I think it’d be great if they actually got a real threat, they’re at their best when they’re under fire. But that just isn’t a realistic outcome for the place this industry is in right now.

None of these things we’re seeing on the financial end are unique to Disney. None of these “desperate moves” are unique to Disney. It’s happening industry wide, it’s just only really noticeable with Disney because we’re more plugged in to it.

 

[Jrb1979]

There’s a few people on this site who’re really overestimating the health of the theme park industry as a whole currently and moving forward. I promise you that while Epic will be a success, it isn’t going to be this industry shifting success that some are making it out to be. In another time it would probably be, but the conditions economically and the current habits of potential guests aren’t complimentary to that.

What is going to happen is Universal as a resort is going to see a growth in attendance overall, but not to any monumental degree (substantial, but not leader shifting). Disney will see a dip, but again, not to any monumental degree.

In 2026, both will see a decline if things stay on the path they’re currently on and if certain proposed economic plans see the light of day.

I know some people would love to see Epic come along and destroy the current rankings of dominance and attendance in Orlando, but it just simply is not going to happen. I don’t even say that out of defense of Disney. Hell, I think it’d be great if they actually got a real threat, they’re at their best when they’re under fire. But that just isn’t a realistic outcome for the place this industry is in right now.

None of these things we’re seeing on the financial end are unique to Disney. None of these “desperate moves” are unique to Disney. It’s happening industry wide, it’s just only really noticeable with Disney because we’re more plugged in to it.

Yes it's affecting Disney and Universal but it's not industry wide. Parks like Dollywood has to use overflow parking yesterday. I know regional parks aren't the same as Universal or Disney in they aren't a week long vacation but they are seeing higher attendance lately.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Do you mean how is business for those holiday rentals? Not sure, but traditionaly they are popular with UK guests. And I know of regular (every year or twice a year) US guests who always use them.

Those families are more likely to be visiting more than just Disney parks. Disney may only see them for 1 or 2 days.

Case in point, some of my extended family are visiting in June. Staying in a condo for 2 weeks. They will probably just visit MK and DHS. Do a character meal somewhere, maybe a water park although that depends if they return to Volcano Bay or try a Disney one instead. Visit DS for a day, girl’s night out at DS . The rest of the time will be Universal, Sea World, Busch Gardens, shopping, Gatorland, KSC etc.

I’m actually not talking about the Brits

Your vacation habits (jealous) are much more healthy than we Americanos Los Stupidos

Here you have to “fit everything in” and there is an undaid, but fully exerted pressure to be at your job…for most. So I’m thinking those that don’t “spend up to the bubble” and stay on property and suck up $75 buffets…

The “on-property” segment used to be very small…most were staying as day visitors on 192 or I Drive…but since they have turned the economic screws so badly…I wonder how that traditional American traveler now looks?

Based on all the travel data for the last 3 years…they’re going other places. On property hotels rocking 50-70% with regularity is appalling if you’re Disney. They just have bad, incapable management

 

[HauntedPirate]

Thanks.
I was wrong because I always thought an extra ticket day for free is good for them, not the Guest. Because it really only costs maybe $20-$50 to add on an extra day on a longer ticket, but the guest will need 3 meals plus snacks for each day, and maybe some gifts to purchase (which is where they really make the money).
Interesting. Because I would much prefer a deeply discounted room- that is the lever that I would need pulled to return to a non runDisney Disney-vacation.

Yep. Room prices and ticket prices are the two biggest budget busters for a family vacation at WDW. Management has over-inflated both over the last decade to the point where the trajectory is unsustainable. They can't squeeze a lower number of guests in the parks harder to keep PGS numbers up. The place was built on middle-class families visiting en masse. The previous guy knew that. At some point, something has to give.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Yes it's affecting Disney and Universal but it's not industry wide. Parks like Dollywood has to use overflow parking yesterday. I know regional parks aren't the same as Universal or Disney in they aren't a week long vacation but they are seeing higher attendance lately.

This is the thing

Everyone else is up

It’s just the Orlando megas struggling

I’m sure someone can explain it

 

[jason976]

Free Premiere passes or mulit passes for Delux guests??

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Free Premiere passes or mulit passes for Delux guests??

No way in hades

 

[monothingie]

There’s a few people on this site who’re really overestimating the health of the theme park industry as a whole currently and moving forward. I promise you that while Epic will be a success, it isn’t going to be this industry shifting success that some are making it out to be. In another time it would probably be, but the conditions economically and the current habits of potential guests aren’t complimentary to that.

What is going to happen is Universal as a resort is going to see a growth in attendance overall, but not to any monumental degree (substantial, but not leader shifting). Disney will see a dip, but again, not to any monumental degree.

In 2026, both will see a decline if things stay on the path they’re currently on and if certain proposed economic plans see the light of day.

I know some people would love to see Epic come along and destroy the current rankings of dominance and attendance in Orlando, but it just simply is not going to happen. I don’t even say that out of defense of Disney. Hell, I think it’d be great if they actually got a real threat, they’re at their best when they’re under fire. But that just isn’t a realistic outcome for the place this industry is in right now.

None of these things we’re seeing on the financial end are unique to Disney. None of these “desperate moves” are unique to Disney. It’s happening industry wide, it’s just only really noticeable with Disney because we’re more plugged in to it.

Disney’s biggest problem is that their brand has been tarnished severely because guests don’t see any value in it.

Disney has never been cheap. (Neither has USO either) But guests perceive USO as a much better value and USO has leaned into that. Disney on the other hand continues to do things that decrease perceived value.

 

[HauntedPirate]

Just spitballing:
Complimentary LL Entitlements (Unlikely)
Free Park Hopping (Doesn't matter to AP Holders)
Removal of Park Reservations for AP Holders (Unlikely)
Increased Food And Merch Discounts (Likely)
Discounted Tickets for Florida Residents (Likely)
Discounted AP (Unlikely)
More AP Magnets and specialized merch(You Bet! but does that do anything?)

Aka. The usual tripe from TDO - "Get the bodies through the tapstyles by tossing them cheap trinkets and discounts, it always works!!!" What if... this time it doesn't?

 

[monothingie]

Aka. The usual tripe from TDO - "Get the bodies through the tapstyles by tossing them cheap trinkets and discounts, it always works!!!" What if... this time it doesn't?

It hasn’t worked in 2024. Remember domestic attendance was only up 1% down from 6% in 2023 and it doesn’t separate out DLR and WDW and is still below 2019.