Disney World tickets are expensive and prices generally keep going up.
The theme-park giant uses dynamic (demand-based) pricing, and it has committed to offering more days at the bottom end of the $116.09-$201.29 scale it charges for a base, single-park admission.
That's a positive, but the company has also taken away one key perk that used to come with the price of admission.
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The formerly free FastPass+ system. which allowed all guests to make three reservations for rides, shows, or character meet-and-greets before their visit, has been replaced by the paid Genie+ and Lightning Lanes.
Most visitors saw that as Walt Disney (DIS) -) downgrading the value of a ticket, although some have appreciated the ability to purchase access to new rides.
Disney, to its credit, has also made one major change that enhances the value of a ticket to one of its four Florida theme parks. It has capped capacity at roughly 20% lower rates during peak periods than where it was before the covid pandemic.
Chief Executive Bob Iger discussed the matter during the company's first-quarter-earnings call.
"Demand on the parks is extraordinary right now," he said. "Now, we could lean into that demand easily by letting more people in and by more aggressively pricing. We don't think either would be smart. Because [if] we let more people in, [it's] going to reduce guest experience. That's certainly not what we want."
Still, Disney fans are not likely to be happy with the company's latest ticketing move.
Image source: Shutterstock
Disney eliminates a free ticket offer
Anyone visiting Orlando will see countless stores offering discount theme-park tickets. In the case of Disney, there's basically no such thing. The company does periodically offer discounts on multiday tickets for Florida residents, but that's generally its only broadly offered ticket deal.
Free tickets to Disney World are nearly unheard of. Cast members get some to bring family and friends, but few tickets are handed out for free to the general public.
The big exception to that was runDisney volunteers would receive a free ticket in exchange for working one of the theme park company's races.
That now has changed, according to the signup page for the upcoming runDisney Wine & Dine Half Marathon.
"Thank you for considering volunteering your time during the upcoming runDisney race season! Your passion for making a difference in the Central Florida community through our celebrated charities is truly valued," the company said.
"In keeping with that spirit of volunteerism, complimentary theme park tickets will not be distributed. We appreciate your support and enthusiasm for our magical running community."
Volunteers also have to check a box that clearly shows they will not be receiving any compensation.
"I acknowledge that I am volunteering with no right to or expectation of compensation, including theme park tickets, in support of the celebrated charity," the text reads.
Disney faces a social-media backlash
As you might imagine, the social-media reaction to the move was not kind.
"That’s huge news, literally all their events are run on the backs of thousands of volunteers. Most do it for the tickets only. It’s a little-known fact," @BelievableTruth posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“'In keeping with that spirit of volunteerism'” yikes runDisney! It’s a nice incentive and Disney can definitely afford it. If anything, why can’t Disney put blockout dates on complimentary tickets?" @thenewttwo added.
Many of the posts also questioned how the events would run if volunteers opt not to participate.
"What kind of event does @runDisney think it’s going to have if there aren’t volunteers? This is potentially going to be horrendous," @KenSirkin_779.
RunDisney is Walt Disney's official race business. It's a for-profit part of the company's business that partners with nonprofits. Races take place in the company's theme parks and people can participate virtually from home.
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