Walt Disney World Moving to Date-Based Pricing Model

Walt Disney World will introduce a date-based pricing structure next month, replacing the flexible pricing it introduced at its U.S. theme parks three years ago.

Ticket prices will vary depending on how popular a specific day is expected to be. Single-day tickets will range from $109 to $129; they currently range between $102 and $129.

The changes will kick in Oct. 16. An interactive online calendar, which displays the different prices based on the dates, will be released online that date as well.

Previously, the flexible pricing system divided the calendar up into value, regular and peak days. Guests were charged more on peak days, as an incentive to visit during less busy periods.

According to Disney, the new pricing system is “modeled off of consumer demand and is part of our effort to better distribute attendance throughout the year.”

One-day base tickets will now only be valid for the specific date selected when purchased. Travel advisors will be able to modify ticket dates for clients prior to the start date. However, there will be no refunds to changes to lower priced dates and if changes are needed after the ticket start date, guests must visit any Vacation Planning window.

Tickets with a flexible start date will be available for an additional cost, allowing for a 14-day window during which to use the ticket after it’s been activated by a first use.

Multi-day tickets will be valid for admission beginning on the start date selected and must be used within a limited time period. For example, a six-day base ticket with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any six days from Nov.1 – Nov. 9.