Disney Vacation Perks: What’s Gone and What’s Changed
Taking a Disney vacation has always been a costly adventure. Whether you’re heading to Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Tokyo Disney, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disney, or Disneyland Paris, it takes careful planning and saving.
While some resorts are more budget-friendly than others, the high price has often been justified by the incredible perks that come with a Disney trip. These perks included clean parks, friendly cast members, great food, and special benefits like Extra Magic Hours and FastPasses.
Perks Becoming a Distant Memory
Over the past few years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, many of these complimentary perks have disappeared. At the same time, Disney theme park tickets have become more expensive, leaving guests feeling like they’re paying more but getting less.
Here’s a look at some of the biggest perks that Disney has either eliminated or now charges for.
Disney’s Magical Express
For years, Disney’s Magical Express made the journey to Walt Disney World Resort exciting. This service took guests directly from the Orlando International Airport to their resort hotel, with cast members handling all the details.
However, in January 2021, Disney announced the end of this popular free service, effective in 2022. This decision, made under CEO Bob Chapek, led to significant backlash from guests.
Now, guests have to find their own way to the resort, with options like renting a car, using Uber or Lyft, or taking the Mears Connect service, which costs $16 each way per adult and $13 per child.
FastPass and FastPass+
The end of Disney’s FastPass program has left many guests bitter. Introduced in 1999, FastPass allowed guests to wait in shorter lines for free. In 2014, it evolved into FastPass+, letting guests pre-book three attractions per day.
In 2021, Disney replaced FastPass+ with Disney Genie+, a paid service. The cost of Genie+ varies from $17 to $39 per person per day, depending on the day and time of year.
Starting July 24, 2024, guests can purchase Genie+ in advance and book three rides ahead of their visit, similar to the old FastPass+ system.
Extra Magic Hours
Staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel used to come with Extra Magic Hours, allowing guests to enjoy select parks before or after regular hours. These hours were available to all resort guests.
After the pandemic, Disney replaced Extra Magic Hours with Extended Evening Hours, available only to guests staying at Deluxe Disney hotels. Early Morning Extra Magic Hours were also reduced to just 30 minutes.
Complimentary MagicBands
Introduced in 2013, MagicBands revolutionized the Disney experience. These bands allowed guests to scan for park entry, PhotoPass, and make purchases.
Initially, MagicBands were free for resort guests, but as of January 1, 2021, this is no longer the case. Disney now offers MagicBand+, which ranges from $34 to $64 and interacts with various attractions and nighttime shows.
Free Dining Plans
For over a decade, guests could enjoy a free dining plan by booking another vacation before leaving their current trip. This offer ended with the pandemic and hasn’t returned.
While Disney reintroduced dining plans on January 9, 2024, the popular free dining plan bounce-back offer remains absent.
Hotel Package Pickup
One of the great perks of staying at a Disney World Resort hotel was having your theme park purchases sent to your hotel for free. This service made shopping much more convenient.
Unfortunately, this perk was suspended during the pandemic and hasn’t returned, disappointing many guests.
Free PhotoPass with Annual Pass
Walt Disney World Annual Passes used to include complimentary PhotoPass. However, since sales resumed in July 2021, PhotoPass now costs an extra $99. This change frustrated many Annual Passholders, though select Disneyland Resort Magic Keys still include unlimited PhotoPass downloads.
Hoping for a Return
While it’s disappointing to see so many free perks disappear, there’s always hope that some might return in the future. Guests frequently request the return of Magical Express and the FastPass program, though Genie+’s profitability makes that unlikely. Still, dining bounce-back offers and hotel package pickup might make a comeback.
Disney vacations may cost more now, but the magic remains. Here’s hoping for the return of some beloved perks to make those trips even more enchanting.
