Walt Disney World Turns 44 As Park Raises Ticket Prices Again
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom opened 44 years ago on October 1, 1971. Disney’s Contemporary Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Resort also opened up that same day and year.
Walt Disney’s World iconic Magic Kingdom opened its doors to the public with only 23 attractions split into six themed lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, and the newly expanded Fantasyland. Today, the the happiest place on earth has an increase in attractions and has become one of the most visited theme parks in the world.
Classic attractions include the Jungle Cruise, the Liberty Belle Riverboat, the Swiss Family Treehouse, Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, Country Bear Jamboree, and The Hall of Presidents.
4 Crucial Changes You’ll Notice the Next Time You Ride Pirates of the Caribbean http://t.co/JUmXWokffc pic.twitter.com/i967e0tDU8
— Theme Park Tourist (@ThemeParkNews) September 26, 2015
Yo ho, yo ho, the pirates are back at the Magic Kingdom, and you might notice some new smells. https://t.co/2mEAZxoYGq
— Things to Do (@thingstodotampa) October 1, 2015
In lieu of the 44th anniversary, Walt Disney World reopened the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The ride, now based on the popular Pirates of the Caribbean movies, has been reopened after going through some much-needed maintenance and tuning this past summer. Guests can go see Capt. Jack Sparrow and his friends in better light, fresher paint, and shiner animatronics characters. You may even smell some gun smoke or salty sea air when you set sail on this fun voyage, according to the park’s official blog.
“In addition to the restoration work and new paint inside the attraction, we added some enhanced special effects, including new cannons with water-based smoke and strobes for weather effects.”
It’s the same Pirates of the Caribbean ride, only better. The blog post hinted that they added “a handful of new scents to experience at different areas of the attraction.”
The last time the Pirates of Caribbean ride closed at Walt Disney World was during the summer of 2006 when it added Johnny Depp’s character and an updated storyline taken from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.
The Walt Disney World Swan is also undergoing its very own renovation. The plain and understated rooms are now taken on a new water-themed style as part of the biggest makeover in the history of the resort. The 758 guest rooms is part of a $125 million project that will makeover every guest room at the Swan and Dolphin Resort. Renovations for the remaining 1,509 rooms at the Dolphin will begin later this year.
“This new room provides our guests with their own personal oasis. Whether visiting for business or leisure, it’s the ideal space to relax and reenergize.”
The Swan rooms are inspired by the resort’s outdoor water-themed architecture. They added touches of sea blue and grey to the classic white styling of the rooms. Each room includes HD TVs, extra power outlets, and glass-topped desk with wheels. There are also redesigned bathrooms with back lit mirrors and residential style vanities. The entire Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2017.
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Rooms Get Redesign http://t.co/kEbeDHAUUJ
— Talk Disney (@TalkDisney) October 3, 2015
The ongoing projects at the Walt Disney World theme park and resorts are probably the reason for the increase in ticket prices. Disney guests always dread the news about the increase in park ticket prices, including the new Annual Passholder Program. Starting this week, Walt Disney World will introduce its new system, which include PhotoPass and increased ticket prices.
According to multiple reports, Disney has increased its prices for annual and season passes to both Walt Disney World and Disneyland California. The increased prices include benefits such as free parking for annual pass holders. Disney sells two passes with blackout dates: gold and silver, which range from $389 to $549, for Florida residents. The platinum pass includes no blackout dates and is $729 for Floridians, and includes admission to all four Walt Disney World theme parks, both water parks, and other Disney attractions.
Disney says the reason for the revamped program is to offer annual pass holders more options. There’s also been an increase in Disney’s daily parking rates and Disney’s Discount Program, including the Tables of Wonderland dining program for annual pass holders.
This is the second time that Walt Disney World has raised ticket prices at its Orlando parks. It was reported on February 9, 2015 that single-day park tickets would increase in price. As of right now, the cost of a one-day ticket to any Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is $105.00. If you want to visit Disney’s EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, or Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it will cost you $97.00 each.
What are your thoughts on the increase in prices for annual passes at Walt Disney World? Will that keep you away from visiting the happiest place on earth? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.
[Image: Mark Ashman/Disney Parks via Getty Images]
