New Park Tickets Announced for 2005 - "Magic Your Way"

[TarraLee]

Since we're DVC and love having APs, this new package doesn't affect us much. But, I really like the dining option in it! Wish there were a similar dining package for DVCers. We have only been members since March, but didn't there used to be a dining pkg for DVC?

 

[DebbieB]

Agreed! Disney is really fighting back! US/IOA must have really put a dent in their business. This does give families more WDW ticket options that are affordable. The 7 day option for $199 plus tax (no hopping, expires 14 days after activation, no Waterparks, DQ or PI) breaks down to $28.57 plus tax a day!

That puts us at 10 days to break even on the AP.

It will be confusing at first, but having planned trips for others, most have sticker shock when their only pass options are $300 or more a piece!

I think the hopper feature of an AP is important, we almost always hop after an afternoon break. So I would take the with hopping option when figuring the break even price. Plus you have to consider the multi trip feature of an AP.

It's ironic that this is effective the same day as the DVC discount. The DVC discount must have been part of an overall revamping of the ticket structure.

 

[laceemouse]

Can you decide how many plusses you want? I guess I need to go read the details. This sounds good, but will be very comfusing for new folks. We had decided to go with the AP option, now I have to do some figuring again We currently have 7 day PHPs with 3 park days and 3 extras left. I was planning on saving those and getting the APs for our next 2 trips. We love water parks but only swim when it it warm. None of the other plusses interest us, but I like that the new tickets include DQ. Ouch, my head hurts

 

[DrTomorrow]

I think that this is a wonderful idea! Yes, people have to think a bit more, but that's what happens when you are given choices. While we're AP buyers, this new ticket option will benefit us in two ways: it will be a great choice for guests that are staying with us; and it will come in handy to bridge the gap between two AP purchases.

I think that a reasonably intelligent person can really make this program work for them. Visiting in colder times / no interest in PI/DQ? Don't add the Plus. Know that next time you'll be buying APs? Don't add the "No Expire". Only planning on limited park visits this trip down? Limit the number of days and don't add the "Hopper". Although I do see the possibility for confused guest and exasperated CMs at check-in; however, I'm certain there'll be some Suggestive Selling training for front desk CMs....

 

[LIFERBABE]

I think the hopper feature of an AP is important, we almost always hop after an afternoon break. So I would take the with hopping option when figuring the break even price. Plus you have to consider the multi trip feature of an AP.

Agreed Debbie. A fair comparison to come up with the breakeven would include the Hopping and pro rate the no expiration option.

 

[Mary Anne]

We have only been members since March, but didn't there used to be a dining pkg for DVC?

Yes, it is called the kitchen in a 1 - 2 bedroom

At least that is what my husband says LOL

I have to say we do eat in but also plan one or two meals out. I may have to consider this dinning package. I'm wondering (so much to read all at once) can you only pay for 1 or 2 days of your trip or do you have to buy the package for all days.

 

[pumpkinboy]

I'm confused already. Is this an option only if you are buying a package thru Disney? We're DVC members, I was planning on buying 6 day HP, with no pluses. So where's the deal for me and what should I do?

Jillpie! Hey, if you're doing 6 days, you'll likely break even with the regular AP after DVC discount, plus you'll get the AP discounts.

Yeah, I'm with many other posters here, they really are making thing even more confusing. But then again, confused ppl often buy more than they need to, resulting in a healthier bottom line, I'd imagine; now Disney will just need to hope the the confusion doesn't drive folks away. Hey more choices should be a good thing, right?

 

[TarraLee]

Mary Anne, too funny! We don't cook at home very often, so there's no chance we're going to cook alot at DVC. There's just 2 of us, and we like studios, so we only eat breakfast in the room.

The way I understand it, you have to be doing the ticket and room deal to be able to add the meals? Someone correct me if I'm wrong...

 

[pumpkinboy]

... I'm certain there'll be some Suggestive Selling training for front desk CMs....

"suggestive selling"??? Hmmm, that brings all sorts of things to mind. Perhaps there would be a particular style of outfit worn for "suggestive selling"?

 

[poohj80]

Since we're DVC and love having APs, this new package doesn't affect us much. But, I really like the dining option in it!

I guess I missed the dining option.


Here's the pricing info from Mousesavers:

New for 2005 - Magic Your Way Tickets
The Walt Disney World Resort will switch to Magic Your Way Tickets – available to all guests, whether or not they stay at a Disney resort hotel – beginning January 2, 2005.

With the Magic Your Way Tickets, you first choose the number of days you want on a base ticket that allows you to enter one theme park each day. Then you can decide which options (if any) you want to add, paying for only those features you want, such as the ability to visit multiple Disney theme parks each day or to visit Disney water parks, Pleasure Island, etc.

Advance Purchase Savings - Get extra savings when you purchase Magic Your Way Tickets of 5 days in length or more with either the Park Hopper option and/or the Magic Plus Pack option in advance, before leaving home.

Magic Your Way Base Ticket (admission to one theme park per day, tax NOT included)

# Days Adult Child
1 $59.75 $48.00
2 $119.00 $96.00
3 $171.00 $137.00
4 $185.00 $148.00
5 $193.00 $155.00
6 $196.00 $157.00
7 $199.00 $160.00
10 $209.00 TBA

Add-on purchases to the base ticket include:

Park Hopper Option - Adding the Park-Hopper Option lets you come and go as you please through all four Disney theme parks on the same day or every day for each day of your pass. Extra cost on top of the base-price ticket is a flat rate of $35 – or just $5 per day on a seven-day ticket!

Magic Plus Pack - This option provides the choice of admission to Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, DisneyQuest, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island or Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. Extra cost on top of the base-price ticket is a flat rate of $45 (includes 2-5 visits to Magic Plus Pack attractions, depending on the number of base ticket days you purchased).

Magic Your Way Premium Ticket - This ticket combines the benefits of the Park Hopper option and the Magic Plus Pack option. Extra cost on top of the base-price ticket is a flat rate of $80.

No Expiration Option - Regular Magic Your Way Tickets expire 14 days after their first use. Choosing the No Expiration option means you are free to come back and take advantage of unused tickets at any time. Extra cost on top of the base-price ticket starts at $10 for a 2-day ticket, up to $55 for a 7-day ticket. ($100 for the 10-day ticket.)

 

[lenshanem]

"Looks like the Extra Magic Evening hours are returning too!"

Get outta town! Cool!

My original thought was this is the most confusing stuff I've ever seen and how many first timers are gonna have a clue???

I looked at it and I guess in a way it is nice, but really I prefer the hopping and no expiration date built right in.

I can't imagine not being able to go to a different park at night after a midday break. And I like the safety of knowing if something happened I could use left over days another time. Now ya gotta decide ahead of time if you want to pay that extra money.

I think the DVC AP deal is still our best bet.

So who of us are gonna break this all down and compare the prices with tax for us DVC members? Anyone???

 

[Simba's Mom]

Looks like the Extra Magic Evening hours are returning too!

Where did you hear about the Extra Magic Evening Hours? I also heard on another board that they were coming back-but on January 9. I'd rather hear they're coming back January 2 as we'll be at BWV from 1/2-1/6. Do you know which the start date is?

 

[pplasky]

I think the extra are options are a nice feature. People can customize tickets to fit their needs. It is a little more expensive if you add all the features to a 7day and compare it to 7dayPHP, but all people do not care about park hopping, or plus features. It does take a little more planning depending on your needs, but overall, I like the new ticket system. I already bought my 7day PHP's for next year, or I might have changed my tickets to better suit our overall needs and finances. Oh well, next time.

 

[poohj80]

Where did you hear about the Extra Magic Evening Hours?

According to the WDW web site:

New! Extra Magic Hours Benefit*
Each day one of the Disney Theme Parks opens an hour early or stays open up to an extra three hours, so Guests of Disney Resorts have the opportunity to get extra time in the parks.

 

[poohj80]

Ok, I found the answer to my own question:

Vacation Packages Have Been Simplified - And Dining Packages are Back!

Many Disney "regulars" will be thrilled to hear that as of January 2, 2005, a dining add-on will be available with packages, and at a very reasonable price.

* The new "starter" package will be called the Magic Your Way Package, and will include just your room and tickets. You will no longer have to buy tickets for your entire length of stay. That's right, if you want to stay 7 nights and just buy a 3-day ticket, you can!

* A dining add-on to the basic package will cost just $35 per adult (10 and up) and $10 per child, per night. For that amount you get one sit-down meal, one counter-service meal, and one snack per day. It's a great deal. Also, this add-on will be flexible. For instance, you can use two sit-down meals for one dinner show (i.e. Hoop-Dee-Doo). You can use three of your sit-down meals in one day if you want.

* Dream Maker packages will be sold through January 1, 2005 and will be honored according to the original terms. If you prefer the Dream Maker package for some reason, better hurry and book a 2005 package.

 

[scootert]

Wow -- I missed the dining options. Love the flexibility. We can finally buy 7 day hoppers without the "pluses".

 

[sgtpet]

Does anybody know what happens to our old park hopper tickets? Will they no longer be accepted?

Otherwise this is well thought out and gives greater flexability in ticket choices at WDW.

I like what Disney is doing on this end. Add value back into MK instead of making 20k leagues a character location. I always have to complain I guess.

 

[Doctor P]

As far as I can tell, the old passes will still be accepted (just like always).

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

ouch...I'd been dillydallying instead of running down to AAA to pick up six day park hoppers. Guess that won't be happening although I'll give it a shot tomorrow. Planned on getting the AP too...can't do that until I figure everything out... Hope AAA gets some kind of discount for the new tickets.

It almost seems like it might be worth getting a 10 day, one park only forever ticket. I could use that to fill in the gaps as I buy other tickets over the next few years. There is always one day where I either wind up at Magic Kingdom only or EPCOT only.

 

[DisneyDVClover]

This is a great ticket and will save many family members we take with us for a quick tripo quite a good chunk of money we applaud Disney on this new setup congrats finally a ticket you can pick and choose your options with and at a decent price if you just want a basic park pass.