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What Does 2023 have in store for us Brits heading to Walt Disney World?

Let's start by saying that it's been a very turbulent year for Disney (especially the last quarter of 2022). We've seen a dramatic and hostile change to the leadership with a new (former) CEO taking over the reins, and as I talk to you now, shares have dived to the lowest levels in nearly eight years. From what analysts are saying, next year could be just as tricky for media companies such as Disney and Netflix. 

That being said, for Disney's Parks and entertainment division, it's been far from a disastrous year, with record profits and revenue from the division thanks to revenge travel due to the travel restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic and the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World. Nevertheless, it's been a storming year for Walt Disney World and the other parks. 

I want to make it clear, that everything below is my own opinion based on past, current and future factors. These are prediction and nothing is set in stone! 

Advanced Park Reservation System

The Advanced Park Reservation System has seen a fair bit of criticism since its inception in 2020. Its purpose was to manage crowd capacity levels during the height of the pandemic. But the system is still in place and visitors begrudgingly still have to reserve which Disney park they will be going to first on a particular day. Nevertheless, the system has served its purpose, and the tool is only in place for the Data Analyst and execs over at Disney.

The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel if rumours are to be believed. It's widely speculated that there will be a significant shakeup of the Park Reservation system (or even a complete abolishment), reducing pre-travel stress levels and improving the overall guest experience. We expect an announcement in the first quarter of 2023 (even as early as January), so keep a lookout for any announcement on our website. 

Our Outlook for 2023: Disney's Reservation System to significantly change in the first quarter of 2023. 

Disney Genie+

Will Disney Genie+ go and FastPass+ return? Well, there is more chance of Bob Chapek returning to Disney than Genie+ leaving us. The system is an undeniable commercial success for Disney, even though most guests would love to see it follow the same path as Kitetails! 

We've seen over the Christmas period that Genie+ has sold out three days in a row at Disneyland California, so it's still very much "In Demand" from guests. 

The one bit of good news with the above is that Disney is capping the uptake of Genie+ on jam-packed days. However, this is where the positive news ends with Genie+. We can see a further price increase for guests wishing to take advantage of skipping the standby lines. Take it this way Universal Orlando can charge over $100 per person for a single park Express Lane pass. However, Disney knows, and despite guests complaining about the prices, there will still be a lucrative uptake even if prices continue to rise.

Our Outlook for 2023: Not good news, I'm afraid. I see prices rising to around $45-50 dollars per person per day by the end of 2023. 

Individual Lightning Lane  

Like Genie+, Individual Lightning Lane has seen an incredible uptake since its inception. Unfortunately, when Tron: Lightcycle Power Run finally opens, we can see prices increasing further. Rise of the Resistance over at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge hit $25 per person in November. Expect this to be smashed next year. 

Our Outlook for 2023:  Expect prices for the top attractions to hit around $35 per person next year during peak periods. The demand is there. Disney will take advantage!!