During today’s Walt Disney Company fourth-quarter earnings call, the issue of inflation and the potential for increased prices at Disney Parks inevitably came up during the question-and-answer segment.
Walt Disney Company CFO Christine McCarthy addressed the situation, noting that Disney has no plans to raise outright prices within Josh D’Amaro’s Parks, Experiences, and Products division. She did, however, indicate that Disney is looking at a number of ways to cut costs behind the scenes, including “reducing portions” at Disney Parks restaurants.
McCarthy noted that this would be “good for some people’s waistlines” when they visit Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.
With some Guests already frustrated at the cost of visiting Disney’s theme park properties, it will be interesting to see the response if the company does, in fact, opt to cut portion sizes for meals and snacks to save money on their bottom line.
One grocery distributor reports it received a letter from Kraft indicating it plans to raise prices of some varieties of Jell-O and pudding going up by 16% and some of its macaroni and cheese products will jump 20%.
The company reportedly warned prices on hundreds of its products will go up next year.
Rather than increasing what Guests pay for their food at Disney Parks and Resorts, McCarthy indicated today that Disney chefs will simply reduce portion sizes to make each ingredient go further. She did not outline how much Disney intends to cut portion sizes on popular standbys like Mickey waffles, Mickey pretzels, churros, and Dole Whips.
Keep in mind that the Disney Dining Plan is still currently suspended, so these changes could potentially impact the number of meals and snacks Guests can enjoy each day once this option is once again available. A return date has not been announced at the time of publication.
What do you think about Disney’s plan to seemingly cut portion sizes next year?
Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district!
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Credit: Disney
