Disney Tries to Win Back Families Who Say "It's Just Not the Same Anymore"

After years of rising costs and growing complaints about affordability, Disney World is starting to roll out a clear message: we hear you. And now, they’re taking real steps to show it.

From money-saving perks to all-new shows and attractions, there’s a real effort to bring back some of that old Disney magic.

Let’s break down what’s changing and why it matters for guests planning their next visit.

Discounts on Tickets and Hotel Rooms

Disney’s also rolling out seasonal ticket promotions, which include kids’ tickets for as low as $50 on select dates. These deals are usually tied to slower seasons, but if your schedule is flexible, it’s a great way to save without sacrificing any of the fun.

Even better? You can get up to 30% off room rates at many Disney World hotels. That kind of savings makes staying on property a whole lot more doable—and when you factor in perks like early park entry and free transportation, it starts to feel worth it again.

Some packages even include extra bonuses like free dining plans or photo downloads. These offers used to be more common, and their return is definitely getting noticed by longtime fans.

Free Overnight Parking Is Back

It might seem small, but free overnight parking at Disney resort hotels is a pretty big deal. A few years ago, guests were shocked when Disney started charging nightly fees just to leave their car at the hotel.

Thankfully, that’s no longer the case. The parking perk is back, and it’s one less thing to worry about when budgeting for a stay on property. For many guests, it feels like a return to the more guest-friendly Disney of the past.

New Entertainment

One of the most exciting things coming soon to Disney World is the brand-new nighttime parade: Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away.

While it hasn’t started yet, fans are already fired up. It’s expected to be a major crowd-puller, filled with dazzling floats, glowing costumes, and all the nighttime Disney magic we’ve missed. It’ll be the first new nighttime parade in years—and it’s shaping up to be something special.

But that’s not the only new show on the horizon. Over at Hollywood Studios, the new Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After spectacular is giving the bad guys their time to shine. With fire effects, powerful music, and dramatic staging, this show is turning heads for all the right reasons.

Future Experiences on the Way

If you’re heading to EPCOT, keep an eye out—Test Track is currently being reimagined and is expected to reopen in late July with a sleek new design and futuristic vibe. The ride will still focus on speed and car design but with a refreshed storyline that draws inspiration from the original World of Motion attraction.

And Magic Kingdom? That’s where the real expansion talk is happening. Disney has confirmed plans for a Pirates of the Caribbean-themed tavern, which will offer an immersive dining experience for fans of the classic ride. Even bigger? The long-rumored Villains Land is now officially in development, giving Disney’s most infamous characters their own space in the park.

Disney Wants You Back—And They’re Sweetening the Deal

Between the discounts, returning perks, and all-new shows, Disney is clearly trying to make things right with fans who felt priced out or left behind. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to plan a trip, this might just be your sign.