Credit: DisneyHave your wallet ready.
Related: Disney Closes Family-Friendly Ride, Will Change Attraction Forever
Things are changing in Walt Disney World, for better or for worse. While there’s lots of excitement about the resort’s slate of upcoming rides and attractions, fans are as worried as they are excited. Seeing attractions like Tom Sawyer Island and Muppet*Vision 3D was certainly hard for many fans. The same will be true when DinoLand U.S.A. permanently closes next February.
It’s on to bigger and better things for Disney World, though there will always be room in our hearts and minds for these defunct experiences. However, the resort has changed in other ways as well.
Earlier this month, Disney announced a new wave of price hikes for its American theme parks. Walt Disney World was seemingly hit the hardest, with everything from parking to actual theme park tickets going up.
Select dining and shopping experiences also went up in price, as did the cost of annual passes. Disneyland saw a few price increases, too, but Florida travelers were definitely the most affected.
Fans were especially disappointed to learn that popular items inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge had grown more expensive. Custom lightsabers and astromech droids have become some of Disney World’s most popular souvenirs, as they not only let guests take home a bit of the parks for themselves but also provide an unforgettable, highly immersive experience.
Crafting their own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop or constructing a new robot pet at Droid Depot lets guests live out their own unique Star Wars stories, something crucial to Galaxy’s Edge as a whole.
Not only can guests expect to spend more to get these items, but they will also now be spending more to upgrade them.
Related: Josh D’Amaro Speaks Out on New Disney Chief Leader Appointment
It was recently discovered that Kyber Crystals were also affected in Disney World’s latest pricing shifts. These colorful crystals allow users to change the appearance of their lightsaber, and can be purchased separately inside Galaxy’s Edge and online through the Disney Store.
Previously, Kyber Crystals were $17.99, but have moved to $24.99.
”The heart of the Lightsaber, the crystal is,” reads the official Walt Disney World webpage for the Star Wars item, “but there is much to elaborate on the Force-attuned Kyber crystal that gives the Lightsaber its powerful glow. When placed in a Holocron (sold separately), a Kyber crystal will also reveal long-held secrets and teachings. This white Kyber crystal comes in a detailed capsule and is made to be used with a Holocron and some Lightsaber models* to activate special lights and sounds inspired by the Star Wars saga, including character voices. The Force guides the Jedi in selecting a crystal, let it guide you.”
What are your thoughts on Walt Disney World’s price increases?