More Alcohol in Magic Kingdom & Pre-Selected FastPass+ Disney World Tickets
Today in “not a big deal now but something to watch for future Walt Disney World trends” news, we have two tidbits. First, alcohol is now being served at two new Magic Kingdom restaurants. Second, park tickets are being sold that come bundled with pre-selected FastPass+ times.
In this post, we’ll cover why neither of these pieces of news are particularly noteworthy right now, but what they could mean in the future. We’ll start with alcohol being served at those two Magic Kingdom restaurants (Crystal Palace and Plaza Restaurant), which really is not noteworthy since four Magic Kingdom restaurants started serving alcohol a couple of years ago.
In our article covering the announcement of an expanded alcohol presence in Magic Kingdom, we focused primarily on the hypocrisy of the decision by a company that is usually eager to invoke Walt Disney quotes to justify decisions that it knows could be unpopular with diehard fans. We pretty much glossed over the impact to the guest experience, noting that it should be minimal because the sales are constrained to a few table service restaurants.
That was probably a mistake then, and it would likewise be a mistake to dismiss this as a non-issue since no one is likely to care that two more restaurants, which aren’t exactly places where booze is thematically necessary or appropriate. We think that’s sort of the point, though.
If the goal was to introduce alcohol–a product that carries with it high profits–into Magic Kingdom with as little controversy as possible given that it was against Walt Disney’s explicit wishes for alcohol to be sold in Disneyland (and presumably by extension, Magic Kingdom), how do you go about that? Start with the French restaurant, where alcohol is part of the experience to create an exception to the rule. Continue with the four restaurants that all have thematically-appropriate types of alcohol that could be served to establish precedent.
After that, expand alcohol to settings where it makes zero sense in terms of guest experience or theme. From there, slowly introduce it everywhere else. Each subsequent instance of the no-alcohol policy being further relaxed carries less significance because the damage has finally been done, until the exceptions swallow the rule.
Case in point: we don’t really care whether alcohol is served at Crystal Palace or Plaza Restaurant. We’re not going to pay $9 for a can of Bud Light or Stella (the photo at the top is what we were served at Tony’s; a can of beer, just like every fine Italian restaurant), but it still doesn’t affect us. It’ll have zero impact on the experience of other guests who choose not to drink, and in isolation, it won’t in any way change the family-friendly atmosphere in Magic Kingdom.
However, we don’t think the same justifications Disney has used in the past work here, and we do think this is sort of silly to serve beer at a Winnie the Pooh character meal, but it ultimately makes no difference to us. We do note that alcohol is now included in the Disney Dining Plan, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Disney releases a statement chalking this up “to guest demand.”
It’ll be interesting to see whether Walt Disney World tries to further relax Magic Kingdom’s alcohol policies and how they try to do that. We suspect counter service restaurants, outdoor vending carts, and the like are a line in the sand for a lot of Disney fans (that’s the case for us).
Table service restaurants are one thing and unlikely to be problematic, but once alcohol is at counter service dining spots, more guests have unfettered access to it, and that’s a potential cause for concern. Although that’s exactly the kind of access that exists in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, and we’ve never experienced any issues there. Problematic drinking, in our experience, is exclusively a World Showcase issue, and that likely is due to the unique nature of that area of Epcot.
Next, the 1-day tickets with pre-linked FastPass+ experiences. Walt Disney World just started offering this, and there are a variety of different options with names like “Fantasyland Classics” (it’s a small world, Dumbo, Mad Tea Party), “Futuristic and Frightful Fun” (Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, Haunted Mansion, Tomorrowland Speedway), and “Pint-Size Adventures” (Barnstormer, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Pirates of the Caribbean). You can see the rest of the ticket options here. In every case, these are unpopular FastPass+ attractions being tacked on to one-day tickets for no additional charge.
So it’s free and these are unpopular rides…what’s the big deal? Well, potentially nothing. This could simply be a way for Walt Disney World to provide the perception of added value on pricey tickets, or even increase the adoption rate of FastPass+ (it’s probably unfathomable for anyone reading this, but a lot of guests don’t realize FastPass+ is free–so they never use it). Both of those would be savvy moves, and no cause for alarm.
The cynic in me worries that there’s more to this. For a while I’ve been predicting that we will see some form of paid FastPass at Walt Disney World. I’ll double down on that prediction now: we will see some form of paid FastPass+ before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens late next year.
Whether it takes the form of MaxPass at Disneyland, pre-loaded tickets like this, or something else is an open question. While no fans are going to run out and purchase these one-day tickets for the current FastPass+ allotment packages, what happens if/when there’s something better?
What concerns me here is that Disney has created the underlying tech infrastructure needed for tickets with pre-linked FastPass+ and will do a pilot test on that technology. Once the hiccups are overcome (because this is Disney and technology, so nothing is ever smooth sailing!), they could move on to more popular attractions, which can be sold at premium prices. Maybe you wouldn’t pay extra for any of these tickets, but would you pay $20 extra for “Triple Mountain Whammy” (Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Splash Mountain, Space Mountain)?
Maybe you’ve been there, done that, and wouldn’t pay extra for those. What about $50 extra for “Batuu Blast-off!” (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Star Tours) if you couldn’t otherwise score a FastPass+ for the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge attractions and knew this would save yourself rope drop insanity and over 5 hours in line? (Come to think of it, $50 is probably way less than they’d actually charge in that scenario.)
Whatever ends up occurring with this, I don’t see Walt Disney World eliminating free FastPass+ allotments. It earns them too much goodwill, and flipping a switch to make that paid at this point would result in exponentially more complaints than the overnight hotel parking fees and pet-friendly hotel announcements combined. It would be a disaster. Seriously, I think the only more controversial thing Walt Disney World could do is ban children.
Rather, the way they will do this (if at all) is by diluting the pool of free FastPass+ allotments by moving some of those over to the paid pool. In other words, it’ll technically be possible to book a Ratatouille: the Adventure or Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway FastPass+ free of charge, but half the “normal” pool is set aside from the outside for some sort of up-charge, and the rest are so popular that they are fully-booked over 60 days in advance. In this scenario, there’s less likely to be outrage, even though the functional result is the same: effectively no free FastPass+ for the popular new attractions.
This all may very well be much ado about nothing. As mentioned, it could just be Walt Disney World trying to improve FastPass+ adoption rates and guest satisfaction with them. I’ve painted a vivid picture here, but I want to be abundantly clear that I have zero inside information; this is entirely speculation (what would the internet be without rampant speculation and over-analysis?!). It just seems to me like the writing is on the wall for some form of paid FastPass+ given the massive success (and profitability) of MaxPass at Disneyland and recent trends in up-charges at Walt Disney World. It’s possible that my prediction will never come to pass and I’ll be totally wrong–it has happened many times before. I just find it hard to believe that Walt Disney World is investing so heavily in new attractions without plans to leverage those to create new revenue streams. That would be a move wholly inconsistent with recent history at Walt Disney World.
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
What do you think about the new alcohol offerings at Magic Kingdom? Do you worry this is part of a larger trend, or does this make zero difference to you? What about bundling FastPass+ with one-day tickets…any concerns for how that could play out in the future? Are we making much ado about nothing, or is there genuine cause for speculation here? Any other thoughts? Hearing your feedback is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
I guess, im that guy.
But depending on the price, i probably would pay a bit more for some specific fast passes. Look at the six flags platinum pass its basically front of the line for every ride, and you can even stay on some and ride them multiple times in a row. The pass costs more than the ticket, so is doubling your cost – but if you have limited time then why not, isnt choice a good thing?
I think the other thing some people who maybe live closer forget is some people (like me) travel a long long way to places like Disney, it also costs a not so small fortune all in (a family holiday is easily 20-30k when all paid – our next trip which is quite long and is touching 40k and we havent left yet for 4 people ) a few hundred extra while I would rather not pay it, but to ensure we get to do some stuff without ridiculous levels of planning, or sprinting around the park or wasting valuable time in 3 hours lines with a 5 year old – would be probably worth it .
If they offered say a $50 – pick any 3 rides at anytime you like, I would totally be in, for at least one of the days at each park anyway.
On Alcohol, its just not needed, endless places to drink in this world (and I like a drink) this does not need to be one of them.
I agree with this position on the paid fastpass plus. The determination as to its usage will in large part depend on the cost. Our family of four recently visited Disneyland in California where there is a Maxpass program that will allow you to reserve fastpass tickets via mobile device and you can reserve a fastpass every 90 minutes. The cost for the program was $15 per person. We felt that the cost was reasonable and the time savings worth the price. However, if that price point was $50 per person, I don’t see it as a program that our family could afford after already spending $100 plus to enter the park.
I don’t mind the alcohol at the restaurants in theory, but it also doesn’t excite me. The beer options are so dull (and pricey), so it’s hard to get too excited. I also am concerned if (when?) they expand beer to counter service that it could get uglier there. I also haven’t seen any issues at the Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios, but the Magic Kingdom is already so crowded at times. On a hot Florida day, it might not be so fun.
The FP+ allotments mostly just draw a sigh; FP+ already hurts lines across the park, and this just makes it worse. Disney is setting the stage for making FPs more valuable and thus worth an upcharge. I see it happening soon.
I have been highly disappointed at the beginning of alcohol. Period. I mean, really? Why? I truly believe it’s about the money. Very sad! Our family visited in December of last year. We were surprised to see the add-on bar areas where once there was none. We did experience a group of highly intixicated men on the ride in the Mexico Pavillion. We as well as another mother reported it. We were assured someone would be there to meet them after the ride. NOONE was there and those men just walked away being obnoxious. Disney policy clearly states they will make you leave if intoxicated. Really? Has anyone seen it? I spoke with security on my way out of Epcot. This security guard told me there are two security guards for all of Epcot inside. He stated that he personally has tried to address this with Disney management but they clearly will not change it. So, we get a plethora of security guards at the gate but two for all of Epcot inside? Hmmmm…. So, does Disney really care about enforcing their policies regarding drinking? We also were sitting in Hollywood Studios on the same trip. I watched a couple of drinking and smoking men leave their young children and babies (the stroller was in the middle of the walkway) unattended while they had “their” good time drinking. This was all sad to witness. Now, alcohol at the Crystal Palace? It’s just unnecessary. They are getting away from the whole purpose of the parks. I truly miss the Disney world of long ago. My time visiting is going to be coming to a halt. But I’m glad our family experienced it when it was truly the “Happiest Place on Earth” for a vacation.
So much of this world is moving towards paying for better experience or better access and leaving those who can’t afford it behind. I’ve always admired Disney for providing the same experience and options to everyone for the same ticket price. ( exception of course of being able to book your fast passes 30 days earlier if you’re staying in the resort, but regardless of it being a value resort or a deluxe resort you still get the same access to those fast passes.). Now with the extra fast passes for club level, and apparently moving towards paid Fasspass, It seems they’re just jumping on the same bandwagon of catering to the wealthy.
I’m an annual passholder, and I make 3 to 5 trips to Disney World a year. I have the advantage of being able to afford to pay the extra to “get to the front of the line”. Yet I really hope Disney does not go down that road and holds to a higher standard where everyone has the same access, and the same options for the same ticket price. If they have to tack on some other fees to help pay for all the new attractions-I get it. But in my opinion diluting the experience in the park for those who can’t pay additional money for an enhanced experience isn’t the way.
Here’s the thing Tom. WDW has already been testing out paid FP+ at Club Level, $50 for 3 fastpasses. And guests are eating them up.
Banning children????
That’s something I might be able to get behind.
Oh they are totally going to start charging for premium fastpass experiences – I think you are absolutely right…very sad…just means that instead of exclusively visiting Disney World when we drive to Florida (for which apparently we are now expect to pay for parking at a hotel we are staying at when the parking lot is always half empty and people get shuttled from the airport for free), we will be spending just a few nights there and continuing on to experience Universal (why not – my only complaint there has been paid fastpass!) and SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, etc. They will be losing a ton of money from my family of 6 Disney adults!
Agreed.
My guess is they’ll either roll it out with Star Wars but test it in Pandora first. Who wouldn’t pay $30-50 extra for those fast passes (esp. the coveted FOP)? Maybe they even throw in a free drink or hard to score dining reservation?
Regardless, this sudden “all out of fast passes” for certain rides creates a scenario we’ve seen played out multiple times: when there’s a scarcity, those with money will pay to get it. The rest of us will get left behind.
In the state in which I live, it is unlawful to serve a obviously intoxicated, read drunk! Person. Is not the same true in Fla ?
Hi Tom,
Good read as usual.
I’ve just returned from a trip to Shanghai Disneyland where I purchased the premier access pass for 440rmb (roughly $70), this was excellent value for one day in one park and would definitely recommend it as I would say I saved approximately 10 hours of queue time in one day. I should say I paid for this pass on 1 day out of 3 in the park.
Would I be happy to pay this price at WDW? Possibly. I usually value time as my most precious commodity, but over multiple days and parks, I’m just not sure. The price would jump up too much too make it worthwhile and this is coming from someone who normally never queues in standby for anything with over 20mins posted.
Not sure I know how to feel about it, I can see the allure in the $10 max pass esque price tag but who knows what the future holds. I realise I haven’t exactly come down in favour or against but if the price was right I think I would pay it for one day in each park and then just try and grab whatever ‘free’ fast pass remains should this ever come to pass
Oh no! I had no idea that Shanghai was offering a paid FP experience. There goes that option when I return to China in a couple years. Please don’t let Japan get these. Please don’t tell me they already have them!
I have to say, Disney is being mighty careful and smart with how they are introducing the paid FP+ experience here in the States. I’m die-hard in my position on this, but the Club Level thing, somehow, doesn’t bother me. I think it’s because it’s invisible and only available to a small handful of guests. Once there is a visible tiered guest experience in the parks, I’m out.
Disney, if you are reading this, I won’t visit a park with a Universal-style front of the line pass. I’ll miss it, but maybe it will be nice to find a new passion.
Tokyo Disneyland has fast passes last I checked. Paper ones at kiosks that (I believe) you have to get the day of.
Shanghai still has free fast pass options. All app based, but you can only book one at a time (and have return times) when you are inside the park. The premier access pass (paid fast pass) gives you a set of 8 for all top attractions that you can use with no time restriction throughout the day
Don’t worry they still have free ones too, just have to get them one at a time. I tried this too and if being savvy could get 5 per day which easily included soarin’, rapids, from. I used these to supplement my paid ones to ride more than once without queueing
I agree that for the most part it isn’t a problem except for Epcot World Showcase. But, with them just bringing the frozen ride to that exact location, I found myself a little put off by all the clearly intoxicated people (marathon week).
A very drunk girl actually stepped on my daughters foot. I felt an odd mix of mildly p*****off but also not wanting to be a party-pooper at the same time, so I didn’t make any deal out of it. But, really, I think I really do wish they would keep the drinks a little further away from the kid rides, or maybe the kid rides away from the drinks?
I think you should be here for your kids i understand a drink at dinner or whatever but there is nothing more rediculius than some drunk parents acting like total assholes in the park.
Regarding charging for Fastpass+, it seems to be catching on in Anaheim indicating people are perfectly willing to cough up that extra $10 a day. I would also point out that Disney is spending a great deal on new and/or improved attractions in all the parks they control worldwide. Regardless of how one feels about ticket pricing and other add-ons, there is no question that the company is reinvesting in the theme parks to make a great experience even better. As long as that is happening I’ll continue to pay for it.
Just a friendly reminder to keep your comments respectful. Civil discourse and differing opinions are encouraged here, but the strong emphasis is on civil.
Moreover, intolerance will not be tolerated. (Yeah, I realize that’s paradoxical.) I’ve already had to delete one comment along these lines, and will not hesitate to do the same again.
Ultimately, though, this should be self-policing. You only undermine your own argument when you’re melodramatic, hyperbolic, etc.; if your goal is to persuade others to agree with your position, that’s not a particularly effective means of accomplishing your goal.
The article was about alcohol and speculative money grabbing. Things are going to get heated.
You can buy alcohol in the Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris, at counter service restaurants etc – I’ve never seen anyone abusing this – just like animal kingdom and Hollywood studios. As long as people drink responsibly there should be no issue, if they are too intoxicated, they could be removed from the park.
When I think about it, the only park in the world where I’ve ever noticed intoxicated guests is Epcot. I think it’s something about World Showcase (and its lack of attractions?) that makes it particularly conducive to drinking.
I had a beer at Disneyland Paris from a counter service restaurant. We were done eating but not done sipping our beer so I took it to walk around the park and I felt so out of place! We were the only ones walking and drinking. I swear Epcot is the only park where this is an issue and Americans just love to drink in the theme parks.
At EPCOT “Drinking Around The World” has been a popular challenge for years fueled by vloggers attempting to drink alcohol at each country’s pavilion where booze is on offer. By the time some of those guys get to either Mexico or Canada (depending which direction you start from) I’m surprised they can stand up. So, yes
EPCOT must hold some kind of record in this area.
Yep, just got back from Paris. We had a beer at a counter service, but I did note that on the menu it said it had to be ordered with food – I’d say this helps mediate the problem in some way. We finished our beers before we left and would’ve felt uncomfortable walking around with them (though we were quite tipsy after our one beer each – it made It’s a small world very entertaining!)
Epcot I think it’s the “checklist” appeal that has a big impact. And the fact that you do half feel like you’re wandering around a European city with a glass of prosecco in hand! It’s quite conducive to that holiday feeling – especially on an adults only break.