New Holiday 2021 Hotel Discounts for Disney World
Walt Disney World has released new holiday 2021 resort room-only discounts for Annual Passholders, Florida residents, and Disney Visa credit card holders. This post shares the details of these special offers, commentary about why there’s such a shortage of savings, plus sample pricing, analysis & other info.
In case you’ve forgotten, general public discounts of up to 25% off rooms at Walt Disney World were released at the beginning of May for stays most nights now through September 29, 2021. That discount is still available to book for the next couple of weeks.
In late June and early July, “Summer Fun” discounts dropped for Annual Passholders and Florida residents. That better deal offered variable savings without specifically advertising percentages, and ran through Labor Day weekend. Obviously, it has ended as that date has passed. Walt Disney World has not released any other new discounts since then, until now…
Before we start, we’ll preface this with a reminder that availability was weak for the last round of deals…and the round before that. We had many readers report finding nothing at all–or higher prices–for their travel dates. In our searches, we found few options at the Value and Moderate Resorts. Where there is availability, it often requires a room upgrade (e.g. from standard to preferred view…or the dreaded Pirate Rooms), thus at least partially negating the benefit of the discount.
Just something to keep in mind before getting your hopes up here. In any case, we’ve all been “patiently” waiting for more discounts since earlier this summer. Our wait was been rewarded with more abysmal savings for Christmas 2021…
Let’s start with the official details for the new AP discount: Annual Passholders can save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights December 12 through December 24, 2021.
Here are resort by resort AP savings rates:
This special offer for Annual Passholders excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, and Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.
Additional per-adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room at Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts and Studios at Deluxe Villa Resorts. Maximum length of stay under this deal is 14 nights.
Next, Florida Residents can save up to 20% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights December 12 through December 24, 2021.
Details are mostly the same, but with ~5% less off at some tiers of resorts. Here are the specifics:
Proof of Florida residency is required at check-in. Otherwise, the terms & conditions are identical, with the same room exclusions and so forth.
With both of these deals, you’ll notice that several resorts aren’t available at all. For us, the lack of Wilderness Lodge is the biggest disappointment. We were really hoping to score a deal at Old Faithful Club during the Christmas season. Obviously, we weren’t alone in wanting to do that stay since it’s fully booked for many dates and now offers zero savings.
Finally, there’s the “Disney® Visa® Cardmember December Room Offer” which is available to book by calling the Disney Reservation Center beginning at 7:00 am Eastern Time today.
This one isn’t loaded online yet, but it’s facially identical to the above Florida resident offer. Since it’s not searchable online, I can’t speak to actual availability or exclusions. Sorry, but I’m not calling to find out. (Please report in the comments if you inquire and discover a notable distinction between the deals!)
Walt Disney World’s theoretical list of eligible resorts and prices tends to differ from what’s actually available, so we did a few searches to check out actual discounts and availability.
Here’s what we found for best available rates (well, at least for most of these hotels–Grand Floridian and Riviera Resort are odd outliers on this date due to only have their upper echelon rooms available) when searching:
As a reminder, Walt Disney World does not increase resort rates prior to releasing a discount. This is a popular misconception, but it’s absolutely not true. Rack room charts for the entire year are published well in advance, and can be found in multiple places online.
If you see higher prices now as compared to what you’re already paying, the first thing to do is check the room category. Make sure it’s an apples to apples comparison. The reason Grand Floridian’s “discounted” rate above is $2,995 is because literally the only available room category on that date is a 2-bedroom suite. Not exactly a hot deal, but we probably didn’t need to tell you that!
Okay, commentary time.
These deals are pretty paltry. This is not a huge surprise–weak discounts are what we expected for October through December 2021. As we’ve written previously, those first few months kicking off Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary could be one of the busiest 3-month stretches in the resort complex’s history.
Nevertheless, this weak of discounts is not precisely what we’ve been expecting. If past precedent and historic trends were any indication, discounts for late September or early October through December 24, 2021 should have been released in mid-July 2021. In other posts, we commented that we wouldn’t be surprised if that discount release occurred about a month later than normal this year.
Instead, the deal drop occurred two full months later than normal, and offered nothing for October, November, or the first two weeks of December. Not quite what we hoped for or even anticipated.
Perhaps we should’ve seen this coming, though. We’ve been covering the dearth of deals for months, as well as the lack of hotel availability for the end of the year. (If you haven’t already read it, we’d recommend What’s Up with Sold Out Hotels at Walt Disney World?)
That offers an in-depth explanation of the current phenomenon, which I’m not going to rehash here. In a nutshell, it’s a matter of 50th Anniversary demand colliding with low room supply.
With that said, we expressed optimism back when Walt Disney World Announced Reopening Dates for ALL Closed Hotels. The addition of nearly 10,000 more hotel rooms coming online by October 28, 2021 amounted to over 30% of Walt Disney World’s total room inventory.
Our hope was that the combination of the limited lead time between the announced reopening and the return of those resorts coupled with the sheer number of rooms that’ll be returning around the same time would be good news for Walt Disney World vacation planners. At the time, we commented that it might be a recipe for better discounts than what we’ve been seeing. Obviously, that proved not to be the case.
Subsequent to that, there have been low crowds this off-season and a surge of cancellations, which we’ve documented in weekly crowd reports for the last month-plus. The primary causes of cancellations are likely Florida’s record case numbers and Walt Disney World’s reinstated indoor mask rule.
While low off-season crowds would have little bearing on deals for October through December, we had heard that cancellations extended beyond the off-season. In talking with travel agents and third party vendors we know, all anecdotally stated that they were seeing cancellations through the end of the year. Again, this seemed to bode well for discounts. Also again, that proved not to be the case.
Despite this, room availability has still been scarce for October through December, with many readers reporting that they’ve been unable to find anything at all for their resort of choice. Others have had to do forced split stays at Walt Disney World resorts just to secure their desired dates. We’ve had similar issues when searching for rooms.
At times, this has felt somewhat random, with nothing for the first week of December but plenty of options for the week of Christmas when the parks are notoriously busier. Although we hadn’t covered it in a post, we’ve actually wondered if something has been up with the online room inventory. If these discounts (or rather, lack thereof) are any indication, our suspicions were unfounded.
After all of that, it’s likely the simplest explanation: bookings are still really, really strong for October 1, 2021 through the end of the year at Walt Disney World. To whatever extent that people are cancelling, they’re being replaced by new bookings.
Obviously, these Christmas 2021 discounts–and the lack of deals for October, November, and the beginning of December 2021–are going to be disappointing to many of you. Most of the dates offering savings are among the highest season in resort rate charts, so prices are still very high even post-discount.
Beyond those traveling in the last quarter of the calendar year, the strong resort bookings might be disheartening for those who have been upset by recent announcements about Genie+ and Lightning Lanes, among other things.
However, as we’ve said repeatedly, any potential downturn in attendance or resort reservations driven by those practices or pricing probably wouldn’t be visible until early 2022.
October through December 2021 were always going to be busy due to a mix of Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary, Halloween, and Christmas. (Different topic for a different day, but this doesn’t necessarily mean crowds will be sky high for all 3 months–fans focused on the fiftieth are disproportionately likely to stay on-site.)
Nevertheless, if you’re an Annual Passholder or Florida resident who is eager for an escape to Walt Disney World this holiday season and you don’t mind overpaying a bit, can’t find any better options via Disney Vacation Club Point Rentals (it’s pretty much only confirmed reservations now) or Priceline Express Deals (more of those have been coming out lately, so perhaps that’s how WDW will unload unsold rooms this holiday season), this might be as good as it’ll get for you.
We will be closely monitoring what’s released and will notify subscribers of our free email newsletter when any Walt Disney World discounts are released or rumored!
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 of these room only discounts for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders, Florida residents, and Disney Visa credit card holders? Disappointed that there’s nothing for the general public, or for October and November? If you booked this, do you think you ended up with a good price or do you feel like you’re overpaying? What was available or unavailable for your dates? Is this deal enough to convince you to book a trip, or can you not justify these prices? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!
Beyond super disappointing.
We are booked for 2 nights at the Poly in late October for $1732.50 with taxes + $539.97 for three Boo Bash tickets. On top of that, we have Wilderness Lodge booked for 6 nights starting December 11th for $4460.65! [insert head exploding emoji]
We have taken 12 trips to Disney World over the past two and a half years alone for a combined 26 nights at the Poly, the Grand (2), WL (2), BC, YC, AKL, CB (2), CS, and Pop… and we have NEVER, EVER, EVERRRR paid rack rate for a room. Literally, over 100+ trips going back over 26+ years to my first stay, as a 6 year old, at the Wilderness Lodge in December of 1994 and I have never stayed in a room that was paid for at rack rate. Ever.
This is honestly killing me. We are Silver passholders and typically visit during non-peak times (early Feb, May, late Aug/early Sept, October, and early Dec) and I can usually justify the $1k-$3k spent per trip based on the discounted cost vs. the rack rate or vs. the peak season rate and talk myself into feeling like I’m getting a relatively good deal. But this, this just feels like I’m getting… well, it just certainly does not feel good.
After maintaining our three annual passes throughout the pandemic and taking 6 trips post-reopening, all of which essentially felt like watered down experiences but still served help prop up a Parks, Experiences, and Products division that was hemorrhaging money, this feels like a huge slap in the face. AP holders and FL residents helped Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products, helped Disney as a whole, get through the last 18 months by being the only area that was still generating profits for the 10 months between July and April when Disneyland CA was shuttered and foreign parks were operating at a loss.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m far from naïve and I understanding that DIS is a for profit company with a duty to their shareholders and that WDW Resort bookings operate on a supply and demand system just like the rest of the economy. I’ve been going to WDW long enough to know that the Mouse is not shy about his appetite for what’s in your wallet but, man, this is still so disappointing. I am asking myself how much longer we are going to be able to afford to make Disney our go to vacation destination?.. and at what point is the magic going to be completely sucked out of the experience?
Hi, Tom! Since neither offer applied to my family, I was pleasantly surprised that I received a unique PIN offer in my email about 30 minutes ago. It is for the same dates and similar to a Florida resident offer. I haven’t received one in what I feel like a very long time. I’m curious if you’ve heard of anyone else receiving one. Thank you!
I think reality will set in soon for Disney. They can’t make up all the money they lost on the closures on the backs of their guests. After the big rush of the 50th Celebration I believe it will show a big drop off in interest.
I was hoping for a November pass holder discount but can’t say that I was surprised at such a limited offer. It sure reduces the value of my out of state pass holder membership.
Luanne, did they mention what resorts offered the visa discount for November?
we’re staying at the Polynesian???
Thank you ! Just saved 500 using the Visa card discount at Port Orleans . We had already booked , but called and got the discount . She stated very limited hotels involved with this discount but thankfully Port Orleans was included !
I was just able to apply the VC discount to an existing reservation during December. Unfortunately, pop century wasn’t available for it, but we’re doing a split stay at Caribbean and they could apply it there. She did have availability at all star sports, but we didn’t want to lose the skyliner.
Hi Tom! When do you expect winter and spring 2022 discounts to be announced?
Well tried to get Visa card member discount on our December trip during the dates offered only a certain number of rooms available not able to get discount !
I had a stay at All-Stars-Music Dec 13-17 that was for ~178$ a night before the discount, so seeing it at 174$ after the discount isn’t very heartening. I already cancelled and booked a confirmed DVC room at Saratoga springs for less than the price of staying at the Coronado, and for longer dates. It wasn’t the BEST deal I’ve gotten on a DVC (Wilderness lodge studio for less than 200$ a night last year still wins), but it was pretty darn good…and much better than what Disney just released. I’ve never been at Christmas since my usual traveling companion hates the holiday, so it’ll be a solo trip for the first time for me. I’m sure I’ll find some magic lying around somewhere…
Our trip is scheduled for mid-November. We are going to make a decision about canceling right up until the deadline in mid-October. We are waiting to see what happens with Covid numbers and masking guidelines. I wonder if other travelers are doing the same and maybe there will begin to be a wave of cancellations once we get closer to October? Either way, this trip is costing us an astronomical amount and the only reason we are going through with it is that we are desperate for a vacation. It will likely be the last time we stay on property and spend this kind of money on a Disney vacation.
As Giddeon mentioned above, i agree that it’s becoming much less magical for me and my family as well!
Remember, they are also taking away the Magical Express and the convenience of not having to deal with our luggage…that always made our trip MUCH more relaxing, especially with small children going through large airports!
Not to mention not having access to the Dining Plan!!!! Ugh!!!!!
Wonder what Walt would been thinking about all of these changes that a trip to WDW is less attractive for a family! Afterall, wasn’t it his desire to build a CLEAN, FAMILY FRIENDLY destination????? Shame on Bob Chapek !!!!
Called at 8 am (Eastern time). Disney VC discount promotion for December 12-24. Only pirate rooms available at Caribbean Beach, preferred room at Port Orleans, but some availability at Coronado. However, have previous reservations at Caribbean Beach for 9 nights and cost for 7 nights at Port Orleans only $400 less. Have gone to Disney many times, but as a middle class family, with parking fees and fast pass fees, and $200 a person for Christmas after hours, we are now priced out and this will be our last time. It’s not Magical for us any more.
Waiting on the next batch of discounts since we leave 1/5, but this post compelled me to check room availability during our stay and the ONLY thing left at the Beach Club is a water view. While that is my preferred upgrade, it sure won’t be for 10% off rack. Definitely unusual for the post-holiday slump.
As of this morning (9/14), there was availability using the Visa discount at Coronado, at the same rate as the FL discount.
These resort discount offers will not convince me to stay on Disney property.
Gahhh we’re getting burned by the no Wilderness Lodge discount, too. And we JUST got our APs yesterday, so we were right in time for this release. We tossed around the idea of doing AKL instead, since it’s still pricey but at least cheaper than Wilderness. But . . . the dream’s been WL for Christmas, and we’re sticking with it. Ouch.
Tom, One of my most disappointing issues with Disney is the mask wearing requirement for the vaccinated! That policy seems to be gaining steam throughout the country and scientifically does not make sense. I hosting a group of my employees at WDW in November and have seriously considered cancelling it due to the mask policy.
One other thing that I’m not happy about is the upcoming Genie+ for $15 per park per day in lieu of the Fast Pass and additional costs for riding individual rides of $25 or more per ride!!! Don’t they charge enough already! Seems like they’re getting greedy!
Almost forgot – thanks Tom for the heads up on the discount release.
Really disappointing that there are no discounts for our week mid November. We have a regular room reservation at the Polynesian hoping to apply a discount, but will be rethinking that.