Winter & Spring 2023 AP Hotel Discount at Disney World of Up to 25% Off!
Walt Disney World has released new early 2023 resort room-only discounts for Annual Passholders during the grand finale of the 50th Anniversary celebration. 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, discounts of up to 25% off rooms at Walt Disney World for APs have already been released for most nights October 23 through December 25, 2022. There’s also the Christmas Deal for Disney+ Subscribers. That promotion is also still available to book, but dates are more limited during the holiday season.
Those aren’t the only deals available for booking right now. For everything else, see All Current Walt Disney World Discounts. With that said, these are the first special offers available after 2023, and they encompass select dates from the very beginning of the year all the way until spring break!
To quickly recap the ‘current state of discounts at Walt Disney World,’ things haven’t been so hot. After practically nothing the second half of last year, there have been significant improvements in 2022. Well, so long as you’ve been eligible for the ‘affiliation’ deals, as there hasn’t been nearly as much for the general public.
On top of that, the quality and quantity of available discounts has left something to be desired. We’ve had many readers report finding nothing at all–or higher prices–for their travel dates. Where there is availability, it often requires a room upgrade (although no longer to the Pirate Rooms!), thus at least partially negating the benefit of the discount. Just something to keep in mind before getting your hopes up here.
Just something worth keeping in mind as we run through Walt Disney World’s first special offer for 2023…
Per Walt Disney World, you can stay in the magic with this special offer—and make the most of your Annual Pass before the Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration comes to an end on March 31, 2023.
- Most Sunday through Thursday nights January 2, 2023 to February 28, 2023
- Most nights March 1, 2023 to April 30, 2023
When you take advantage of this offer, you’ll be surrounded by The World’s Most Magical Celebration, a once-in-a-lifetime event brimming with EARidescent excitement—taking place now through March 31, 2023. Plus, you can enjoy early entry to the theme parks 30 minutes before opening to experience select attractions.
Here’s the resort by resort AP savings chart provided by Walt Disney World:
Annual Passholders must present a valid Walt Disney World AP at check-in.
This special offer for Annual Passholders excludes the following room types: Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort, 3-Bedroom Villas and Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – Cabins.
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.
Here’s what we found for best available rates for this Winter & Spring 2023 discount:
This search is for the night of February 6, 2023, which is part of the “Value” rate season at Walt Disney World. On the rack rate chart spectrum, this is THE least expensive time to visit Walt Disney World.
This season occurs throughout the winter months during non-holiday weekdays, as illustrated below in the rate chart for Disney’s All Star Movies Resort:
Contrast the rates in February 2023 (which are also available for numerous dates in January) with those in March 2023, which is spring break season. Pretty big difference!
We’ve had readers ask about finding these rate charts whenever we post them. Rather than going off-topic here, refer to 2023 Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Price Increases (the step-by-step process is towards the bottom).
If you’re simply looking for the very best dates, they are as follows:
- January 2 to 4, 2023
- January 9 to 11, 2023
- January 16 to 18, 2023
- January 23 to 25, 2023
- January 30 to February 1, 2023
- February 6 to 8, 2023
Those are all Monday through Wednesday nights. If you’re looking for the very cheapest options, you’ll find them at the All Star Resorts (Sports and Movies), which offer a standard room base rate of $113/night. So long as there’s availability, that should result in a discounted rate of $96/night. (Preferred rooms will be slightly over $100–we don’t recommend paying extra for that location upgrade, but to each their own.)
Thursday through Sunday nights are all going to be more expensive, and less consistent. In general, Friday and Saturday will be the most expensive days of the week, with Thursday and Sunday costing less–but still more than Monday through Wednesday nights. Additionally, Fridays and Saturdays are blocked out for the winter dates, so you won’t get a discount on those nights, regardless.
For more on timing your trip to coincide with the lowest prices, see When’s Cheapest to Visit Walt Disney World in 2022-2023? That covers price increases and other variables that impact the cost of a vacation beyond just room rates.
Another thing to note is that, among Value Resorts, the savings are not as good at Pop Century and All Star Music. Those resorts offer 10% off, whereas All Star Movies and Sports offer 15% off. (Ditto the Family Suites at Art of Animation, although those are Value Resorts in name only.) Similarly, among the Moderate Resorts, both of the Port Orleans Resorts and Coronado Springs offer better deals than Caribbean Beach.
None of that is unsurprising or unprecedented. All of the Skyliner resorts have offered lesser savings than their bus-reliant counterparts for the last year or so. On a positive note, the All Star Resorts have new rooms now, which are a huge functional (and aesthetic, if you ask us) upgrade over their predecessors!
I don’t know if this is a matter of moving the goalposts or being conditioned to expect higher prices over the last two years, but I look at some of those rates and think “not too shabby!” Then I think back to a few years ago when deals were much more aggressive, and realize these are nothing particularly special. Then I remember that I don’t own a time machine and am once again pretty pleased with these rates.
Nevertheless, it’s been a while since I’ve seen anything under $100 per night, Moderates at less than $200 per night, or Yacht Club for under $350. These are among the best rates we’ve seen directly from Walt Disney World since early this year. But that really speaks more to how weak discounts have been since–not these being particularly good.
To the contrary, these rates are only okay by objective historical standards. Normally, the winter off-season is when Walt Disney World has some of its best pricing, by virtue of lower rate charts and better discounts.
With that said, this isn’t tremendously surprising. 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?)
Although we haven’t followed up on that post yet about limited hotel availability in 2023, we’re starting to see it spillover into early next year. Thankfully, availability is not nearly as limited as it was early this year.
At this point, it’s mostly just an issue around the 2023 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and the scattering of holidays in January and February. Let’s hope it stays that way!
With that said, there is some cause for concern about what used to be (but hasn’t been since ~2018) winter off-season being busier once again. As noted above, runDisney is back with races in January, and also February. More significantly than that, conventions are returning, as are youth sporting events at the ESPN Wide World of Sports.
January 9, 2023 through February 17, 2023 should still be less busy than spring break and other peak periods, but it certainly will not be “dead” or off-season, crowds-wise. (Before and after those dates, it will be peak season–or very close to it.)
Regardless of the cause, it’s likely that these early 2023 discounts are going to be disappointing to many of you. For one thing, these are only for Annual Passholders. There’s nothing for Florida residents, Disney+ subscribers, or the general public.
Since it always seems to come up in the comments, we have no updates on AP sales starting back up. See When Will Walt Disney World Resume Annual Pass Sales? for our latest assessment of that. (Sadly, it’s not good news.)
As for future discounts, it wouldn’t surprise us if this same deal is extended to Florida residents and Disney+ subscribers in the weeks to come. This deal is dropping very early by historical standards, which means it’s likely not the last of the winter and spring special offers. The comparable discount for this winter/spring wasn’t released until December 2 last year, and only lasted until mid-March!
However, that doesn’t mean anything is coming for the general public. Walt Disney World has opted for Disney+ subscriber offers rather than general public discounts repeatedly this year, and we’d expect that trend to continue. The barrier to entry is minimal for taking advantage of those (literally just the cost of a monthly subscription, times two), but usually there’s less availability for the Disney+ deals than the AP or FL resident rates.
Speaking of which, availability for the dates we spot-checked is pretty good at most resorts. This suggests to us that either Walt Disney World is increasing guest loads at the resorts or bookings aren’t nearly as strong for a lot of dates as they have been this fall and holiday season.
If that anecdotal observation is accurate–and it may not be–we still might see more discounts for the first few months of 2023, or at least rooms unloaded on Priceline or Hotwire (once again!). Walt Disney World also might take a wait and see approach to releasing more deals–there’s still plenty of time between now and most of these 2023 travel dates.
If you’re not an Annual Passholder or can’t find good options for your travel dates, look to third party on-site hotels. We’re seeing availability at the Swan & Dolphin, Bonnet Creek, Disney Springs, Grand Cypress, and Flamingo Crossing hotels. Of those, the best rates that we’ve seen are at the Disney Springs and Flamingo Crossings hotels.
For those who are unfamiliar with Flamingo Crossings, this is actually an up-and-coming area of Walt Disney World and Central Florida. It’s like a budget version of Disney Springs, both literally and figuratively. None of the retailers are overtly Disney and there’s no Imagineering to speak of. Rather, it looks very much like a slightly upmarket suburban strip mall. It’s one populated by tourists and Disney Programs participants, thanks to the student housing nearby. If you’re curious about this area, read more in our Guide to Flamingo Crossings at Walt Disney World.
In other cases, you’re going to be hard-pressed to do better than the rates Walt Disney World is offering if you can find availability for your travel dates. Relative to what I’ve been seeing for this holiday season, $96 per night for All Star Movies–with the new rooms, perks, and transportation–is a downright steal. (If you can find it, Pop Century is a great pick, even at the higher rates.)
Of course, rooms are not as cheap as what you would’ve paid this same time in 2019, let alone 2016. Back in my day, the All Stars had off-season rates that were routinely $79 per night or less! Unfortunately, it’s impossible to book those past prices. (If you do have the means to time travel, I hope you’re using it for something better than saving an extra ~$20 on a Value Resort!) Even with that in mind, this isn’t too far from that when adjusted for inflation.
As we’ve written several times in the last few months, we’re optimistic that there will be better Walt Disney World discounts in 2023. There’s (still) a chance this holiday season will be the “last hurrah” for pent-up demand. As that starts to fizzle out, household savings decrease, inflation stings more, and the economy slows down, it seems increasingly likely that Walt Disney World will experience its own slowdown.
Who knows if any of that will actually happen, though. I didn’t think “revenge travel” would run this hot for this long. It’ll be interesting to see how all of this actually plays out. The return of international guests in full force could sustain Walt Disney World’s strong demand even longer, as could special events. That could also be offset by the return of more hotel rooms to the inventory. No one knows how many rooms are currently out of commission at the operational resorts, but at some of them, it’s not a negligible number.
Ultimately, if you’re an Annual Passholder who is eager for an escape to Walt Disney World this coming winter through Spring 2023, these deals are among the best we’ve seen for most of this calendar year. You can still do better with Disney Vacation Club Point Rentals (although it’s pretty much only confirmed reservations now), but this still might be as good as it’ll get for you.
If you’re on the fence, definitely do NOT wait for something better. Availability is already limited, and it’s much more likely that rooms will sell out rather than better discounts will be released. 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 Winter & Spring 2023 room only discounts for Walt Disney World Annual Passholders? Disappointed that there’s nothing for the general public? 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!
Hi Tom. Do you expect there to be any other discounts for non-AP holders for January February?
I’ve wanted to mention this before, but the 50th Mickey topiary out front of the MK . . . . . I’m 99% sure that it’s the DVC Mickey in front of Boulder Ridge Villas and I sure hope it returns there for several reasons beyond the fact I have it as a Pokémon Go task to scan that spot!
Poly and AoA LM room discounts? Interesting.
Is this discount only for Annual Passholders? I booked Wilderness Lodge Jan 4-10/2023 back in June. I’d ;love to be able to get this discount.
I had to call to modify my reservation for early February. I had trouble going through the website. When I clicked on the offer, it kept taking me to the page to buy an annual pass–thus leading to my needing to call. I also tried to click the “change” button on my current reservation and it said nothing applied (I was already logged in so it should have seen I have a pass). However, when I called, the cast member was able to apply the discount. I saved $120 for three nights at Coronado Spring. I am curious if anyone else is having the same trouble with the website directing you to the wrong page. It is good to know a phone call worked if anyone else is finding the same trouble. Also I did not wait on hold at all.
Tamara, I had exactly the same problems when I logged on. I eventually called and got through to a cast member quickly (surprise!). I already had rooms reserved and she was able to apply the discount to each room. I did see later that the system seemed to have corrected itself.
Thanks for your post. I don’t have resort reservations at the moment but also get that page for sales of passes when trying to make one. I am (have been forever, it seems) a current passholder. When I go to try and book, the message says that I can see rates for FL residents (also me) and to log in (which I am) to see other qualifying rates. Guess I’ll have to call, too. (Also tried under my son’s account and same info shows up so it’s not just my card.) Still happening this AM.
I’m another that had this issue. Also called and got quick support. However, I prefer to do my own searches so I can mix and match my stays. It’s hard to believe this is an “accident” (after the first day). If anyone knows how to overcome this (tried different devices and different browsers) – please let us know.
After posting here then emailing WDW, I found a work-around in the DIS forum (can’t locate poster ATM): go to the offers BEFORE signing in. Sign in when prompted and you can see passholder discounts and availability. It’s been working for me as I could book a night for this week and, today, several nights the week after Thanksgiving.
Should have said something earlier – the link now works.
Yes. I discovered that after I posted.
You just saved me over $800 with your fast email, enough that I added a night at WL. 🙂 I’m NEVER fast enough to catch AP discounts before they sell out. THANK YOU!
My wife and I were thinking of taking a year or two off from WDW and thus letting our passes expire. We are actually in the 30 day window.
I can’t imagine Disney not offering AP’s within the next two years but wondering what would you do? I personally am getting the urge to go back at least next August/ Sept and they might not be offered again by then.
It’s hard to predict the future, but for what it’s worth, about this time last year we got my folks’ some annual passes for Christmas thinking we’d get ours a few months later. We’re still waiting for them to go back on sale. If you let your passes go and want to jump back in later, I’d monitor things pretty carefully. I’m imagining they will sell out quickly given how long everyone has had to wait.
Mickey, my friend, if your finances permit… I would renew
If you don’t have the urge to go back for at least a year–maybe longer–you should probably let your APs lapse. Don’t fall into the “trap” of buying just to avoid missing out on something you won’t use. (Feels like the “Disney Vault” all over again in that regard!) Even if you have to buy regular tickets in the future, you’d still come out ahead.
I would hope that APs go back on sale long before next August/September, but who knows. I do know that the fear, uncertainty, and doubt definitely makes it tough to *not* renew at this point.
—
Also, how was the trip? Any observations? Highs and lows? Curious to hear! (I’ve already asked this in a couple of other comment replies and am not sure whether you didn’t see it or don’t want to answer. Totally understand if the latter–I’ll stop asking after this if you don’t reply!)
My wife and I are thinking the same thing. A year off would be ok and it would allow us to save some money. As very long term Disney supporters with three DVC resorts, we are finally beginning to think that Disney is missing some of its prior magic. The constant price raising and lack of taking care of those who have spent lots of money at Disney is getting frustrating. I’m not singing a case of blues, just expressing reality. It seems as though Disney just doesn’t get it with the older, wealthy supporters. We have a couple of trips planned and that will be it for a year or two.
Doesn’t sound as if you’ll hit the break even point for park visits. Disney+ gives you comparable discounts and Muppets on demand, if you’re determined to avoid non-Disney hotel rooms. (You shouldn’t; for example, our Dolphin room was good and the Dolphin resort was great.)
Thanks for the tip, Tom! I just booked Beach Club for “only” $450 a night during my son’s winter break in late February. I hadn’t seen Beach Club discounted in a long time, so this gives us something to look forward to. I checked a bunch of dates and availability seems really good.
AP discounts used to be 40% off deluxe resorts, INCLUDING weekends. Considering all of the price hikes, this is a pittance of savings.
Demand and occupancy rates were also lower then.
I very much miss those days, but we’re unlikely to see anything even remotely like that anytime soon absent a significant economic downturn. In which case, the damage will likely be far greater than whatever upside exists in lower prices.
Tom,
Any idea when annual passes will go on sale for those of us who havmt gotten one?
We recently updated our assessment/predictions here: https://www.disneytouristblog.com/when-will-disney-world-sell-annual-passes-again/
What good are these discounts for most people when Disney fails to sell annual passes?