Disney Done Right: When to Go, What to Skip, and How to Save at Disney Parks
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What are the latest travel headlines affecting Disney trips?
Everyone is talking about inflation these days, but I have the wildest inflation example for you.
Wait, I thought you and Megan were going to do an episode of Disney.
Tess, we are. Okay. So I first got my Disneyland annual pass in 1999. At the time, the deluxe pass was $129. Slightly more expensive today? Ooh. Slightly? Well, adjusted for inflation, $129 in 1999 would be $245 today. Imagine getting an annual pass to Disneyland for $245 today. Tess, you thought Disneyland was crowded now.
Imagine if it was only $245 for an annual pass today.
To give some context, I will say Disneyland now consists of two parks versus in 1999, there was just one park. But roughly that same pass I had now today with similar blockout dates costs $1,400. Yikes.
Now, Sally, I think that would make Pluto's ears stand on end.
I love that, Tess. Okay, so on the flip side, I think, well, if Disneyland annual passes were only $245 now for the whole year, that would seem like a steal.
Welcome to Smart Travel, a deep dive into the tips, tools, and tactics to maximize your travel dollars.
I'm Sally French.
And I'm Tess Vigland in for Megan Coyle for this first part of the show.
And we are the travel nerds ready to help you plan your next big trip.
All right, let's dive in with some news, Sally.
Well, don't get too excited to dive in. First, our disclaimer. And that's that we'll talk about a few credit card companies that are nerd wallet partners in this episode, but that doesn't influence how we discuss them. The benefits, terms, and fees mentioned were accurate at the time of posting, but things can change. Some offers may have expired by the time you're listening. So for the latest details, follow the links in the episode description.
All right, now Megan's off this week traveling for two, count them, two weddings, but you, Sally, are traveling for work. Where are you?
I am talking to you right now from Orlando. I am here at a media preview for Epic Universe, which is the first new Orlando theme park in more than 25 years and a highly anticipated one of that. They've got a Super Nintendo World, a new Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and a new a how to train your dragon land, tune into a future episode of Smart Travel as we're dedicating a full new episode to that. But let it be known that it officially opens tomorrow. That's May 22nd.
Wingardium Leviosa to Florida. Yes. That's a Potterland spell getting me across the country without dealing with TSA.
Ooh, that would be magic to avoid that. I see you levitating.
All right, but for those of you without the benefit of a wizard wand, if you fly southwest, here's your reminder that all sorts of new policy changes are going to go into effect on May 28th.
I know. I'm pretty sad about it, especially the fact that they're bringing back expiration dates on flight credits.
Yeah, I suspect a lot of listeners, though not you, carry on, only Sally, are going to be deeply disappointed to hear that come May 28th, Southwest will begin charging fees for checked baggage to travelers on basic, want-to-get-away plus, and anytime fares. And by the way, the names of those fares are changing soon, too.
They love to do that. And it also does mean, at least on the bright side, holding a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card can be much more valuable now as those cardholders will receive their first checked bag for free.
All right, another piece of airline news. Delta just dropped some new fare updates. And while they might look cosmetic, they could hint at bigger changes ahead.
Yeah, you know, so I'm low-key cringing saying this, but beginning October 1st, 2025, for flights from the U.S. and Canada, you won't pick a cabin class, no test. You will pick what's called a travel experience.
A travel experience. That kind of sounds like a fancy phrase for cabin class.
I know it's true. Okay, so now with these changes, you'll choose from options including basic, classic, and extra. Extra is the new top tier fully refundable option. It has perks like priority boarding and more miles.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What are the latest travel headlines affecting Disney trips?
0:00–8:45
2
When is the cheapest time to visit Disney parks?
8:45–10:56
3
How can you save money on Disney tickets?
10:56–14:02
4
What strategies help avoid long lines at Disney?
14:02–17:41
5
What dining options should you consider at Disney parks?
17:41–19:54
6
How can you enjoy Disney without entering the parks?
19:54–25:59
Speakers
3 identifiedMore from Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways
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