Food & Beverage Price Increases and Menu Changes Being Implemented at Walt Disney World Despite Closure

Jessica Figueroa

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Food & Beverage Price Increases and Menu Changes Being Implemented at Walt Disney World Despite Closure

Despite the parks being closed indefinitely, internal changes to Food & Beverage continue as menus are constantly updated and prices are raised across Walt Disney World.

gastons tavern magic kingdom park closure.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&ixlib=php 1.2
Gaston’s Tavern was shuttered early at the Magic Kingdom on the night before the park finally closed.

Changes come in the form of the aforementioned price increases, albeit despite the usual $0.25 to $1.00 increases we typically see across the board from quarter to quarter, we’re looking at much heftier price increases, ranging from $2 increases for meals to $4 increases for alcoholic beverages.

Tortuga Tavern Menu 1
The menu at Tortuga Tavern in the Magic Kingdom.

There are price increases across various menus at restaurants throughout property, but here are some of the stand-out changes. At Tortuga Tavern, for example, the Turkey Leg with Chips meal is up from $12.49 to $14.49 (however, it now includes a side.) Similarly, the All-Beef Hot Dog with Chips is now $10.49, up from $9.49. Another interesting change here is the removal of both the Tostones and Ropa Vieja, which means we may be looking at more pared-down menus upon the parks reopening. (Unfortunately, that also means the loss of some individual flare for many restaurants––I know a lot of people who go to Tortuga Tavern just for Ropa Vieja.)

At other restaurants across property, like at The Hollywood Brown Derby in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, cocktails like the Old Fashioned are up from $14.00 to $17.00, with the Pomegranate Whiskey Sour up from $12.50 to $14.00 and the Grapefruit Cake Martini also up from $12.25 to $14.00. Speaking of martinis, the rest of the martinis on the menu have seemingly been removed, along with the margaritas. Brown Derby is known for its fabulous, expansive cocktail menu, but it seems hard times have hit Hollywood Boulevard.

REVIEW, PHOTOS: Breakfast at New Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney's Yacht Club Resort
Ale & Compass Lounge at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Resort restaurants have also been hit with price increases. A staff favorite at WDWNT, the Ale & Compass Lounge at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort has seen an increase in price for everyone’s beloved Parker House Rolls and Spreads from $12.00 to $13.00. Even the Applewood-smoked Bacon and Vermont Cheddar Burger is up from $13.00 to $19.00. Likewise, cocktails are also up in price, with the Galleon Gimlet and The Big Apple both up from $11.25 to $14.00. While lounges are typically a lower-cost option for guests looking for a more casual meal, with these price increases, it’s practically around the same price point of a full-service restaurant at this point.

41 thoughts on “Food & Beverage Price Increases and Menu Changes Being Implemented at Walt Disney World Despite Closure”

  1. Wow, I love the food at Disney but I guess it will be time to pack my own from now on. 6 dollar increase for a burger? Crazy.

      • The prices were ridiculous to begin with. Until people stop showing up, they will continue to raise the prices no matter what. And no, I don’t think they need the money. I used to love Disney. It was worth the price. It isn’t anymore. Very sad that the average person can no longer afford to show their children the magic that Walt Disney envisioned.

  2. Noticed similar things — Liberty Tree dropped the lobster roll and Cali Grill dropped a sushi roll and only has 1 flatbread listed.

      • they have always had water fountains and now also have bottle filling stations. there is no need to purchase bottled water. even if you don’ arrive with a bottle you can refill after buying one.

  3. I understand getting rid of some things to cut cost, but adding money onto items that when you boil it down, is just justice for a bean counter paid a salary in a room. A hot dog is now two dollars more expensive then before but still a different price than the same hot dog somewhere else? To many bean counters, how bout that’s where you cut cost.

  4. Government bailout and raising prices like that,thats not how you welcome people back.They are going to make money on this virus!

  5. Haha, man, are they in for a rude awakening when this is all over and I can’t wait. Their careless indifference to customers coupled with constant gouging deserves a 2001 style payback.

    At this point, I hope someone takes over the Disney corporation and scraps it for parts given their tone deaf response to slashing executive pay to float the day-to-day workers and taking forever to offer passholders any sort of understanding & relief. Their insane greed is so transparent at this point I find it revolting.

  6. Came to say the same thing. A quarter or buck here or there is one thing. Six frickin dollars for the exact same burger? Uhhh pass. $20 basically for a drink. One. Drink. What the hell.
    I’m a demo that can absolutely afford this but will likely refrain on a few extra enjoyments (like cocktails) now.

    But now imma ride that dining plan promo into the sunset and really get my money’s worth. Jezzzussss.

  7. I’ll be renting a car and eating off property You just had to know Disney was gonna do something to off set all this .How will a family pay for burgers at 19.00 a pop ?RIDICULOUS

    • Car rental is minimum $50 a day, all in, and $25 to park. Better to Uber or Lyft. You could use that $75 to buy four burgers platters to optimize your time in the parks, or just brown bag it. You’re not going to the parks for a delicious meal anyway.

  8. Not exactly geared toward attracting customers after the shutdown and the way people will be scrambling for money then.

  9. I would never pay that amount of money for a drink or food. If I would even go back to Disney I would most definitely rat off the property

  10. I guess Bob Chapek and Bob Iger were the inspiration for Ebeneezer Scrooge. That means Charles Dickens had a time machine, but still, their greed knows no end. And I told you that this would happen. Scaleback of Disney privileges at a more increased price.

  11. These price increases are totally outrageous. I was to be in disney in may. Perhaps I should just cancel now and save the money.

    • Yeah, you should. For what you’d spend you could travel somewhere else and have a real experience.

  12. Applewood-smoked Bacon and Vermont Cheddar Burger is up from $13.00 to $19.00!!??

    That’s just wrong…

  13. DisneyWorld is a famous attraction no doubt. I have been there a few times. But ticket prices have gotten outrageous for a family to even afford now. Disney needs to wake up and realize they would have many more people flooding through their gates if their prices were affordable. I have talked to some Disney employees and they are not getting rich on their megar salaries. Disney is not affordable and I highly don’t think this is what Walt Disney had in mind when he built this park. I could take my kids 10 places for what Disney is charging and probably will. Shame on you Disney Executives for turning something great into something people can no longer afford.

    • Candy, you are correct but I do not believe that Disney is interested in being affordable. It appears that they do not want to open the gates to everyone.

  14. This is why as DVC members we get a 1 bedroom so we can get a full kitchen. Then we bring snacks and such into the parks.

  15. One visit to even just Disney Springs will show you everything you need to know. Disney could care less about American visitors; it’s the tourists from socialist countries that they want because they know the money will keep pouring in. Have you ever asked yourself why those sweetheart package deals are only available to foreigners and not US citizens? Disney = Pretentious and they keep proving it over and over and over…ad nauseum. On top of that, their latest productions (most with an agenda or SJW message) leave a lot to be desired.

  16. I see a lot of people saying that they “won’t be back” due to price increases. PLEASE…follow through on that threat. I beg you!!!

  17. One-third of Americans missed their rent payments in April. Insurance companies are working with their customers on delaying payments due to the economic downfall. Credit card companies are waiving late fees and interest for customers having trouble making their payment. Is there anyone that doesn’t believe we are already in an economic recession? Yet, Disney chooses to raise its food prices? Boy, someone in Disney PR need to get ahead of this story before it snowballs!

  18. This appears to be incrediable tone deaf on Disney’s part in light of the current pandemic, the recession/potential depression and reports of up to two years to stabilize attendence after the park reopen. It is a stupid move. Just wondering how many will come to a realization that the parks are not a neccesity. The parks cannot run on the 2% all by themselves…

  19. I can remember coming just after the 2008 meltdown. Family of 5 stayed at Port Orleans Riverside for $1600 dining package included. It was priced at $4500 only a year before. Only about 10 cars in resort. No waits for any rides. I think that will be the case for the rest of this year and into next.

  20. Subject: raising rates at Walt Disney World during world wide economic hardship
    First off, I have been a WDW vacation club member since 1996. I understand that during the years, Disney may have to raise its prices. However, I think that whoever suggested to increase the prices when so many people world wild, particularly in the U.S., are suffering economic hardships should be fried. This is not the time for Disney to try and recoup any amount of their loss revenue. Where is the compassion at this time for those who have suffered economically and may want bring their family to come to the parks. Walt must be looking down and asking, “what is happening to my dream”. Are those who are now running Disney trying to make the Disney parks only for the elitist and the privileged? Again, we all know that it cost a lot to keep the Disney company solvent and make some money for their investors but when is enough, enough? It seams that “the love of money” has superseded Walt’s dreams.

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