Walt Disney World to raise holiday buffet prices

Beginning November 18, Walt Disney World will be adding a $4.00 seasonal "holiday premium" to the cost of its all-you-can-eat buffet-style meals, many of which are character dining experiences. According to a recent article by Jim Hill, the premium will be in effect on Nov. 18-24, over the Thanksgiving holiday, and will also be in place over the Christmas and New Year season, during spring break '08, and from Memorial Day Weekend '08 through the July 4th holiday later that summer. While Disney has previously attempted to avoid this sort of season-based pricing, with recent expansion plans announced for the California Adventure park, the company's new resort in Hawaii, and with Hong Kong Disneyland in need of fiscal help, Hill reasons that the money "has to come from somewhere." It has yet to be seen whether the new seasonal pricing will affect other casual and full-service eateries and restaurants throughout the resort.